MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Loaded in the back of a helicopter, Marines have their minds on many things. Many probably wonder what they would do if the aircraft they were in had to ditch, or crash, into the ocean.
Marines from the 24th MEU’s command element recently spent the day thinking about just that while they completed courses in both the Intermediate Passenger Helicopter Aircrew Breathing Device and Shallow Water Egress Trainer.
The training was being conducted in preparation for the MEU’s upcoming deployment.
The training began early in the morning at the classrooms of Survival Systems, the civilian company hired to teach Marines what to do if their helicopter has to ditch. The classes were meant to get the Marines thinking and begin to familiarize them with their equipment and procedures, all of which would come in handy later during their practical application in the pool.
“In an emergency, you go back to your training. It’s like immediate action. It is no different than when you do immediate action with your gear,” said Dave Parker, instructor with Survival Systems.
The centerpiece of the training was the IPHABD, a small breathing device designed to provide enough air for a Marine to escape from a downed, submerged aircraft.
“At surface it will give you about two minutes of air,” said Parker.
After a couple of hours in the classroom, it was time to practice the newly learned skills in the pool. Marines used a SWET device to simulate a seat in an aircraft. The seat came complete with a seatbelt and a window Marines could practice pushing out.
Marines would sit in the seat while two spotters would flip the device over in the water, leaving the Marine submerged and inverted under water. For many this was the most challenging portion of the training.
“The best part is getting strapped into the chair and getting flipped over,” said Cpl. Jason M. Wukich, an administrative clerk with the 24th MEU command element and a Turtle Creek, Penn., native. “I know if I go down in a helo, I will be able to breathe.”
Although the training was enjoyable for most of the Marines, it was also necessary.
“The training is important because it helps you alleviate stress and helps you survive,” said MSgt. Harry Garcia, 24th MEU headquarters commandant and assistant operations chief. “It gives the individual Marine more confidence in what to do when the plane ditches.”