ASAN, Guam (NNS) -- Sailors from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 conducted a search and rescue (SAR) operation and retrieved two distressed mariners off the coast of Saipan, Feb. 25.

Upon the request of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam, a Navy MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopter from HSC-25 launched from Andersen Air Force Base to Saipan at 2:45 p.m. At 10:20 p.m., Navy personnel safely recovered the individuals from their vessel and brought them to the Saipan International Airport.

"This incident is an example of the types of situations our Sailors train for, day-in and day-out," said HSC-25 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Edward Weiler. "In an era where most missions and training exercises are planned well in advance, SAR is a unique mission that [involves] time-critical problem solving and decision making."

HSC-25 is the Navy's only forward-deployed MH-60S expeditionary squadron. As a part of Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific, it provides an armed helicopter capability for U.S. 7th Fleet in support of logistics, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance missions.

HSC-25 is also the only squadron which maintains a 24-hour search and rescue and medical evacuation alert posture, directly supporting the U.S. Coast Guard and Joint Region Marianas.