A Day of Survival

By Ronald Dove, January 20, 2015 – I was on a training mission for survival camp. I was part of the U.S. Navy Air Squadron. Our job was photo reconnaissance. We were all required to train for survival. We flew to Hawaii where we engaged in survival training. It was a three day event. We had classroom and field training.

In the field, they gave us a map and compass and dropped us off in the mountains. After hiking about ten miles, we were instructed to use our map and compass to find our way to a specific location where we would be picked up and driven back to camp. If we got lost and could not find our way, we would have to spend the night in the mountains. They would search for us the next day. Well, I did not want to get left behind. I had to find north, line my map up and travel by a longitude and latitude directional degree.

Well, the day gradually turned to evening and nightfall was quickly approaching. My team and I got separated and I was alone. I had to be accurate with my readings if I was to find my way. Over hill and dale, up one (trail) and down another; climbing and walking for hours, I was a bit fearful.

I shouted out across the mountains. I could hear the echo of my voice bouncing back. The sun was almost gone. I sure did not feel like sleeping in the mountains even though I knew they would come for me in the morning. I called out again in desperation. No answer. I thought to myself, I’m in trouble. I sat down to collect my thoughts when suddenly, I heard voices. I thought to myself, I’m the only one around and that’s not my echo. I kept quiet just to be sure.

I decided to walk around some rocks and what did I see?! There were two of my squadron guys sitting just a few feet from where I was hollering. I asked them, “Didn’t you guys hear my voice? Didn’t you hear me calling?” They said, “Yes, but you were doing so good, we let you call for both of us. We were too tired to call. We knew we would see you eventually!”

Well, I was happy and pissed at the same time. We took off together and after short time, we finally caught up with the rest of the troops. The end turned out to be a good day for my training.