"Island Knights" Rescue Distressed Swimmer in Guam

RITIDIAN POINT, Guam (NNS) -- The "Island Knights" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25) rescued a distressed swimmer near Ritidian Point, Guam, May 28.

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam requested HCS 25 to conduct a search and rescue mission for the swimmer. Within minutes of notification, the crew of Knight Rider 07 was on scene and conducted their search.

The survivor was located 150 feet from the shoreline, pinned up against a reef by strong currents. Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 3rd Class Phillip Franzoni, a Navy search and rescue swimmer, was lowered into the water, attached to a rescue hoist, and recovered the survivor.

"HSC-25's aircraft readiness, training, and robust operational relationship with U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam enabled the entire search and rescue mission to be completed within 30 minutes," said Cmdr. Alex Anderson, executive officer, HSC-25. "The performance of Knight Rider 07's crew embodies the pride and professional of the HSC-25."

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Paul Burden conducted an in-flight medical evaluation and the survivor was transferred to Naval Hospital, Guam for further evaluation.

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 is the Navy's only forward deployed MH-60S expeditionary squadron. As a part of Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific, it provides an armed helicopter capability for U.S. 7th Fleet in support of logistics, search and rescue and humanitarian assistance missions.

For more news from Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf76/.