Photos

250317-N-SE727-2038

HM1 Brian Romero, a native of Gilbert, Arizona, rappels 80 feet from a helicopter during a reenlistment ceremony and search-and-rescue training flight on January 27, 2025, near NAWS China Lake, where he serves with VX-31, known as the “Dust Devils.” Romero is an SMT responsible for providing critical medical care as the sole provider aboard the helicopter while also serving as an air crewman. Stationed at NMRTU China Lake, he also oversees the Aviation Medicine department, ensuring the medical readiness of aviators and mentoring junior Sailors, while supporting VX-31’s 24/7/365 search-and-rescue operations across a vast region, including military bases ranging from NAS North Island all the way to Nellis AFB, as well as civilian rescues in Kern, Mono, Tulare, and Inyo counties and National Parks. During the flight, Romero hoisted a VX-9 XO 50 feet into the aircraft after securing him in an Air Rescue Vest harness, following a reenlistment ceremony held on a snowy peak, showcasing the extreme conditions and high-angle rescue skills that define his unique role (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eric Coffer).