Florida Airmen save lives on the Last Frontier
By 2nd Lt. Leslie Forshaw
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ELEMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska  – A Florida Airman who teamed up with the Alaska Air National Guard to aid avalanche victims in Alaska was dragged 20 feet by a wire cable attached to a 22,000-pound helicopter, twice, through the snow while holding an injured patient on the side of mountain on March 18.

The decisive action of the helicopter’s flight engineer to cut the cable when the snow-blinded aircrew realized what was happening below prevented injury. Wasting little time for fear of additional avalanches, Air Force Reserve Staff Sgt. Darrell Williams, pararescueman (PJ), 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., and fellow Alaska ANG PJ Tech. Sgt. Kristofer Abel, employed their wilderness medicine and survival skill set by treating the injured man and evacuating him to safety.

The patient was one of three men who dug themselves out from an avalanche that buried them while skiing on unprepared slopes after record snowfall.

The 11th U.S. Air Force Rescue Coordination Center alerted the Alaskan Air National Guard’s 176th Air Wing here to help when they got the call. Imbedded temporarily with the ANG, Williams is serving a three-week tour in Alaska to hone his cold weather rescue skills and augment the ANG Guardian Angel Airmen.

“The avalanche struck around 8 p.m. but we got the call around 11 p.m.,” said Williams, who took off in an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter into the cold, dark night with the ANG search-and-rescue team to search for the stranded skiers who had been buried by an avalanche, according to Reuters. “We keep around six bags at the ready with different types of equipment for different types of rescues we do out here — it’s a ‘grab-and-go’ situation when we get a call,” said Williams. “I grabbed my medical and mountain bag, which contains snow shoes, avalanche search equipment, and cold weather gear.”

The weather at the time of the call was clear and cold and the terrain, white, for the 15-20 minute chopper ride to the scene of the accident. The three skiers, according to Reuters, were skiing off of prepared trails in the Chugach Mountains south of Anchorage. Ian Lacroix, 20, was buried with a broken leg, but managed to dig out to reunite with his brother, Nathan, 28, who stayed with him while the third skier, Connor Maloney, 23, made his way down the mountain for help.

Luckily, upon reaching the bottom of the mountain, Maloney flagged down an Alaskan State Trooper for help. “It was really dark but clear when we took off,” said Williams. “We pretty much immediately saw the trooper, who flashed on his car headlights as a reference point on where to start the search.” At 1 a.m., and about a half-mile up the mountain, the Airmen spotted the two skiers. They were waving their headlamp lights at the approaching Pave Hawk. The lights were immediately visible against the darkness, said Williams. “So we circled a few times to see if we could land.”

Due to the slope of the mountain, it was decided to hoist Williams Abel to the snowy ground below. It took a while to hoist the two PJs down to the awaiting skiers. All reference points for the aircrew were obscured by the dense snow, said Williams. The rotor blades kicked up the mounds of snow below; and because it was such a clear night with no wind, the snow just hung in the air like powder, blinding the aircrew with a “white-out.”

Finally on the ground, Williams and Abel detached the hoist cable and approached the skiers. “I immediately went over to the patient and medically assessed him to make sure there were no other life-threatening injuries,” said Williams. “The younger brother had a broken leg inside his boot right above his ankle.” Williams splinted his leg and gave him pain medication before attempting to move him.

First, Williams and the injured patient were to be hoisted together; then Abel would follow with the patient’s brother. “Once he [the injured skier] was good to go, I put him in a rescue strap and attached myself to him in preparation to hoist,” said Williams. The PJs were trying to work fast because they were still in an avalanche zone and both skiers had been in the elements for approximately six hours. Hovering overhead and still encountering visibility issues, the crew was unable to tell that Williams and the patient were connected to the hoist.

In an instant, the helicopter jerked Williams and the injured skier about 20 feet through the snow, but never lifting them off the ground. Then it happened again – another 20-foot drag through the snow. “We were trying to get reestablished on the ground when the flight engineer, who couldn’t see if we were still attached or not, cut the cable for safety reasons,” Williams said. “We were still on the ground so it wasn’t like we fell from the air.”

