Six members from three Southeast Region wings participated Aug. 30 in overwater survival training at the U.S. Air Force ROTC Building at Auburn University in Alabama.
The Alabama Wing’s 2025 overwater survival training manager, 2nd Lt. Jack Thompson, led the activity, with training conducted by Maj. Nathan “Deacon” Hoffman, Florida Wing director of emergency services.
In addition to academic training, the participants conducted aircraft egress training at Auburn Regional Airport and water survival training phase the Air Force’s Lake Martin Recreation Area beach in Dadeville.
The participants completed a 50-foot swim test and a 10-minute water tread demonstration.
Capt. Wesley Tippins said his unit, the Georgia Wing’s St. Simmons Senior Squadron, flies “water operations 80% of the time.
“I need to be prepared for any emergency, and this training enables me to better prepare my passengers for a water landing,” Tippins said.
Training with Thompson, Hoffman, and Tippins were three Alabama Wing members:
Col. Jayson A. Altieri, wing director of operations
Capt. Heather Loshe, wing assistant legal officer
2nd Lt Sanghyun Han of the Auburn Composite Squadron_____Col. Jayson A. AltieriDirector of OperationsAlabama Wing
