First SAR mission of 2017 for Island Knights
The ‘Island Knights’ of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 in the US completed their first rescue operation of 2017.
The ‘Island Knights’ of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 in the US completed their first rescue operation of 2017, assisting to recover two small vessels that were in distress off the coast of Guam on 23 January.
A distress flare was first spotted by HSC-25 aircrew members when out on a training exercise. Two MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters were then dispatched to find the source of the flare using their infrared cameras and night vision goggles. Both boats were located approximately 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Cetti Bay. The boats were without power, having to cope with 10 to 12-ft high waves. The Island Knights marked their location, waiting for Guam Fire and Rescue to arrive.
Last year, HSC-25 aided the US Coast Guard and Guam Fire and Rescue in over 60 SAR missions throughout the Northern Mariana Islands.