VMR-1 (Pedro) lowers a Marine down to the deck of the UNC's R/V Capricorn. Weather was 'sporting' during demonstration with a SW 10-15 knot wind, and 2-4 foot waves.

NOAA Divers and Small Boat Operators participated in a live rescue demonstration conducted byMarine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Marine Transport Squadron One (VMR-1) two miles offshore of Beaufort, NC last week.During this unprecedented cooperative rescue training drill, support vessels and crew from multiple local dive boat operators, University of North Carolina (UNC), Duke University, North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF), USCG, NCCOS and NMFS observed the demonstration providinginvaluable experience to professional divers and boat operators participating in offshore activities.

The demonstration simulated an at sea rescue of a victim in need of immediate medical attention from the deck of a research vessel. VMR-1demonstrated lifting Marines (simulated victim) directly from the deck of UNC's R/V Capricorn and out of the water from a NCDMF small boat.

VMR-1 operate multiple aircraft that conduct a myriad of missions including extended search and rescue missions in conjunction with the United States Coast Guard in eastern North Carolina utilizing three HH-46E helicopters referred to operationally as "Pedro." The charismatic safety orange and military green helicopters are easily recognized by locals who consider Pedro an important member of the community.

For more information contact Brian Degan.