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HSC-25 rescues lost hikers in Guam
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Posted on Jul 07 2015
ASAN, Guam—Sailors from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 conducted a search-and-rescue (SAR) operation and recovered five hikers who went missing July 4.
The rescue was a collaborative effort between the Navy, Coast Guard, Guam Fire Department and Guam Police Department.
HSC-25 received a request from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam at approximately 7:30pm for assistance in searching for five missing hikers in the vicinity of Tarzan Falls. A Navy MH-60S helicopter was launched from Andersen Air Force Base at approximately 10:17 p.m.
The crew arrived on scene at 10:28pm and immediately commenced searching. They located the hikers at 11:15pm. The hikers were then transported to U.S. Naval Hospital Guam for treatment.
During the search, Guam was experiencing adverse weather conditions as a result of Tropical Storm Chan-Hom, which was tracking near the island.
“The Independence Day SAR was an illustration of how beneficial it is to have a strong and willing relationship between multiple search units,” said Lt. jg Walter “Wally” McGann, who was the co-pilot during the rescue. “Knowing when and how to use each other’s resources can lead to conducting an effective search. Their ability to execute a coordinated effort in demanding conditions was vital to mission accomplishment.”
HSC-25 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed MH-60S expeditionary squadron. As a part of Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific, it provides an armed helicopter capability for U.S. 7th Fleet in support of logistics, search and rescue and humanitarian assistance missions. HSC-25 is also the only squadron that maintains a 24-hour search-and-rescue and medical evacuation alert posture, directly supporting the U.S. Coast Guard and Joint Region Marianas.
