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Volume 114, Issue 4
Operation: SURFAIR, continued
“Because it incorporates multiple Auxiliary units, cross training, surface/air communications, and vectoring between two
separate AORs, planning was of the utmost importance to insure safety and a successful execution.” said Giannattasio.
“SURFAIR is also a exciting and enjoyable challenge. Usually, when members practice search patterns, they get frustrated if
there is nothing to locate.” He continued, “Search and Rescue training exercises should provide a sense of real-life
challenges, yet uncomplicated enough to be conducted in a manageable period of time, in case the target isn’t located.”
The basic steps of the operation are:
1. Task an Auxiliary Surface Vessel from Division 07 to be underway during the day of the flight.
a) Establish what time the vessel will be underway and the area it will be patrolling (Barnegat Bay).
2. The pilot contacts the coxswain (prior) to coordinate rendezvousing in a certain area at a pre-arranged time; determine
radio frequency(s), call signs and conducts a pre-brief.
3. During the day of the mission:
a) The pilot and coxswain will establish phone contact before getting underway and confirm plan.
b) Vector a rendezvous for the prearranged location and time.
c) Establish radio COMMS.
d) Surface vessel relays Latitude Longitude (Lat./Long.) coordinates to aircraft.
e) Aircraft attempts to establish a visual if safety allows.
f) Afterwards, Aircraft and Vessel transition to individual patrols and de-brief after docking and landing.
Giannattasio fine-tuned the plan by utilizing other Auxiliarists with expertise in various aspects of surface and air missions to
ensure a thorough planning and execution for Operation SURFAIR.
One of the experienced experts was Howard Davis, Auxiliary Aircraft Commander from Millville, New Jersey, who
contributed his vast knowledge and experience in general aviation and Auxiliary flight operations. Giannattasio, a private
pilot and Auxiliary Qualifications Examiner (QE) from Cape May, New Jersey was the Air Crew member for the sortie.
Joe Smith from Division 07 was asked to participate based on his qualifications as an Auxiliary Coxswain and also as
Coxswain onboard the 5NR Helo Ops Team’s Utility Boat Light (UTL) that is tasked supporting Coast Guard helicopter
crews with hoist training operations. Considering his operational experience and knowledge of waterways within Division 07,
Bill Grant was selected as Boat Crew onboard the surface vessel.
The mission began with the surface and air crews reviewing the plan, studying nautical and aviation charts, and confirming
the general location and radio frequencies over the telephone before the start of the mission. After appropriate pre-briefs and
risk (GAR) calculations the aircraft departed Cape May Airport (KWWD) at 1005, while 70 miles away the surface vessel
began making way for Barnegat Bay.
The weather was 73 degrees and sunny, clear skies with light winds from the southwest. Air traffic was light which made for
an uncomplicated transit through Atlantic City airspace. The offshore winds kept most recreational boaters and novice boat
anglers on the fence. But there were several boats in the water taking advantage of the first warm day of the year.
Continued on the next page...