PENSACOLA, Fla. (WGNS) — Airman Hayden Gochcoff, a native of Murfreesboro, is currently serving in the U.S. Navy and training at the Aviation Rescue Swimmer School (ARSS), where the Navy’s next generation of elite rescue swimmers learn to perform life-saving missions in some of the world’s harshest environments.

A 2024 graduate of Blackman High School, Gochcoff joined the Navy less than a year ago and is now advancing through the rigorous training pipeline to become a certified Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR).

“I just wanted to be in a special warfare profession, so I chose to be a rescue swimmer,” said Gochcoff. “I have some family in the military, and my dad influenced me to join to gain experience.”

He credits his upbringing in Murfreesboro with instilling values that are helping him succeed in the military.

“My hometown taught me about being respectful,” he said. “My dad also prepared me for the military structure lifestyle. These traits are helping me succeed in the Navy.”

Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida, the ARSS provides critical training in water survival and CPR for naval aviators, flight officers, and aircrew candidates. Graduates of the program go on to serve as part of the Navy’s premier emergency response unit.

AIRRs are often called upon to leap from helicopters into rough seas, navigate treacherous conditions, and extract survivors in dangerous scenarios. Their motto, “So Others May Live,” underscores the high-stakes nature of their mission.

“My proudest accomplishment is making it through aircrew school and Search and Rescue preparation,” Gochcoff said. “I'm about to start rescue swimmer school, and I'm excited about going through this training.”

As the U.S. Navy celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2025, officials highlight the importance of recruiting and retaining service members like Gochcoff who are dedicated to safeguarding the nation's interests at sea and around the globe.

“Serving in the Navy means always being there when you are needed,” Gochcoff said. “It’s doing all you can to help others. It’s a life and death situation we deal with in this profession.”

He also expressed gratitude to those who supported him along the way.

“I would like to give a shoutout to one of my friends in the Marines, Hunter Cochran,” he said. “He was always there for me and was always supportive. We would help each other get better in physical fitness.”

Looking ahead, Gochcoff says he has his sights set on even greater challenges.

“I would eventually like to try out for the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) program,” he added.