SERE specialists educate aircrew on water survival

U-2 pilots use their floatation devices as part of water survival training July 3, 2014, at a lake in Nevada City, Calif. Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape specialists stationed at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., educated the pilots about their water survival equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ramon A. Adelan/ Released)

SERE specialists educate aircrew on water survival

Published July 10, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Ramon A. Adelan
9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape specialists conducted mandatory training for U-2 and MC-12 aircrew members July 3, 2014, at a lake in Nevada City, Calif.

Aircrew members learned how to properly use their equipment if they were forced to evacuate their aircraft in water.

The members learned to properly inflate and board their rafts without puncturing them and to mount a helicopter hoist.

In addition, aircrew practiced swimming techniques and how to detach from a parachute.

After members complete initial SERE school at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., water survival training is mandatory every three years.

Click to view slideshow.