NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The sound of planes and jet noise is familiar to many of us in Hampton Roads, but before they fly, Navy pilots have to learn how to survive any mishaps in the air and in the water.
The Aviation Survival Training Center in Norfolk trains military personnel through the use of simulators and hands-on exercises, some of them which include going underwater. The center plays an important role for sailors to be ready and stay prepared, with the trainings showing the unique challenges in modern naval aviation.
“We execute a lot of that training, [which] holds our skills, keeps the pilots precise and keeps the crewmen precise on all their procedures,” said Navy pilot Andrew Ehlermann.
The center’s pool doesn’t seem too out of the ordinary — until you take a closer look. There you spot parts of a fake plane and mock ejection seats. In both situations, we were tasked with holding our breath and making sure we were able to swim out quickly.
Dripping with water, it prepared us for the ride in the clouds onboard a Seahawk helicopter. With doors wide open, we saw everything from the interstates to the Chesapeake Bay, with the training in the back of our minds.
“I’ve seen my elementary school, middle school and high school, all from the air,” Ehlermann said. “It’s so surreal, and it’s an opportunity that I never take for granted.”
With a crew of four, a Seahawk’s main function is anti-surface warfare, combat support and humanitarian relief, which is why Ehlermann says pilots always need to practice.