The GA Airmen had to reassess their situation. While Williams stayed with the injured skier, Abel trudged through deep, heavy snow to find a suitable spot for the helicopter to land. Abel found that spot about 100-150 yards from where Williams was caring for the patient and was able to guide the pilots safely to it with his headlamp.

The two PJs splinted the injured skier’s leg, packaged him up in a hypothermic bag then slid him on a rescue sled to the awaiting helicopter for transport to the hospital. On board the helo, “I was glad to be out of the elements and not sinking in the snow anymore,” said Williams, who furthered medical treatment on the patient. “I could get the patient more comfortable, get his vitals and a more detailed assessment ensuring nothing else was wrong.”

The ANG here performs civilian search and rescues frequently, which is why Senior Master Sgt. Michael Ziegler, Operations Superintendant, 308th Rescue Squadron, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., has been sending Florida pararescue Airmen to Alaska since January.

“As Williams experienced, the environment and elements make the rescue unpredictable,” says Ziegler. “He had to think outside the box and his performance was spot on.”

The three-week rotations for the Florida Reserve Guardian Angel Airmen started in January and will continue through September. There are a minimum of two GAs per rotation; and even though on alert, they still train, said Ziegler, as this incident is not unlike the job objective when deployed to a war zone.

For more information on the 920th Rescue Wing, visit their website and Facebook page.

*(Editor’s note: Some data in this article was compiled from a March 18th Reuters story, and has been edited for length.)

Mother-daughter mountain adventure helps visually impaired teen see possibilities

By Capt. Cathleen Snow

920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla – Air Force Reservist and married mother of three, Tech. Sgt. Francine Torres doesn’t think twice about her two-hour daily commute to work each way.

In fact, she chooses to live 100 miles away from her job so her visually impaired 17-year-old daughter, Jasmyn Polite, can attend the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind in St. Augustine, Fla.

“I just do it; I love her,” said the knowledge operations manager who is employed here as an air reserve technician, a dual-hatted civilian and military service member with the 920th Rescue Wing’s Force Support Squadron.

“It’s never really been that difficult for me. I expect the same things from her that I expect from my sons,” said Torres. Her sons, ages 14 and 16, have no physical disabilities.

It was through a co-worker, Master Sgt. Marian Smith, a 920th career advisor, that Torres learned about the military-sponsored White Mountain Adventure Camp for Military Teens with Physical Disabilities, a program that would change her daughter’s life.

Leaving Florida behind last month for New Hampshire’s wintry 30-degree temperatures and snow was an adventure in of itself, as they rarely travel far from home.

Bundled in winter garb, the pair soon found themselves on sleds, skis, and ice skates, enjoying each other and the White Mountain adventure as advertised, to the fullest.

“We tried a lot of things we normally wouldn’t do,” said Torres. Dog sledding, snow tubing, mountain roller coasting, ice skating, and sit-down ice skating filled their activity calendar during the long weekend. “I did everything but ice skating,” said Torres.

At first her daughter hesitated to try it too, but after a few wobbly steps, two instructors swooped in and held her up as they circled around a frozen lake. “She learned she didn’t like it, but now you know, at least you tried it,” said Torres.

Torres said her daughter thought skiing was for “crazy people” until she tried it herself and found out she really liked it. Ski instructors held a training pole across the slope while the kids held on and skied. Jasmyn even boarded a moving ski lift inclining the mountain with the help of the camp’s therapeutic recreation specialist, and modified ski-lift chairs.

“They were flying down the mountain,” said Torres. “It was an awesome program and we had a lot of fun.”

They had so much fun that her daughter didn’t want to leave.

“The counselors were so great!” said Torres. She said they made sure the more severely handicapped kids did everything the other kids did too. They even pulled some of the kids on sleds if they couldn’t hike the mountain-trail.

While Jasmyn liked the snow tubing best, Torres was fondest of the dog-sledding adventure because of the interaction with the huskies.

But above all, it was the interaction with her daughter that topped her list.

Her daughter is already looking forward to attending next year’s camp. In the meantime, she and the other kids friended each other on Facebook, a way for them to enrich their newly made friendships, one of the camp’s goals.

