By Airman 1st Class Cesar J. Navarro, 18th Wing Public Affairs / Published May 18, 2021
Tech. Sgt. Kenji Scouton, NCO in charge of survival, evasion, resistance and escape operations from the 18th Operational Support Squadron, watches as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot puts on a parachute harness in preparation for a parachute drag simulation during a water survival training course at the Kadena Marina, March 31, 2021. This part of the WST course is specialized for fighter pilots, their ejection seats and parachutes. This exercise simulates the potential event of being pulled down or around in the water by their parachute, teaching pilots to properly disconnect from their parachute while in the water. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cesar J. Navarro)
A U.S. Air Force fighter pilot jumps into the water during water survival training at the Kadena Marina, March 31, 2021. The refresher course helps pilots practice previously learned survival training skills, ensuring their safety no matter what situation they find themselves in. Fighter pilots are required to take this survival, evasion, resistance and escape taught course annually. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cesar J. Navarro)
Tech. Sgt. Kenji Scouton, NCO in charge of survival, evasion, resistance and escape operations from the 18th Operational Support Squadron, watches as a fighter pilot tries to escape from under his parachute canopy during water survival training at the Kadena Marina, March 31, 2021. The SERE specialist ensures the situation is realistic, yet safe. Being caught under a parachute in water is dangerous and can result in drowning, making the refresher course essential to maintaining the safety of pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cesar J. Navarro)
A U.S. Air Force fighter pilot tries to get out from under his parachute during water survival training at the Kadena Marina, March 31, 2021. The survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialist teaches the pilot to punch up on the canopy to make an air pocket, and from there to find and follow any radial seam, until they get to the end of the parachute. They’re also told not to kick their legs while under the canopy, to avoid getting tangled up underneath the parachute.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cesar J. Navarro)
Tech. Sgt. Kenji Scouton, NCO in charge of survival, evasion, resistance and escape operations from the 18th Operational Support Squadron, watches as a fighter pilot tries to get out of the water during water survival training at the Kadena Marina, March 31, 2021. Wearing safety equipment such as helmets and life jackets immerse pilots in a realistic situation and maintain their safety throughout the exercise. The SERE specialists guide pilots on the proper usage of gear, such as life preserver units which are in their everyday harnesses but remain inactive unless submerged in water. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cesar J. Navarro)
Tech. Sgt. Kenji Scouton, NCO in charge of survival, evasion, resistance and escape operations from the 18th Operational Support Squadron, cleans up after a fighter pilot finishes escaping a parachute canopy during water survival training at the Kadena Marina, March 31, 2021. The SERE specialists prepare and maintain equipment for their various refresher courses. Part of cleaning up after WST is rinsing the salt water off all of the gear in order to preserve equipment and combat rust. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cesar J. Navarro)