AN (Airman) George L.S. Wilkes is currently enrolled in Survival Air Rescue (SAR) Training at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida. Airman Wilkes’ SAR training, requiring more than a year to complete through a series of five extremely demanding phases, began on January 5th. Throughout training AN Wilkes will be continuously tested, mentally and physically, to meet the most rigorous standards and challenging circumstances of an Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR).

George L.S. Wilkes

As a member-in-training for the title of Aviation Rescue Swimmer, AN Wilkes strongly values leadership skills and self-determination. The high tempo operations and intense training, including repeated jumps out of helicopters, are preparing him to accomplish any challenge the Navy throws at him.

To qualify for training in the elite Aviation Rescue Swimmer community, AN Wilkes successfully met the high mental standards, as well as physically demanding screening requirements.

AN Wilkes graduated from Navy Boot Camp on the Navy’s 238th birthday, October 12, 2012. While undergoing basic training at the Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, AN Wilkes served as Recruit Master-At-Arms in Division 822. The Navy recognized his division as so head-and-shoulders superior to its contemporaries (13 other divisions with over 1000 sailors) that Division 822 was honored with induction as a “Hall of Fame Company” at the Naval Training Center.

Airman Wilkes, a BSA Eagle Scout and 2012 graduate of Susquehanna Community School District, is the son of George and Colleen Y. Wilkes of Lanesboro.