Surviving stormy weather with aircrew, water survival training

LOWESTOFT COLLEGE, England -- The fluorescent light from glow sticks fastened on helmets, the beam from a small flashlight is all that can be seen as the pool at Lowestoft College is switched to stormy, night-time conditions during the water survival portion of survival, evasion, resistance and escape training July 14, 2011. As part of the training, aircrew from RAFs Mildenhall and Lakenheath had to jump into the pool in almost complete darkness, with a wave machine creating six- to eight-foot waves, fans producing a 30-knot wind, and sprinkler system and lighting controls to replicate horrific sea conditions. Everyone had to form a chain, then swim to the life raft before climbing in and pulling the cover over the top -- with each person holding it down and over the sides, in an attempt to stop water pouring in. The SERE instructors teach this training every month, holding twelve training sessions per year. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tabitha Lee)