Airman Leonardo Torrescuret, a 2024 West Carteret High graduate, joined the U.S. Navy less than a year ago and now serves as a student rescue swimmer at the Aviation Rescue Swimmer School on Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.
The Aviation Rescue Swimmer School, or ARSS, which teaches students lifesaving techniques, how to conduct a helicopter rescue, and CPR qualification, is “where the next generation of Aviation Rescue Swimmers (AIRRs) are taught to execute life-or-death rescues in the most extreme conditions imaginable,” according to the Navy.
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“I’m one of the few that made it to the aircrew school to be a rescue swimmer,” Torrescuret said. “My main focus is getting through ‘A’ school and then going to the fleet.”
Torrescuret, Morehead City native, said he joined the Navy because he wanted to start a career and to travel. “I come from a military family and wanted to continue that tradition.”
He said he learned lessons in high school that he has been applying to his time in the Navy.
“My wrestling coach would always push us to be better,” Torrescuret said. “I find myself remembering that lesson every day in the Navy.”
Torrescuret said his military service gives him a career that he can be proud of, “I wanted to save others and fight for others so they would be able to come back home to their families.”
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He said he will probably reenlist, and then possibly make a lateral move to the Coast Guard.
Torrescuret extended his gratitude to his parents, who he said call him every day and to his teacher, Navy Chief Brisco. “When he first heard that I wanted to join the Navy, he mentored me and gave me a lot of advice on military life.”
