Amphibious Search and Rescue: Shaping the Future

摘要

The current Amphibious Search and Rescue (ASAR) mission is outdated, lacks integration with the mission/doctrine of the amphibious force and fails to exploit the multi-mission and tactical capabilities of the MH-60S helicopter. The Navy and the Marine Corps must recognize and integrate the capabilities of the MH-60S with the vision and doctrine of the amphibious forces in order to define the ASAR mission, then develop procedures to perform the stated mission requirements. The mission of Navy helicopters in the ATF has developed in piecemeal fashion; based solely on the capabilities of the HH-46D helicopter and not integrated with the mission requirements of the ATF and MEU. As a result, ASAR detachments have limited capabilities for critical missions in the ATF, including NSW, TRAP, and AT/FP. The MH-60S, the replacement helicopter for the aging HH-46D, is a tactical platform with capabilities for the following missions: Maritime Dominance, Logistics, CSAR, NSW, and AMCM missions. The Navy helicopter community must look forward to determine if the current mission well remain viable in the near future. Implement a four-helicopter detachment into the ATF and expand the ASAR mission to include AMCM, overwater TRAP, NSW, and 'Limited' ASUW, AT/FP and SSC roles. Two of the four helicopters would be specifically outfitted for AMCM missions.