VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
Table 6-14. Rescue Destroyer Stations
Station
Number*
Bearing Relative to
Flight Operations
Course
Distance from Operating Aircraft (yards)
Station Limits
(yards)
When
Stationed
NORMAL RESCUE DESTROYER STATIONS
1 200° 1,000 to 1,500 Day/Night
2 270° 2,500 Night
2A 270° 1,500
3 330° 3,000 Night
3A 000° 2,000
SUPPLEMENTAL RESCUE DESTROYER STATIONS
1N 200° Distance (yards) = (ship speed x 100) - 300. Not less than 1,200
nor more than
2,500**
Day/Night
1SN
Initial station bears
325°; rescue
destroyer slides
back to station
bearing 200°
Initial distance is 1,500 yards; the rescue destroyer steams
at a speed less than signaled speed and the ship operating
aircraft overtakes her. During the slide-back, the rescue
destroyer maneuvers to maintain the 1,500 yard distance.
Time required to complete slide-back may be controlled by
using a speed of relative motion commensurate with the
estimated time required to complete the launch or recovery.
When the slide-back is completed, distance is determined
using the distance formula for station 1N.
Not less than 1,200
nor more than
2,500**
Day
2SNX
190° (relative to
course of carrier)
1,500 (normally) 1,200 to 2,500 Day/Night
3SNX
190° (relative to
course of carrier)
3,000 (normally) 1,200 to 2,000
(from station 2SNX)
Day/Night
4SNX
The rescue destroyer operates on a station which has an inner limit of 2,000 yards and an outer limit of not more
than 6 minutes from the ship. The destroyer gains the outer limit of its station upwind and drops back at such a
relative speed that the outer downwind limit will not be exceeded, passing the ship not closer than 2,000 yards.
If the destroyer has not dropped back to the outer limit of station by the time the launch/recovery has been
completed, the destroyer turns ealier or faster to facilitate gaining the outer limit of station.
On downwind courses, the destroyer repeats the procedure in reverse (that is, sliding back from the outer limit
downwind of the ship to the outer limit upwind, passing the ship not closer than 2,000 yards).
When winds are light and variable and the ship turns toward the destroyer to hunt for the wind, the destroyer
maneuvers clear promptly.
When the ship’s sled is in use on courses out-of-the-wind, the destroyer maneuvers to clear the sled by at least
3,000 yards.
* Number and number-letter stations are not occupied simultaneously. ** OTC may specify maximum distance.
6-81 ORIGINAL