Conference repair::reserve_forces

155.0. "VP92 Reservists perform SAR" by ASDS::AIKEN (old P2s never die) Mon Feb 25 1991 22:36

    Just completed my two weeks annual active duty with VP92 out of South
    Weymouth, Massachusetts. This year, the squadron deployed to NAS
    Bermuda. It was a busy time for all. I was in the air 13 out of 16 days
    and spent an accumulated 6 hours off base in three locations. The two 
    weeks were highlighted by one event that made the entire period worth 
    while. The following summary [edited for clarity, not for style] was 
    released to the press on the 11th. 


"On 11 February, a P-3B Orion from Patrol Squadron 92, call sign LY-141, 
was on a scheduled logistics flight from NAS Bermuda to NAS 
Jacksonville, Florida. At 1715Z, approximately 50 miles East of 
Jacksonville, Approach Control requested LY-141 divert from flight 
planned route to an area 20 miles South of course to search for a 
possible downed aircraft. An A7 Corsair had over flown the area and 
reported an oil slick. After reporting the position, the A7  had to return 
to base due to low fuel. ATC vectored LY-141 to the area to begin search and 
assume responsibilities as on-scene-commander. 

A low sea state aided in sighting the slick quickly when in the area. 
Descending to 1000 feet, an Aircrewman was sighted in the water by 
LY-141 South of the slick. The aircrewman's position and apparent condition 
were passed to ATC. On a subsequent pass, the Aircrewman launched two pencil 
flares to mark his position. A second Aircrewman was sighted approximately 3 
miles farther South after lighting a signal smoke. An SH-60 Seahawk helicopter 
arrived arrived on scene to pick up the first Aircrewman while LY-141 orbited 
over the second Aircrewman. LY-141 passed the LAT/LONG position to ATC and 
deployed sonobuoy in the vicinity of the send crewman to mark her position. 
LY-141 then steered an arriving SH-3 toward the second crewman for 
rescue. Rescuing helos reported both Aircrewmen to be from an A-6 
Intruder. They were reported to be in good condition and taken to NAS 
Jacksonville.

Total aircraft involved were 1 SH-60 Seahawk helo, 2 SH-3 Seaking 
helos, 3 P-3 Orion patrol aircraft, and a Coast Guard Dauphin helo. 
The entire operation, from initial divert to completion of the rescue, 
tool about 45 minutes."


    The press release went on to identify the crew, members of VP92 Combat 
    Air Crew 10 (CAC-10), and the other personnel on board who assisted in 
    the search.

    
    Good Job!!!!
    
    	Reminds me of an incident about four years ago that I took part in.
    
    	As a Coast Guard Reservist doing my two weeks at Air Station - Cape
    Cod, I always looked for the opportunity to fly at least once during my 
    ADT period. The first two times we by Helo...But the last time was
    aboard a Falcon jet.
    
    	We were scheduled to fly to Bermuda...look for suspect drug runners
    refuel and fly back..At the last minute, we were diverted to an area
    just outside of Boston harbor to look for a sailboat...overdue...which
    had reported a broken rudder and no power...sail only...The had made
    contact the evening before...but at 10:00 that morning..they had not
    yet been found...We came onto station about 1/2 later.. The pilot said
    keep an eye out..report anything....five (5) minutes on station...I saw
    something off the wing....I waited about 10 seconds for the copilot to 
    respond...since we were both looking off the starboard side...Since he
    didn't I did....We turned...and sure enough...it was the sailboat that
    we were looking for.....As we flew over they women was trying to reach
    us on the radio...I can still hear her words distinctly...
    
    	"I don't know if you can hear us...but it's great to see you guys
    flying overhead".....
    
    	That made my two weeks....Felt great.....
    
    
    						sk2