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Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 is training with the West Virginia National Guard in multi-day water survival and rescue in the Appalachian Mountains through Oct. 30. The squadron, known as the “World Famous Nightdippers,” is based in Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.
HSC-5 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Chandra Newman discussed the value of the training for all involved. “Search and Rescue is a core mission for HSC, so any chance to enhance and hone our skills in the Fleet is valuable training for all hands,” said Newman, who added that the HSC-5 detachment will be focusing on tactical readiness for pilot and aircrew advanced qualifications. “The training ground in West Virginia provides opportunity not readily available in the local Hampton Roads area," she said. "The close proximity of the operating areas from Yeager airport make an efficient use of the resources for dedicated time in the terminal area in an environment best suited to meet our training needs." Cmdr. Tom Van Hoozer, HSC-5 executive officer, discussed the benefits of training with service partners. “Our squadron brings years of experience gained from conducting high-water rescues and open ocean rescues to this training and we look forward to learning from our West Virginia National Guard counterparts,” said Van Hoozer. The West Virginia National Guard's director of Joint Operations agreed. "We are truly excited to get to operate with the U.S. Navy and HSC-5 to conduct this level of joint forces training," said Col. Walter "Wally" Hatfield. This this type of training provides Navy pilots and aircrew a unique opportunity to work in an inland riverine environment, he added. "Having this type of opportunity to work with our Navy partners helps to prove and validate the operational capabilities of our swift-water rescue team while working in a joint environment, just as we would be doing should we be tasked to deploy to a disaster area,” said Hatfield. “It's a win-win for everyone and a model we hope to carry forward." This type of training befits the squadron’s mission, to “Rescue, Protect, and Deliver." HSC-5 is training in the same location as HSC-9, the “Tridents." HSC-9 conducted unit-level training in late September but did not have an opportunity to train with elements of the West Virginia National Guard. The training area provides HSC squadrons access to over 25,000 acres, covering areas that include former coal mines, as well as mountains and rivers. Capt. Nathan Ballou, commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, discussed the inherent benefit of training with interservice partners. “There is a great deal of interoperability and information exchanges that our forces can gain from training together in this type of environment, and the support received from the West Virginia National Guard has been outstanding,” said Ballou, who visited the training area to see firsthand the quality and benefit gained from joint engagements. “In addition to the integration with other services, during this detachment the Nightdippers will execute unit level training on 90 different evolutions gaining currency, qualifications and proficiency for their aircrew and maintainers that increase the mission effectiveness and readiness of the entire Air Wing.” Many of the skills learned in this training are transferable to other mission areas such as Defense Support of Civilian Authorities (DSCA), Humanitarian Assistance / Disaster Recovery (HA/DR), Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), and Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO). “The intent of this training is to produce experienced and qualified aircrews ready to meet all mission areas assigned to HSC and increase the greater force lethality for combat operations or humanitarian needs worldwide,” said Newman.
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