Surviving stormy weather with aircrew, water survival training

LOWESTOFT COLLEGE, England -- Karen Abeyasekere, 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs, hooks herself up to the harness on a winch, similiar to that on a helicopter, aided by Master Sgt. Matt Ruch (not pictured), 100th Operations Squadron survival, evasion, resistance and escape operations and training superintendent and SERE instructor, to ensure she has the harness on securely and safely. Abeyasekere, along with 12 U.S. Air Force members from RAFs Mildenhall and Lakenheath, participated in the water survival training July 14, 2011. All aircrew have to undergo this training, which provides them the practical experience and helps them gain confidence to know what to do in a real-world situation. The public affairs specialist participated in the training as part of her "Karen A. picks up the gauntlet" series of articles, which give a first-hand account of the things our Airmen do daily, and highlights those jobs which people may not otherwise know about. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tabitha Lee)