Hyperbaric chamber goes to sea

ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT – Nearly one year after naval flight student training ground to a halt due to soaring physiological episodes (PEs) among jet aircrew, deployed aviators with the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (CSG), are vigilant in self-monitoring for PE symptoms and are armed with a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to treat any potential cases while at sea. PEs fall into two main categories: hypoxia or decompression sickness. PE has been reported in all types of jets. Last spring, the Navy ceased all T-45C Goshawk trainer operations – primarily at Naval Air Stations Meridian, Miss.; Pensacola, Fla.; and Kingsville, Texas – until leadership could take a serious look at the causes. The Navy has “never found a smoking gun” in its search for a root cause, but has taken multiple steps - replacing parts on the aircraft and implementing new maintenance procedures. PEs are down overall, but the CSG’s aircrew and medical staff have a “super sensitive” awareness of the dangers, according to senior medical officer, Cmdr. (Dr.) George Newton. As of March 23, the air wing had 11 potential PEs with both potential categories. All were placed on oxygen during medical evaluations and fully recovered without using the hyperbaric oxygen chamber or other significant medical intervention, Newton told USNI News. Navy Diver 1st Class Wayne Shearer, the chamber supervisor and head of the three-man team with the CSG said the team is “a tool that’s in the back pocket of every aviator onboard …” Shearer assumes every reported symptom will require hyperbaric chamber treatment and is ready to act at each potential episode until it is medically ruled out. The hyperbaric chamber on the TR was only used twice for hyperbaric pressure tolerance tests for special operations candidates, though one of the other carriers actually used the chamber to treat a case of carbon monoxide poisoning for a sailor. (USNI News 03/28/18)