Maj. Ronald Frantz, 76th Helicopter Squadron commander, escapes a mock submerged helicopter at Nov. 22 at the Vandenberg Air Force Base pool. The exercise is used to prepare crew members to safely escape a submerged aircraft and assure crew member recovery afterwards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Adam Guy)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Hold your breath

1st Lt. Abbe Shafer, 76th Helicopter Squadron pilot, is flipped over in an underwater egress training chair Nov. 22 in Vandenberg's base pool. The exercise is used to simulate escaping from an underwater helicopter crash. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Vanessa Valentine)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Deep breaths

Maj. Ronald Frantz, 76th Helicopter Squadron commander, prepares to escape a mock submerged helicopter at Nov. 22 at Vandenberg's base pool. The exercise is used to prepare crew members to safely escape a submerged aircraft and assure crew member recovery afterwards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Adam Guy)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Let me out

Staff Sgt. Bryan Waits, 76th Helicopter Squadron, works to get his safety belt lossened in a mock submerged helicopter Nov. 22 at Vandenberg's base pool. The exercise is used to prepare crew members to safely escape a submerged aircraft and assure crew member recovery afterwards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Adam Guy)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Too much water

Col. Joseph Anderson, 30th Medical Group commander, empties water from a life raft Nov 22 at Vandenberg's basoe pool. The raft was used to prepare crew members to escape a submerged aircraft and get to the life raft until rescued. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Adam Guy)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Send help

Staff Sgt. Sharon Saxon, 76th Helicopter Squadron, instructs a simulated downed helicopter crew aboard a life raft Nov. 22 in Vandenberg's base pool. The life raft is used to keep crew members afloat after escaping a downed aircraft submerged in water where they would remain until rescue workers arrive. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman Adam Guy)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Chopper crews take the plunge

Published Nov. 27, 2006

Hold your breath

Deep breaths

Let me out

Too much water

Send help