33rd RQS, US Navy find opportunity to train

  • Published
  • By 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  A 33rd Rescue Squadron air crew took part in a refueling operation exercise with their U.S. Navy counterpart on the USS John S. McCain March 2-4. 

The 33rd Rescue Squadron was conducting deck landing qualification training with two Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 from Yokosuka, Japan. The training focused on shipboard operations including refueling onboard the ship, and take off and landing of the HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter from the vessel's flight deck while the ship was underway. 

"In the Pacific Command area of responsibility, this capability provides added flexibility supporting PACOM contingency plans, humanitarian relief operations, theater security cooperation plans, and the global war on terrorism," said Lt. Col. Anthony Natale, 33rd RQS assistant director of operations. 

Deck landing qualification is a currency requirement for all Air Force HH-60G PaveHawk pilots. Shipboard operations from relatively small vessels such as a guided missile destroyer give Air Force combat rescue crews the capability to deploy or stage from any position off of coastlines around the world in support of combat, search and rescue or humanitarian aid missions. 

"The USS John S. McCain is able to support the 33rd Rescue Squadron's requirements for shipboard operations while conducting various other training requirements in the vicinity," said Lt. Col. Mike Trumpfheller, 33rd RQS commander. 

The 33rd RQS and the ships of the United States Navy have a very busy training and deployment schedule. However, the 33rd RQS do their best to find a way to maintain this currency with the limited availability of Navy ships to train with. 

"The chance to conduct shipboard operations is a rare and important opportunity for the more experienced crews of the 33rd to maintain proficiency with a vital capability of the HH-60G Pavehawk," said Colonel Trumpfheller.