MCB Camp Pendleton

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Recon Marines becoming water-rescue rangers;

9 Jun 2005 | Lance Cpl. Antonio Rosas Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- It's groundbreaking, surf-skipping training, even for amphibious warriors from 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.

In essence, they got their feet wet in something lifeguards frequently do - personal watercraft rescues.

Most of the Marines had never even touched such a vessel in their lives. After three days, they'd all tried their hand at plucking mock victims out of the briny while keeping the craft from getting away from them.

Approximately 20 Marines took part in the personal watercraft rescue operator course May 24-26, led by both Marine and civilian instructors. It's the first course of its kind in the Fleet Marine Force, instructors said.

The program - which has a deep-rooted history in assisting civilian law enforcement agencies such as harbor patrol, swift water units and diving operations - covers rescue maneuvers in any kind of surf zone, said Staff Sgt. Shawn M. Workman, amphibious/dive chief with 1st Recon Bn.

"It is necessary (for the Marines) to be competent rescue operators in order to quicken the response time of providing aid to those Marines that might need assistance ... during any of our water operations," he said.

Personal watercrafts are faster and more maneuverable than other 1st Recon assets, like F470 Zodiac inflatable boats, Workman said.

Workman said he's the only Marine in the Corps qualified to teach the course. He's been a rescue operator since 1998 and an instructor since last year.

"I can take someone with little or no experience and in 2-1/2 days I'll have them conducting rescues within a surf zone," Workman proclaimed.

Rescue drills included unconscious victim pickup and victim retrieval with a rescue board.

"It's a lot harder than it looks. It's a matter of balancing yourself and having throttle control so you can do what's required to help a disabled or distressed victim," said Staff Sgt. Michael T. Willim, 31, amphibious chief for 1st Recon. "I had zero experience on a personal watercraft before coming to the course and (now) feel comfortable applying the techniques I learned in the course."

Operators in the impact zone (where the waves come crashing down) need situational awareness most of all, said Doug Phillips, a civilian instructor for the course.

"The waves will pound you into fish food," Willim explained.

The package is designed to facilitate rescues in any water-borne operation - from routine scout swimmer missions to a clandestine hydrographic surveys.

Workman wants to establish a solid rescue program before the training is integrated into actual military operations, he said.

Recon Marines becoming water-rescue rangers;

9 Jun 2005 | Lance Cpl. Antonio Rosas Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- It's groundbreaking, surf-skipping training, even for amphibious warriors from 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.

In essence, they got their feet wet in something lifeguards frequently do - personal watercraft rescues.

Most of the Marines had never even touched such a vessel in their lives. After three days, they'd all tried their hand at plucking mock victims out of the briny while keeping the craft from getting away from them.

Approximately 20 Marines took part in the personal watercraft rescue operator course May 24-26, led by both Marine and civilian instructors. It's the first course of its kind in the Fleet Marine Force, instructors said.

The program - which has a deep-rooted history in assisting civilian law enforcement agencies such as harbor patrol, swift water units and diving operations - covers rescue maneuvers in any kind of surf zone, said Staff Sgt. Shawn M. Workman, amphibious/dive chief with 1st Recon Bn.

"It is necessary (for the Marines) to be competent rescue operators in order to quicken the response time of providing aid to those Marines that might need assistance ... during any of our water operations," he said.

Personal watercrafts are faster and more maneuverable than other 1st Recon assets, like F470 Zodiac inflatable boats, Workman said.

Workman said he's the only Marine in the Corps qualified to teach the course. He's been a rescue operator since 1998 and an instructor since last year.

"I can take someone with little or no experience and in 2-1/2 days I'll have them conducting rescues within a surf zone," Workman proclaimed.

Rescue drills included unconscious victim pickup and victim retrieval with a rescue board.

"It's a lot harder than it looks. It's a matter of balancing yourself and having throttle control so you can do what's required to help a disabled or distressed victim," said Staff Sgt. Michael T. Willim, 31, amphibious chief for 1st Recon. "I had zero experience on a personal watercraft before coming to the course and (now) feel comfortable applying the techniques I learned in the course."

Operators in the impact zone (where the waves come crashing down) need situational awareness most of all, said Doug Phillips, a civilian instructor for the course.

"The waves will pound you into fish food," Willim explained.

The package is designed to facilitate rescues in any water-borne operation - from routine scout swimmer missions to a clandestine hydrographic surveys.

Workman wants to establish a solid rescue program before the training is integrated into actual military operations, he said.