Squadron conducts search and rescue training

FALLBROOK — On September 9 and 10, Fallbrook Squadron 87 conducted a series of search and rescue training exercises at Fallbrook Airpark that will give the unit additional experience in the future.

The acting Mission Coordinator was LTC Jerry Rohles; the Safety Officer was Maj. Michael Watkins; and the Communication Officers were Maj. Joe DiMento, 1LT Nate Tobin and Capt. Dee Osargent. Public Affairs information was handled by Capt. James Pedersen. The funded training exercise was also attended by Maj. David Elliott, Maj. Thomas Buscemi, Maj. James Redmon, 1LT George Watson, 1LT Daniel Weisz, Capt. Dale Hetrick, Capt. Tony Diaz, SM Dennis Woods and SM Greg Greenwood.

During the morning briefing LTC Rohles covered search base procedures and reviewed the goals of the mission for the two exercises, the upgrading of flight qualifications, Scanner and Observer duties and airplane preparation. Maj. Watkins covered safety procedures and suggestions for the exercise. Maj. DiMento and Maj. Osargent covered base communications and aircraft radio procedures. Maj. Buscemi, Capt. Redmon, and LTC Rohles functioned as check pilots for flight crew trainee upgrades in Mission Pilot, along with Mission Observer and Mission Scanner rides.

The training exercise began with an individual pre-flight briefing for all the aircrews that highlighted the terrain and obstacles unique to each search area. Grids that were searched included number 278 and 279 and involved approximately three flights each day. The sortie ended with a post-flight briefing for all aircrews that evaluated the success of their mission.

The squadron wishes to thank 1LT Weisz for his time and the generous use of his hanger for the exercise.