Office of Public Affairs

U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release

Date: Oct. 28, 2004

Contact:  Lt. Catherine Carabine(281) 481-0025 x0

COAST GUARD CONDUCTS SURVIVAL TRAINING

HOUSTON- The Coast Guard Air Station at Ellington Field set aside a day to conduct survival training for its personnel today while still maintaining their full search and ready status.

This morning air station personnel began the day with refresher training on how to survive during a crash or a precautionary landing.   Petty Officer Third Class Mica Franklin, a rescue swimmer, taught his co-workers how to build a shelter, make a fire and stressed the importance of having a will to survive.  Additionally, he stressed the importance of looking out for one another during an emergency situation. 

The next phase of training began in the afternoon with annual water survival training.  During the water portion, crewmembers were tested on their ability to swim 75 yards and tread water for two minutes in full flight gear.  In addition, they were required to use a shallow water egress trainer (SWET).  This is a chair-like device that is used to test a crewmembers ability to evacuate from a helicopter that is overturned in the water.  

Note:  Video footage of crewmembers using the SWET is available at the front gate at Ellington Field.

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