PENSACOLA, Fla. - Airman Gage Schlemmer, a native of Southport, North Carolina, is serving in the U.S. Navy assigned to Aviation Rescue Swimmer School (ARSS) where the next generation of Aviation Rescue Swimmers (AIRRs) are taught to execute life-or-death rescues in the most extreme conditions imaginable.
Schlemmer is a 2024 graduate of South Brunswick High School.
Schlemmer joined the Navy eight months ago. Today, Schlemmer serves as a student rescue swimmer.
“I joined to become a Navy SEAL and to make it a career,” Schlemmer said.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Southport.
“My father taught me the hard work ethic, and good morals and values that have made me both a good man and sailor,” Schlemmer said. "I also played sports in high school, which taught me teamwork and discipline that have helped me succeed in life."
Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, ARSS provides initial aviation water survival training and CPR qualification to all preflight student naval aviators and student naval flight officers, student flight surgeons, naval aircrew candidates, student aviators from other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and international student aviators.
As part of the world’s most elite Special Operations force, AIRRs are a team dedicated to being the top emergency response unit in the world. Leaping from helicopters, swimming through raging seas and saving victims whose lives are on the line, AIRRs complete search and rescue missions in some of the most extreme environments imaginable. The motto of an AIRR is, “so others may live.” It is a testament to not only the selflessness of this job but the honor, courage, and commitment it takes to do it well.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Schlemmer serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
Schlemmer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being accepted into Aviation Rescue Swimmer School,” Schlemmer said. "It gives me a chance to use my physical skills, especially in swimming, to help others and save lives."
Schlemmer can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy makes my family proud, and it's an honorable thing to do to self-sacrifice for the greater good,” Schlemmer added.
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| Photo by Ensign Tiffany Savoie, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Schlemmer is a 2024 graduate of South Brunswick High School.
Schlemmer joined the Navy eight months ago. Today, Schlemmer serves as a student rescue swimmer.
“I joined to become a Navy SEAL and to make it a career,” Schlemmer said.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Southport.
“My father taught me the hard work ethic, and good morals and values that have made me both a good man and sailor,” Schlemmer said. "I also played sports in high school, which taught me teamwork and discipline that have helped me succeed in life."
Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, ARSS provides initial aviation water survival training and CPR qualification to all preflight student naval aviators and student naval flight officers, student flight surgeons, naval aircrew candidates, student aviators from other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and international student aviators.
As part of the world’s most elite Special Operations force, AIRRs are a team dedicated to being the top emergency response unit in the world. Leaping from helicopters, swimming through raging seas and saving victims whose lives are on the line, AIRRs complete search and rescue missions in some of the most extreme environments imaginable. The motto of an AIRR is, “so others may live.” It is a testament to not only the selflessness of this job but the honor, courage, and commitment it takes to do it well.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Schlemmer serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
Schlemmer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being accepted into Aviation Rescue Swimmer School,” Schlemmer said. "It gives me a chance to use my physical skills, especially in swimming, to help others and save lives."
Schlemmer can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy makes my family proud, and it's an honorable thing to do to self-sacrifice for the greater good,” Schlemmer added.