Sailors assigned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West provided quick-action search and rescue (SAR) during two separate events on June 1.

The MH-60S helicopter SAR crews responded to a small plane crash 30 miles north of Key West rescuing two people, and a few hours later rescued one other person from a 26-foot vessel sinking near Big Pine Key.

Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Schilling, NAS Key West Search and Rescue officer-in-charge emphasized the team aspect that contributes to successful SAR events.

“It was great teamwork by all, and it takes every single person assigned to this unit to make these aircraft available and mission ready. Whether you were in the aircraft, turning the wrenches, cutting the MAFs, ordering the hazmat, or keeping the records it all matters and nothing could be done without the entire team,” said Schilling.

Schilling emphasized the training involved to respond to the various types of rescue responses SAR teams called away to support.

“Anytime we can provide assistance with our SAR capabilities, they become true force multipliers for the Coast Guard in the Florida Keys, given their vast area of responsibility,” said NAS Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Sohaney. “I’m proud of our SAR team, who executed both missions safely and professionally.”

Hospitalman Kumar Mahabir, of Plantation, Fla., participated in the plane rescue and emphasized being ready at a moment’s notice to respond and assist when called upon.

“It was a great experience to see how our consistent training and teamwork can translate to an effective rescue. I’m fortunate to be a part of the Key West Search and Rescue team and always be ready to help out the local community whenever needed,” said Mahabir.

Responding to the second rescue on June 1, was Naval Aircrewman 1st Class Michael Magee, from Orlando, Fla. Magee is trained as an aircrew rescue swimmer and discussed the required training needed for these types of events.

“These types of rescues remind me why we do so much training and repetition, and that it truly pays off,” said Magee. “The rescue felt like just another day in the pool. We are always eager to help the Coast Guard and the locals. Glad I was there to aid someone in a time of need.”

Capt. Shawn Bailey, Commodore, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic praised the Sailors for their agility and professionalism. The Wing, located at Naval Station Norfolk, provides support and maintenance personnel to NAS Key West to assist the SAR teams.

“The Sailors provided two solid rescues in one day,” said Bailey, who added they are true professionals at their tradecraft.

Schilling added that two different SAR crews performing the rescues demonstrated their agile ability to respond quickly to those in distress.

“With the first rescue, our SAR team rescued two people from a civilian aircraft,” said Schilling, who added that U.S. Navy air traffic controllers, who were actively monitoring the situation, were critical in quickly tasking the SAR team to respond to the incident. 

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