The exercise scenario was a simulated downed airliner in Kachemak Bay, Alaska. "Victims" to be rescued mark their position with a flare.

Three Arctic neighbors overcame political and cultural barriers in an effort to achieve a common goal-- save lives. ARCTIC SAREX 97, hosted by the U.S. Alaskan Command (ALCOM), brought Russian and Canadian delegations to Anchorage, Alaska from 29 September to 4 October 1997 to join U.S. participants in combined training to improve Arctic search and rescue skills and coordination. This was the fifth SAREX (search and rescue exercise) which brought forces from all three nations together.

"We get to familiarize ourselves with each other's equipment and procedures," said Col. Jed Vanden Dries, ALCOM operations chief and SAREX 97 director. "ARCTIC SAREX gives us a chance to test our ability to deploy, coordinate, and assist one another in search and rescue operations."

Teamwork was the theme for ARCTIC SAREX 97. A simulated downed airliner in the frigid waters of Kachemak Bay, near Homer, Alaska, challenged the multinational force in this year's scenario. Previous SAREX field training was staged using parallel operations, allowing rescue specialists from all three countries to observe and learn the similarities and differences in their equipment and techniques. This year's activity focused on integrated operations, with all forces using primarily U.S. equipment and common procedures. "The more we understand about each other, the more we become like a team," said Lt. Col. Charles Cue, Canadian team leader.

During the first two days of the exercise, the pararescue personnel acquainted themselves with the equipment, developed strategies, and discussed the techniques they would use for the simulated rescue.

"Our biggest difficulty is the language barrier," said Senior Master Sgt. Garth Lenz, 210th Rescue Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard (ANG). "We have the same mission, but explaining the details of how we can accomplish it together can be tough. There never seems to be enough translators."

Despite the language challenge, familiarity and common purpose played a crucial role in the success of the SAREX exercises. Many of the same pararescue personnel and support staff participate in ARCTIC SAREX each year. "We know how each works and we work together perfectly," said Col. Vladimir Kalachev, Russian Federal Aerospace Search and Rescue division chief.

Expertise developed in previous SAREX gatherings was clearly evident during an early practice parachute jump at Fort Richardson's Malamute drop zone. Three passes saw Russians leaving a U.S. C-130 Hercules, Canadians diving from a U.S. HH-60 Blackhawk and Americans "hitting the silk" from the back of a Canadian CC-115 Buffalo. Camaraderie reigned as each delegation cheered, or good naturedly jeered, the perfect (or slightly flawed) landings. They knew all landings would be the same the next day --splashdowns.

The field demonstration began just after noon in Kachemak Bay with clear skies, and calm winds and waters. The leaders of each delegation, along with other exercise observers, watched the search and rescue effort unfold from the deck of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sedge. The surrounding glaciers reminded everyone of the bay's frigid waters. The scenario was set in an environment all three countries share--cold and somewhat remote.

"Everyone benefits from learning techniques and procedures we can use in a real situation, said U.S. Navy Capt. Terry Walstrom, ALCOM plans and policy director. "We never know where a disaster is going to occur. It could be in any of our countries. By developing a better understanding of how each other operates, we will be prepared to respond."

Airdrops began with a C-130 deploying a rescue boat, followed by rescue jumpers. With the first boat inflated and manned, another drop repeated the drill for a second team. Next, U.S. Coast Guard and Alaska Air National Guard helicopters moved in to pluck "victims" from the water, demonstrating their own service unique techniques. Hovering just 10 feet (3 meters) above the water, the Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter dropped a swimmer to assist in loading a single individual into a rescue basket. As they hauled the basket in from a height of 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters), the swimmer moved to ready the next person.

In contrast, the Alaska ANG crew lowered their recovery line from around 150 feet (almost 46 meters), and then maneuvered until two "victims" in a life raft were able to capture and attach themselves to the end buoy. The victims then took what must have been the day's wildest ride. Once given the thumbs-up, the helicopter climbed even higher as a crewman winched in his catch, who were twisting and swaying in the rotor wash and suspended a few hundred feet in the air.

All jumps and water rescues were executed successfully, adding another productive year of combined training and cooperation between the three nations that share most of the northern polar region of the world.

"SAREX 97 was more than just a meeting of friends," said Lt. Gen. Patrick Gamble, Commander, ALCOM. "If the chips were down and we were called upon, we could make it work. We've had a chance to see what equipment the other guy has and how they do things. In the future we'll have commonalties. We are all in the same business. Our militaries are organized and function a lot alike. This exercise gives us a chance to build trust and confidence."

Russian leaders added to the American general's comments. "We could not have imagined this kind of cooperation 10 years ago," said Col. Kalachev. "Everyone did an excellent job and we look forward to continuing to work together."

The head of the Russian delegation at ARCTIC SAREX 97, Maj.-Gen. Aleksandr Puzanov had been to Alaska before and had encountered Alaskan troops, although at that time they weren't exactly working together. Maj.-Gen. Puzanov was then a Soviet TU-95 Bear bomber pilot, often intercepted by U.S. fighter-interceptor aircraft while flying penetration missions against U.S. air defense systems in Alaska.

"I remember I'd encounter pilots from Elmendorf [Air Force Base], thus keeping them well trained, I guess, in intercepting bombers," said a smiling Maj.-Gen. Puzanov at the SAREX banquet. "I'm sure they are very grateful to me for that training opportunity. Now the time has come for me to encounter the same crews and pilots from Elmendorf, but here in Alaska. They are proud to talk about their work and show me their aircraft. I'm only sorry it took so long for this time to arrive."

The camaraderie will continue to grow between these nations, as planning has already begun for ARCTIC SAREX 98, scheduled to be held in Canada.