Torres said she’s seen a change in her daughter. “It raised her confidence level and sense of adventure–helped her see that she can try things that she’s afraid of.” Torres highly recommends the camp to others.

She also felt that even though it was the first year running the camp that, “it was really well organized, but only a dozen kids attended,” said Torres who wants others to have the same positive experiences.

The program consists of four camps at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center in Bretton Woods, N.H., and is open to military teens ages 14-18 nationwide.

The goal: to enjoy classic winter sports and activities as they build friendships with other military teens.

Funding for Military Teen Adventure Camps has been made available through a partnership between the Department of Defense, Office of Military Community & Family Policy and the United States Department of Agriculture/National Institute of Food & Agriculture.

For information and updates on the 920th RQW follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

Rescue Reserve Airmen return home from 120-day deployment

By Senior Airman David Carbajal
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

10/16/2011 - CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan  – ”These things we do, that others may live.” For the 920th Rescue Wing, Air Force Reserve Command’s only rescue wing, this isn’t just a motto — it’s a mission both at their home station and abroad.

Approximately 60 members of the 920th RQW, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., were assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron detachment at Camp Bastion from early June to early October. The rescue Airmen completed nearly 500 missions saving more than 350 lives during their 120-day deployment.

The squadron, using HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, flew pararescuemen, commonly known as PJs, to various locations in Afghanistan’s Regional Command Southwest to medically evacuate injured service members and civilians from the battlefield, day or night.

“In this region, where kinetic engagements are common, we have to be ready at all times,” said Lt. Col. Tim Davis, 920th Operations Group vice commander, who served as the 26th ERQS commander during the deployment.

“Our unit has one of the highest utilization rates in all of the Air Force,” Davis said. “So, unfortunately, we don’t have much ‘down time.’”

The seven-man teams worked 12-hour shifts every day throughout the duration of their deployment, Davis said.

The rescue teams are notified by a “9-line” medical evacuation request. This request includes crucial information such as location and extent of the injuries, Davis said. He explained the three alert categories of a 9-line: A, B or C. Category A injuries involve a threat of loss of life, limb or eyesight. Therefore, the rescue squadron must airborne within 15 minutes of notification and must have the patient to Camp Bastion in one hour, known as the “Golden Hour,” during which the chances of survival are much higher. Category B injuries are non-life threatening, but injured service members must be taken to a hospital within four hours. Category C is for minor injuries that can be endured for 24 hours.

The unit evacuates U.S. service members, Defense Department civilians, contractors, coalition forces, and local casualties.

“It doesn’t matter what uniform they have on; if they’re injured, we’ll help them,” Davis said.

The medical treatment of the casualty isn’t the only thing the team is worried about on a mission.

“We’ll occasionally come under fire while on a rescue mission,” Davis said. “When this happens, we rely on our aerial gunner and flight engineer to keep us safe.”

Each HH-60 is equipped with a .50-caliber machine gun mounted on each side of the helicopter to return fire. Even without enemy contact, the teams can have difficult missions; Davis said the area is infamous for “brownouts.”

A brownout is an aviation term for a cloud of thick dust that significantly decreases visibility when a helicopter lands on a dusty surface. Davis called his members the “absolute best” at brownout landings due to their broad range of experience.

“We have former B-1 test pilots and F-14 fighter pilots who have flown in all types of weather conditions,” Davis said. “Everyone here is highly experienced.”

Brownouts can also take their toll on helicopter engine performance.

“The thick dust gets sucked into the engines and essentially burns the engines up,” Davis said. “The brownouts can also damage the rotary blades.”

Despite the challenges the squadron faced over the course of the deployment, Davis said he couldn’t be happier with his members’ performance.

“What we’ve been able to do here is nothing short of amazing,” Davis said. “We’ve come together as a team from various backgrounds — maintenance, (operations) support, aircrew, PJs — and worked together to do an incredible job. It’s been fabulous, and I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

For more information on the 920th Rescue Wing, check their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter.

Staff Sgt. Anna-Marie Wyant, 920th RQW Public Affairs, also contributed to this article.

