Jouett (DLG 29) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 84 text:

Equally adept at hovering or flying at speeds well in excess of 100 knots, the UH- 2A helicopter is uniquely fitted to its role in the search and rescue effort. 80

Page 83 text:

■■•»»l-- ,T f - J During our first period on the line in the Tonkin Gulf, JOUETT became familiar with the procedures re- quired for a search and rescue (SAR) unit. To enhance our ability to rescue downed aviators, the ship oper- ated as one-half of a SAR team. The other member of this team was a UH-2A helicopter, which flew aboard the day the sliip steamed out of Subic Bay, and operated off our flight deck throughout the remainder of deploy- ment. The helicopter itself, in its protective coloration of black and olive drab, presents a sleek and stream- lined appearance, whether resting on JOUETT ' s deck or in flight. It is capable of proceeding to the locale of a downed aircraft at high speeds, hovering over the scene, locating survivors, lowering crew members to the ground or into the sea, and effecting a rescue that would have been otherwise impossible. 79

Page 85 text:

The UH-2A helicopter carries a pilot, co-pilot, and crew of two, all of whom are expert swimmers and marksmen, skilled in rescue teclmiques and first-aid procedures. Other llelo detachment members function as a ground crew, responsible for maintaining the aircraft in a condition ready for instantaneous response. 81