USCG Helicopter Rescue Swimmer AST A School (131-19)

Arguably the most widely recognized team of rescue-swimmer operators, the elite United States Coast Guard Aviation Survival Technician (AST)/Helicopter Rescue Swimmer team is called upon to respond in the most extreme rescue situations. High seas, medical evacuations, downed aviators, sinking vessels, and hurricanes are some of the deadly scenarios that Coast Guard rescue swimmers are trained to handle. The Coast Guard's team of ASTs is composed of about 350 active-duty members, and only 980 members have passed the training to become Helicopter Rescue Swimmers since the mid-1980s.

AST A School in Elizabeth City, North Carolina lasts for 24 weeks, and includes intense physical fitness, long hours of pool fitness and instruction, extreme water-confidence drills, and classroom instruction. The Coast Guard rescue swimmer training program is very challenging and is one of the toughest U.S. military training courses. Reportedly, only 75–100 Coast Guard personnel attend the school each year. The attrition rate in some years has been as high as 80%, although the 10-year average is just over 54%. Prospective U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmers are physically conditioned to meet high physical fitness standards. About half of prospective candidates make it to AST "A" School. Upon graduation, candidates must attend seven weeks of training at the Coast Guard's Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) school in Petaluma, California, where ASTs become EMT qualified. Rescue swimmers at Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, Alaska, must maintain the EMT-Intermediate level of proficiency due to the remoteness of their operational area and the number of medical evacuations performed by that unit each year. Once stationed at a Coast Guard Air Station, apprentice ASTs must complete 6 months of qualification on their respective airframe before moving on to finish their rescue swimmer syllabus and becoming journeymen.

The Coast Guard holds a one-week Advanced Helicopter Rescue School (AHRS, formerly known as Advanced Rescue Swimmer School) at Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment, Washington, which is host to Air Force pararescuemen (PJs), Navy rescue swimmers, and foreign rescue departments as well. There, students learn the challenges of vertical-surface rescue, cliff operations, sea-cave traversing, and extreme-high-seas rescue. AHRS is considered the premier helicopter-rescue training school of its kind by most military and civilian rescue operators.

[JC-gxhg]

My brother was a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. Unfortunately, he died on his very first mission out in Humboldt Bay California. He loved his job and the Coast Guard. We did not have a funeral just a lot of Memorials. James and I were real close, at least he died doing something that he was passionate about and not from overdose on drugs or a drunk driver or whatever. These guys are really hard core and take pride in their jobs. Thanks for the video Cayden Grooms. New subscriber here.

[fellspoint]

Anybody who works on the water knows that feeling of relief when the orange and white helicopter is in view. Thanks, boys.

[Jake-mjmc]

I am relieved and overjoyed that in this day and age the mustache is alive and thriving in the coast guard.

[deantreloar]

I have an older cousin who broke multiple ribs during BUDs training, he was unable to complete and the Navy told him he would not recover in time to try again. He joined the helicopter rescue swimmers instead and I never heard him express regret. The way he handled himself when we wrestled in the pool one summer is one of the most remarkable memories I have. I am grateful for his service and for the rescue swimmers in this video.

[MrTanuki]

whoever jumps out of a helicopter in the middle of bad weather straight to the water to save someone else's ass deserves mad respect. this guys are crazy

[shabs]

I have a buddy in the army who is the stereotypical soldier who says “coast guard isn’t a real branch”. What people don’t get is that these coasties do more on an everyday basis than any other branch. They save, protect, and attack when needed. They get deployed with the navy when they’re needed. They are the real deal.


Semper Paratus boys

[AndreMorais]

I’ve never have heard about these guys, but they truly are the real deal, massive respect for them and their hardcore training!

[cnapier]

These guys are a rare breed. It takes strength, guts, passion, and a little bit of craziness to do what these men do. Former Navy here so I have a good idea what they are doing in that pool but which is called a pond in the Navy.

Bravo Zulu to the graduating class may you find fair winds and following seas and God grace and protective angel each time you spin up on mission.

[russellwilliams]

Heroes. This word is thrown around A LOT lately, but it is just a word, that does no justice for what the men and women of the USCG commit themselves to on a daily basis. Not many people sign up to get paid little and to sacrifice their lives daily. This is the definition of a hero and I thank each and every one of you for what you have done and continue to do for people you do not know, but care deeply about.



My mother, three brothers, 4 crew members and myself were rescued by the USCG when our boat capsized, due to extreme weather conditions. We called for help once and they were there, no questions asked, and within a few hours. We were in a remote area, 9nm off the coast of Alaska and were in the water (freezing) for 35 minutes (felt like hours). They had to make 3 trips, but I believe it was the swimmer, that stayed with us, until they returned. Best and worst experience of my lifetime. I wish, that I was able to get their names and buy them all beers for a year, but once they got us back, they refueled and went out again. HEROES!

[thisguy-yvso]

Damn the comfort these guys have in the water is amazing

[SirLongshank]

Former Navy here, we don't get to see enough videos Coast Guard related. Everyone to busy uplifting SEALs and other Special Forces. At the end of the day everyone has a job to do and one way or the other its a team effort. Really enjoyed this video, congrats to all and thank you for your service as well.

[bendak]

"Thick thighs save lives" has never been truer

[hannahwahl]

For anyone who is wondering,
1st song : Natural - imagine Dragons
2nd song : Still Breathing - Dig the Kid
3rd song : Chlorine : Twenty one Pilots

[IamKimsational]

My dad retired from the Air Force and State Dept and all my brothers retired from the Navy. ALL of them highly respected the Coast Guard. Men, I hope I never have to meet you, but how I respect and admire you! Total bada****!! Semper Paratus!

[smartereveryday]

This video is incredible. Very impressive work. Hats off to whoever made this!

[mikekonn]

As a Navy Veteran, I have huge respect for USCG Helicopter Rescue Swimmers.
To all USCG, thank you for your dedication and service.

[Backsmore]

One of the best videos I have seen from the States. No bull, just highly professional people. Love it.

[iditriza]

man.. this video... it's a movie itself. the struggle, passion and strength of every one of you guys it's so clearly transmitted through the video. mad shooting and editing skills.. I envy you! hope you post more

[lilblkspider]

These are the heroes we seldom mention. God bless them

[johnbobbitt]

God, my heart rate doubled inside 15 seconds. I was a USCG Blue Dolphin at Yorktown, and my age group was my extended-family from the age of about 5, until we each either went off to college on swimming scholarships, or to be rescue swimmers, or maybe even moms and dads. But 6 mornings a week, for 14 years, before school, we were in That pool slapping tiles. The USCG puts great pride in its swimming talent, and I love seeing them get the recognition they deserve.

Whoever shot and edited this, kudos! You did an awesome job!