Honorary commanders take plunge

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. LuCelia Ball
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Several Eglin honorary commanders were treated to another facet of the Air Force June 27 when they were invited to participate in water survival training.

Trainers from the 46th Operations Support Squadron aircrew life support flight were on hand to conduct the class comprised of 40th Flight Test Squadron pilots and civilian honorary commanders from 46th Test Wing and 96th Air Base Wing units.

The training keeps pilots familiar with their rescue equipment in case of an ejection or an emergency landing over water. The equipment is aircraft-specific and includes life rafts, flotation devices and harnesses that assist with a helicopter rescue. Refresher training is required once every three years here.

Each wing at Eglin hosts an honorary commander program, which is designed to increase community involvement with wing and individual squadron activities. The program also increases public awareness and understanding of the armed forces and the mission, policies and programs of the Air Force. The commanders represent various businesses and organizations throughout Okaloosa and Walton counties.

The training began with two hours of classroom instruction, covering survival and safety in the open ocean, water hazards, common marine pests such as sharks and jellyfish, how to find food and water sources and how to use lifesaving equipment.

"They basically taught us what to do and what not to do," said Kim Kirby, city manager for DeFuniak Springs and honorary wing commander of the 46th Test Wing.

Afterward, the class went to Post'l Point for a practical application, where they were fitted with flight suits, harnesses and flotation vests. The group then went through a series of water "obstacles" while instructors worked to familiarized them with the equipment.

First up was a 20-man life raft, which is equipped on heavier cargo aircraft. The individuals had to balance on a smaller float attached to the raft and then hoist themselves up and over the steep sides.

Next, the group moved on to a seven-man life raft, which is equipped on helicopters. This required a balancing act, as the boat had to be held sturdy on one side while others boarded the raft from the other.

After learning to board a single-man life raft, which is fitted to a fighter aircraft, the group worked with the harnesses and slings used by rescuers to hoist individuals out of the water and onto the aircraft.

The final phase in the water was the canopy disentanglement.

"Sometimes, when a pilot ejects, his parachute canopy can land over the top of him when he lands, so we teach him how to get out of that situation," said Staff Sgt. Maikel Figueroa, 46th OSS aircrew training NCOIC.

After exiting the water, the group learned how to safely operate a flare, which is used to signal rescuers to a pilot's location.

The group as a whole felt their experience was a successful one.

"This was my first experience with this type of training," said Brian Walsh, Key Lime Homes, Niceville, and honorary commander of the 46th Operations Group. "It gave me a better understanding of the importance of the vast training these pilots undertake to keep us, and themselves, safe."