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Reserve pararescuemen dive into high-tech sonar training

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Anna-Marie Wyant
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE --  Airmen and a civilian from the 308th Rescue Squadron here dove into some high-tech sonar training March 21-25 at the Florida State University campus in Panama City, Fla.

Master Sgt. Christopher Seinkner and Staff Sgt. Daniel Warren, pararescuemen from the 308th RQS, and Mr. Barry Burgess, the master diver for the squadron, which is part of the Air Force Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing, attended hands-on training on using sonar technology. Personnel from the FSU Underwater Crime Scene Investigation Department instructed the course.

Mr. Burgess said the training is important because when properly used, sonar technology can enhance the squadron's main missions: search, rescue and recovery.

"Most underwater searches are conducted in areas with little to no visibility and can reach depths that reduce time on the bottom due to decompression sickness or available air limitations," said Mr. Burgess, a retired Navy chief petty officer. "The handheld sonar system can greatly reduce the time, personnel and equipment needed to search large areas underwater."

By reducing the amount of time and resources necessary for underwater missions, sonar systems can greatly increase the efficiency of each pararescueman, or PJ. The five-day sonar training, however, does have its challenges. Mr. Burgess said learning and mastering the new system, including how to interpret the sonar images, can be difficult.

"Add in cold water, current, and low visibility, and you have a very challenging situation," he added.

The training consisted of one day of classroom work to learn the basics of the sonar system, one day of equipment familiarization in a pool, two days of operational training in open water, and one day to clean and conduct maintenance on system equipment. Mr. Burgess said Sergeant Seinkner and Sergeant Warren will share their newfound knowledge with other 308th RQS personnel. Using sonar systems will be yet another skill the squadron's PJs and combat rescue officers can add to their already long list.

"The 308th Rescue Squadron PJs stand ready at any time to conduct underwater search and recovery operations for anything from a dropped weapon, drowning victim or a Humvee," Mr. Burgess said. "This sonar system will greatly enhance the ability to perform this mission."

This particular type of sonar used is called a Dual-Frequency Identification Sonar Diver Held unit, or DIDSON-DH, a handheld sonar unit connected to a pair of goggles that attach to the diver's face mask. The unit relays a 3D image with a range up to 100 feet underwater. The DIDSON allows the diver greater access to search areas regardless of limited visibility and darkness.

"The DIDSON truly is a revolutionary system that will dramatically increase the efficiency in which recovery teams search for sensitive materials and missing personnel," Sergeant Warren said.

In addition to increasing the 308th RQS's efficiency with underwater operations, Sergeant Warren said the sonar training allowed him to learn first-hand from professionals who know the equipment well.

"Interacting with our civilian and active duty counter parts gave an invaluable opportunity to share practices, stories and tactics, techniques and procedures as they relate to this mission," Sergeant Warren said.