Master-at-Arms (MA) "A" School at Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) Lackland held its first test for students to qualify as a second class swimmer, 14 Sept.

The purpose of conducting the second class swim test at NTTC Lackland is to ensure MA "A" School graduates designated for assignment to High Value Unit (HVU) small boat escort units are fully qualified and physically able to assume those duties immediately upon reporting onboard.

"By conducting the swim qualification here at "A" school, we can ensure the Sailors who qualify get the right orders for their skill set before they transfer," said Lt. Paul B. Tidd, NTTC Lackland operations officer. "The program is voluntary and open to both students and staff."

Seaman Emma M. Myers, from Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, was the first student at NTTC Lackland to qualify as a second class swimmer.

"I was very nervous going into this test and wasn't expecting to pass on my first try but if I hadn't, I was going to try again next week," said Myers. "The breaststroke was the hardest part for me, but I made it!"

Students who qualify as a second class swimmer are first in line to receive orders to harbor security and expeditionary units.

The swim test determines if a person can stay afloat and survive without the use of a personal floatation device. It consists of a deep water jump and a 100-yard swim where students demonstrate the crawl stroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, and elementary backstroke. Then students will prone float face down for 5 minutes and transition to a back float before they exit the water.


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For more information about Naval Technical Training Center Lackland, visit us at http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/csf/nttc-lackland.