The original intent of this research was to determine whether this simulator would be beneficial in preparing aviation crews for Hudson River Ice Patrols. During one of these initial research sessions, several TCOs from flotillas along the Hudson River patrol route asked to observe.

When these TCOs watched the AuxAir crews practice the ice patrol routes in the simulator, which included sending practice position reports, these TCOs asked whether they could participate by practicing communications and position plotting in an adjacent room, since they rarely get to practice what they may be called upon to do someday.

Following up on this newly identified interest, the SPG arranged beta tests in which aviation, communications, and surface operations crews were invited to participate.

Northeast District-SR Operations comprises approximately 350 Aviation crews, 150 TCOs/Watchstanders, and 200 Surface crews. A longstanding issue that has frustrated many of these crews' efforts to maintain their proficiencies is the limited opportunities to practice their perishable procedures and skills in real time, either individually, as a crew, or in coordination with all three sections of Air, Surface, and Communications, as may occur during actual SARs or other emergencies.

By adding two additional seats, TCOs, Surface Operations, and other interested parties can now join a flight crew on a simulated ice patrol and gain perspective on this part of the mission.

Multi-person crews or teams learn, retain, and comprehend more when they participate actively as complete, coordinated groups, making their analyses and decisions together in real-time.

Handle the comms and plot positions reports.

During beta-testing, hearing of these research activities, asked if they could observe.

These exercises enable participants from different flotillas and divisions to handle everything from a simple search for an overdue boat or aircraft to complex scenarios, fostering stronger partnerships, clearer roles and responsibilities, and better overall readiness for real-world incidents, including maritime surge and backfilling responses, natural disasters, and assisting in search and rescue missions.

These exercises enhance interoperability and coordination, improve communication among participants in emergency response plans, and support the development and validation of new or updated strategies.

Equally important and valuable is the ability to test the effectiveness of current plans and procedures in a simulated crisis, which can provide feedback for future investments and capability growth, set metrics for upcoming operations, and validate training needs.

LOW RISK HIGH GAIN

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Multi-person crews or teams learn, retain, and derive more when they participate actively as complete, coordinated groups in real time, making their analyses and decisions together.

The original intent of this research was to determine if this simulator training aid would be beneficial to Operations Aviation crews preparing for the Ice Patrol season.

District 1-SR Operations comprises approximately 350 Aviation crews, 150 TCOs/Watchstanders, and 200 Surface crews. A longstanding issue that has frustrated many of these crews' efforts to maintain their proficiencies is the limited opportunities to practice their perishable procedures and tasks in real time, either individually, as a crew, or in coordination with all three sections of Air, Surface, and Communications, as occurs during actual SARs or other emergency situations.

During beta-testing, hearing of these research activities, asked if they could observe.

These exercises enable participants from different flotillas and divisions to handle everything from a simple search for an overdue boat or aircraft to complex scenarios, fostering stronger partnerships, clearer roles and responsibilities, and better overall readiness for real-world incidents, including maritime surge and backfilling responses, natural disasters, and assisting in search and rescue missions.

These exercises enhance interoperability and coordination, improve communication among participants in emergency response plans, and support the development and validation of new or updated strategies.

Equally important and valuable is the ability to test the effectiveness of current plans and procedures in a simulated crisis, which can provide feedback for future investments and capability growth, set metrics for upcoming operations, and validate training needs.