Future Air Force Chaplains get pararescue fit to fight

By Airman 1st Class Natasha Dowridge
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Being an Airmen in a combat-search-and-rescue wing, there’s a high demand for physical, mental, moral and spiritual readiness at a moment’s notice.

The job demands persistent visits to the gym, while the mental, moral, and spiritual aspect may be harder to come by. To meet this need, Air Force Reserve Command spiritual leaders, known as chaplains, enter a rigorous journey to adequately minister to Reserve Airmen.

The path behind the crosses worn by chaplains led them to a weeklong visit here to learn about the 45th Space Wing and 920th Rescue Wing, August 8-12. This last stop on their 33-day sojourn proved to be the most enlightening as a cold wave of tragedy reigned over the hottest days of summer.

Guardian Angel Airmen from the 920th RQW preparing for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan found themselves attending a memorial service for SEALs and fellow pararescuemen from another unit who were among the 30 Americans killed in action August 6. Along with the wing chaplains, future chaplains demonstrated their support by offering a spiritual hand upon their return.

To return the favor, the world’s most skilled rescue specialists shared their lifesaving skills with the chaplain candidates, allowing each to reciprocate what the other had to offer.

Among their many stops in and around Patrick AFB and nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the 32 chaplain candidates observed a live pararescue training event over the Banana River that showcased the strength and prowess it takes to save lives in combat. As the only Reserve CSAR unit in the nation, seeing the unique aspects of the 920th RQW was an impactful finale for their summer study.

The Air Force Chaplain Candidate Intensive Internship Program consists of 100 days of active duty service over two summers. Candidates use this time off from seminary school traveling between Air Force bases to soak up knowledge and learn how each mission affects its Airmen.

“The whole program is designed to help them (chaplain candidates) see if this is a ministry they feel called to do,” said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Steven J. Nicolai, AFRC Headquarters chaplain candidate program manager. “It is meant to be a quick courtship between the candidates and the military to see if they like the military opportunities.”

This first year is a used to paint a mission-specific view of the Air Force while next year will offer more on-the- job training for the future chaplains. Since the program’s establishment four years ago, Patrick AFB has been an important stop.

“The candidates are very young and excitable,” said Nicolai.

Col. Christopher Hannon, commander of the 920th Operations Group, shared stories of the how daily training by 920th men and women are put to the test when they are deployed.

“I really believe the chaplain candidates were able to connect to the reality of what this wing does because we have people here who have been through it and share their stories,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Chaplain Matthew C. Simpson, 920th RQW chaplain.

By coming to the rescue wing, they receive hands-on experience and that’s what the candidates love to see,” said Nicolai. “They get a sense of the special settings that they may be called to minister.”

“It’s my hope with these chaplain candidates who experienced our unique mission in combat search and rescue (that) they will see the value of being a chaplain, not just in this context but to wherever they may be called,” said Simpson.

The unit’s peacetime mission is to provide search-and-rescue support for civilians at sea who are lost or in distress, and to assist in humanitarian and disaster-relief operations.

For more information about the 920th RQW, log on to the wing’s Web site: www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

ON BASE
Air Force Reservists serve as astronauts’ Guardian Angels for one final launch

By Staff Sgt. Anna-Marie Wyant
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

Despite threatening weather, Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off Launch Pad 39A at 11:29 a.m. at Kennedy Space Center and disappeared into the clouds over Florida’s east coast for the last time July 8, marking the end of an era for NASA, the space shuttle program, and the 920th Rescue Wing’s astronaut search-and-rescue mission.

The 920th RQW — the Air Force Reserve’s only rescue wing — cleared the range before this final launch known as Space Transportation System (STS) -135, NASA’s 135th shuttle flight, ensuring people and boats were a safe distance from the shuttle launch path. The final launch carried a four-person crew, the smallest crew since STS-6 in 1983, and marked the 33rd mission for Atlantis. The 920th RQW, located at Patrick Air Force Base, has been conducting search-and-rescue and range-clearing missions for the shuttle program since the first launch in 1981, but its history with NASA goes back even farther.

