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HSC-25 rescues 2 missing hikers
ASAN, Guam—Sailors from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, in partnership with Government of Guam agencies, successfully rescued two hikers in the jungles of Yona, Guam, on April 17.
HSC-25 received a request from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam April 16 at 10:16pm for aerial support in search of the hikers, a mother and daughter, within the vicinity of Tarzan Falls.
A Navy MH-60S helicopter from HSC-25 arrived on the scene at 10:46pm to begin search efforts.
At 8:50am on April 17, a Navy MH-60S helicopter was launched from Andersen Air Force Base. The crew flew approximately 18 miles to the reported area, recovered the individuals, and transported them to U.S. Naval Hospital Guam for treatment.
“The successful rescue today is a perfect example of the strong partnership between the Navy and Government of Guam agencies” said Rear Adm. Tilghman Payne, commander, Joint Region Marianas. “The close coordination between homeland security, Guam Fire Department and HSC-25 played an integral part in finding the hikers and bringing about a happy ending for all.”
The incident was the 11th search-and-rescue executed by HSC-25 personnel this year.
“HSC-25 continually trains our pilots and crews to handle any situation, any time day or night, whether on the water or on land,” said HSC-25 commanding officer Cmdr. Gregory Leland. “This rescue is a direct result of the skills our crews develop during combat training for deployed missions in and around the region, and put to use saving lives right here on Guam.”
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.
The command 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. (Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs Office)
