US pararescue squadron returns from Clear Sky 2018
The 131st Rescue Squadron, a US pararescue group, has shared its experiences participating in Clear Sky 2018, a multinational training exercise based in the Ukraine.
The 131st Rescue Squadron, a US pararescue group, has shared its experiences participating in Clear Sky 2018, a multinational training exercise based in the Ukraine.
The California-based squadron joined around 1,000 troops from nine other countries, taking part in training scenarios that included jump operations, overwater helicopter operations and medical training.
“The biggest benefit is that we get to share tips and tricks of how to better accomplish a mission. Everyone comes out with a greater sense of confidence,” said 131st Pararescueman Staff Sgt George MacKenzie. “The Ukrainians have been gracious to have us here, they’re hardworking and motivated to train.”
Master Sgt Sean Kirsch had trained with Ukrainian forces previously in 2004 and asserted that it had grown in leaps in bounds in the intervening years.
“It’s great to see the level they’ve grown. They’re more structured and definitely have more expertise, they have a better focus of their roles and responsibilities and they’re better equipped than before,” he said. “In the end the hope is that we’re able to grow from this exercise.”
Several combat rescue officers and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) specialists took part in the training alongside the pararescue troops. One of the aims of the training was to continue to introduce the Ukrainian troops to NATO standards, said Master Sgt Eric Icenhower, Air Reserve Component SERE Specialist Training Superintendent.
“The Ukrainians were able to show us what they’re capable of and were very receptive to our instruction. This exercise moved the ball five yards down the football field,” he added.