“Manned spaceflight is something the 920th Rescue Wing has been doing really since the early ’60s, participating in one way or another,” said Col. Robert Ament, vice wing commander, 920th RQW.

The 920th RQW, which was originally the 301st Rescue Squadron, was activated in 1956 at Miami International Airport and relocated to Patrick years later. In 1961, the unit provided rescue-contingency operations for the first Mercury launch, beginning its longstanding relationship with NASA.

Since then, Air Force Reserve and active-duty rescue units have successfully provided search-and-rescue support, notably on the first recorded real-life astronaut rescue. When NASA launched the Aurora 7 capsule on May 24, 1962 as part of the Project Mercury program, the capsule missed its intended landing area by approximately 250 miles and landed in the Atlantic Ocean, just east of Puerto Rico. Staff Sgt. Ray E. McClure and Airman 1st Class John F. Heitsch, pararescuemen from the 41st Air Rescue Squadron — then located at Hamilton Air Force Base, Calif. — jumped from an Air Sea Rescue SC-54 aircraft and attached an auxiliary flotation collar to the Aurora 7 to keep it from sinking. They stayed with the craft and its only passenger, astronaut Scott Carpenter, until a U.S. Navy helicopter picked them up and transported them to safety.

For every manned space mission thereafter, Air Force rescue personnel have been present to clear the range and stand by in the event of a mishap. The 920th RQW uses HC-130 King refueling aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters to transport their highly-trained and effective rescue teams, often called Guardian Angels. Their unique combat search-and-rescue skills and equipment make them the most qualified in the world to respond to any emergency scenario, the worst being one that would cause the astronauts to bail out over the Atlantic Ocean during liftoff. To best prepare for this scenario, 920th RQW regularly performed what they called Mode VIII exercises with NASA astronauts.

NASA astronaut Richard R. Arnold II said he trained on a Mode VIII exercise with 920th RQW personnel approximately five years ago for search, rescue, and recovery training.

“I was one of the dummies they dropped off in the ocean and pretended I was incapacitated,” Arnold said. “They took good care of us. It’s an amazing operation.”

Arnold, who flew on the STS-119 Discovery launch in March 2009, said he is thankful for the support the 920th RWQ has given him and his fellow astronauts over the years.

“It’s one of those things where you hope you never ever see those guys, but you’re really glad they’re there,” Arnold said of the Guardian Angels. “It’s kind of a nice security blanket knowing they are there taking care of us.”

With the shuttle program coming to an end, Arnold said he is proud to have been part of such an amazing program. While many people focus on the astronauts, he said the program’s end signifies so much more.

“It’s an unusual day,” Arnold said. “But to me, it’s kind of a celebration of all the folks around the country who’ve made it all possible, including the 920th Rescue Wing. I don’t think most people understand how much coordination and how many people are involved around the county to make this whole thing work, and how we get each shuttle to fly safely. Today is all about them.”

Ament also voiced his feelings over the last shuttle launch and what it means for the wing.

“It’s a bittersweet day; we had a wonderful launch, but we also had the last launch of the space shuttle program,” said Ament, who has been on approximately six NASA search-and-rescue training missions and fifteen range-clearing missions. “Our training that we’ve done, our equipment we provided for the space shuttle, the specific equipment that we built ourselves, that we developed within the 920th, that we used to rescue astronauts, is significant, and it was a huge contribution to the overall space effort. But, with that going away, much of what we developed will in fact go away as well because we have no follow-on program identified.”

So what’s next for NASA and the 920th RQW?

“We still have the rocket range clearing mission, so we’ll still keep that at least for the near-term,” Ament said. “But that is a much simpler mission in the fact that there is no rescue. If there is a situation where rocket does explode, we don’t have a recovery portion of that mission.”

After 30 years of supporting shuttle launches, the 920th RQW will continue to focus more on its primary mission.

“Our number-one priority has to be to maintain mission-ready status for all personnel recovery forces,” Ament said.

With their highly trained rescue personnel, the 920th RQW stands ready to support the next era of manned spaceflight, willing to meet the needs of NASA’s unique, evolving missions.

