736th SFS, HSC-25 conduct CSAR exercise

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  More than a dozen Airmen from the 736th Security Forces Squadron collaborated with Sailors from the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 during a combat search and rescue exercise held June 17 here.

The scenarios conducted provided opportunities for Navy and Air Force members to hone their skills while working jointly to accomplish the mission.

"In today's joint environment, it is critical that all branches of the U.S. armed services be able to deploy and execute in unison," said Navy Lt. Todd Pike, HSC-25 training and tactics officer. "The daily training we execute, from the simplest event to the most demanding exercise, is critical to building the lines of communication and professional respect required to compete in today's battlefield."

During the scenario, members of HSC-25 conducted search and rescue operations for two simulated downed-pilots. The 736th SFS Airmen contributed to the exercise by participating as members of a quick reaction force (QRF) and as opposing forces.

"We're developing our tactics in order to provide the 36th Contingency Response Group with additional response capabilities," said Tech. Sgt. Brian Bibb, 736th SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of mobility, supply and resources. "Usually, we conduct training on utilizing both tactical and non-tactical vehicles in responding to any situation or threat. However, training to respond via helicopters will increase our overall response options and response time, [providing] Pacific Air Forces and 13th Air Force additional deployment options on how the 36th CRG can respond within the Pacific theater."

By adding this capability to the wing's repertoire, it enables Andersen to meet senior leadership's directive of posturing for tomorrow's fight.

"Utilizing helos is a real possibility for us here in the 36th CRG," said Tech. Sgt. Samuel Howell, 736th SFS squad leader. "There may be times when we are tasked to deploy or forward-deploy to areas [fixed-wing aircraft] cannot access. The only other method to [insert our forces] would be by helo. Training like this helps us to 'train like we fight' or how we would in a real-world situation."

Not only did the 736th SFS members receive an up close view of a potential future capability, they also took advantage of an opportunity to enhance their combat skills and readiness.

"In addition to learning about rotary-wing aircraft and integrating both [services'] operations, [our members] honed other skills such as dismounted operations, communications, rules of engagement and individual and team movements," said Staff Sgt. Maurice Wong, 736th SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of training. 

According to Lieutenant Pike, the 736th SFS has been a key component in providing realistic scenario-based training for HSC-25 pilots and aircrewmen. 

"Any time live forces can take the place of simulated units, on the deck or in the air, all involved benefit," Lieutenant Pike said. "Having the 736th SFS agree to work with HSC-25 during various training exercises has greatly benefitted the mission readiness of the pilots and aircrewmen at all levels."