Flights, Pararescuemen Battle for Hearts of Civic Leaders

By Airman First Class Natasha Dowridge
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE – Mission successes by Reserve Airmen here are not solo accomplishments — those who support them can share in the accolades received as well. It is through community support that Airmen young and old complete boot camp, train for the mission and, consequently, have a successful mission when deployed. The local civic leader supporters help make that possible for the Rescue Reservists of the 920th Rescue Wing here.

Civic leaders, which consist of business owners to city commissioners, from the local area, joined Rescue Wing Airmen on a tour of the 920th RQW. The tour was a means to demonstrate to the civic leaders what their reservist employees do on an average day of work and how that correlates to a deployment.

“The orientation by Colonel Dunn (920th Rescue Wing Commander) and staff was exceptional and provided me with an in-depth view of what the 920th RQW does,” said Ms. Nancy Snyder, Senior Sales Manager at the Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront.

However, learning about what reservists do through PowerPoint, videos and lectures was just the beginning of the informative day for the civic leaders. They had the opportunity to use night vision goggles and had a weapons demonstration by the combat arms training and maintenance instructor, Staff Sgt. Charity Orriss, 308th Rescue Squadron.

Lectures and videos showed the missions of the 920th Rescue Wing, but it was time for the guests to gear up and jump onto either an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter or HC-130P/N King aircraft for a familiarization flight. Most of these local business owners see the combat helicopters and aircraft daily during training exercises – this part of the tour allowed them to get up close and personal with the crew and pilots of the different aircraft.

For Ms. Snyder, the ride was her most memorable part of the tour.

The flights went north up the coast and around the shuttle launch pad where the last space shuttle, Atlantis, is parked. It is scheduled to launch next month with the 920th RQW, as usual, guardians of the astronauts.

“It was a once in a lifetime helicopter ride,” said Ms. Snyder. “I rode the skirts of the Brevard County Coast and had a phenomenal view of the ocean and space center.”

The HC-130 King and HH-60G Pave Hawk are combat search and rescue outfitted. They both also perform combatant and noncombatant evacuations, medical evacuations, disaster response, humanitarian assistance and NASA space flight support.

Although Ms. Snyder’s first ride on a government aircraft was her most enjoyable moment of the tour, Ms. Deborah Wright’s, owner of The Green Room Café in Cocoa Beach, said hers was the pararescueman (PJ) demonstration.

“Seeing the equipment that pararescuemen have to wear in different elements was fascinating. I couldn’t imagine wearing all that gear, being in the small space of the helicopter and still being able to save a life,” said Ms. Wright, who also flew on the helicopter. “I was impressed.”

Senior Airmen Kristopher Tomes and Tim Klein, Air Force Reserve pararescuemen, were on hand to demonstrate the missions of the PJs and the tools used to make them successful. They showed off the gear that must be worn while swimming, hiking, skiing and jumping out of aircraft. Along with the gear, were the numerous uniforms the PJs wear in different environments.

It’s amazing to know that every mission could be life threatening for the PJs and to have seen all the equipment that they must carry, jump and swim with was a learning experience, said Ms. Wright.

“To sum it up – it’s all to save a life of a perfect stranger,” Ms. Wright exclaimed.

The civic leaders concluded their trip with a lunch at the dining facility with Reservists from the 920th RQW, including  Col. Dunn and Colonel Robert Ament,  Vice Wing Commander of the 920th.

However, the flights and PJ demonstrations were highlights for the civic leaders, including Ms. Snyder and Wright’s.

“It was a learning experience beyond belief,” said Ms. Wright.

For more information about the 920th RQW, log on to the wing’s Web site: www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

Reservists save millions of dollars with a few steps

By Staff Sgt. Leslie Forshaw
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing Maintenance Group are charged with not only maintaining life-saving aircraft here, but also saving millions of dollars in equipment damage with a few simple steps.

Several times a week, as the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean, which is about a stone’s throw away from the flightline, about 100 maintenance personnel line up on one side of the aircraft parking ramp. Spread out six football fields in width, they begin a human sweep for any debris or foreign objects across to the other side, about a football field-and-a-half away.

They search for and eliminate anything which could potentially be sucked into any one of the wing’s 15 aircraft engines or mechanical systems: six HC-130P/N King fixed-wing aircraft or nine HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters.

The Foreign Object Damage or Debris (FOD) and Dropped Object Prevention (DOP) Programs are an incredibly important part of the maintenance regime here — and often not thought of by the majority of Patrick Air Force Base personnel.

“These FOD walks are important to the safety of our aircraft,” said Master Sgt. Brian Ball, 920th Rescue Wing FOD/DOP Monitor. “We save millions of dollars in repairs by participating in this preventative maintenance.”

Before any vehicle can enter the flightline area, the driver must inspect the tires and undercarriage to make sure there are no damage-causing objects, said Sergeant Ball.

These objects can be anything that is potentially damaging to the aircraft or flight, such as rocks, food wrappers, sticks, and chunks of asphalt or cement.

This mandatory program here keeps people in check as they go about their daily work on the flight line. As a precaution before every flight, the crew chief will inspect the area around the aircraft for debris, and right before any landing the same procedure will be in effect.

Due to low manning, the maintenance squadron cannot be on the flight line every morning for FOD walks; instead, there is a motorized sweeper that is used in the interim.

The FOD walk isn’t just for the sticks and stones, but also holds the maintenance Airmen responsible for the tools and equipment they bring on the flight line, said Sergeant Ball.

“Every piece of equipment must be accounted for after working on an aircraft,” explains Sergeant Ball. “We describe it as a clean-as-you-go process.”

This program is so important that every incoming Reservist here is subjected to the training at the monthly “Newcomer’s Brief” that welcomes them, but also gives them a run-down of the 920th RQW and all the different programs and procedures here.

“We, maintenance and safety folks, don’t want it to turn into out-of-sight out-of-mind on the flight line,” said Tech. Sgt. Raymond McCaig, 920th RQW Ground Safety Manager. “Everyone is involved with this program.”

For more information on the 920th Rescue Wing, visit their http://www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil/index.asp website and like them on http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/920th-Rescue-Wing/142804449075083 Facebook and http://twitter.com/#!/920threscuewing Twitter.

Monster Mash builds never-quit attitude in Special Forces Airmen
By Capt. Cathleen Snow
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – A swim competition across a river and a foot race against traffic was just another training day for Air Force Reserve Special Forces Airmen here April 21.

While training is the bread and butter for pararescuemen and combat rescue officers, an elite personal recovery team charged with saving lives anywhere in the world, no one ever said it couldn’t be fun. A Monster Mash pitted the Guardian Angel Weapons System against each in a test that built endurance and camaraderie at the same time.

The men plunged into the salty river and swam fast against the current and one another from one side to the other — nearly two miles.

Then they threw off their sea legs and hit the pavement for the final six-mile trek along State Road A1A through Cocoa Beach. http://www.cityofcocoabeach.com/

The entire support team from 308th Rescue Squadron, including their spouses, children, and even some curious spectators, cheered the men on as they crossed the finish line at a popular lunch spot on the beach.

Long-time pararescueman and Cocoa Beach native, Master Sgt. Chris Seinkner, led the way, finishing first in his hometown with an impressive time of 1 hour and 42 minutes. Shortly thereafter, the rest of the 28 men followed suit at various intervals.

Pararescueman Senior Airman Kris Tomes of Melbourne said he looked at the event as a gut check, part of his training and as a team-building exercise. He finished among the top half with a time of 2 hours, 12 minutes and 30 seconds.

“I haven’t done this in a long time,” Tomes said after the swim. “It’s tough but ‘never quit’ is still in our heads.”

An attitude that allows them to live by the pararescue motto, these things we do that other may live.

The 920th Rescue Wing is an Air Force Reserve combat-search-and-rescue wing and is one of the most-deployed wings in the nation. Its Airmen are not only charged with saving lives during combat, but are tasked as guardians of the astronauts during manned space shuttle launches from nearby Kennedy Space Center. To learn more about the 920th Rescue Wing, join them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

ON BASE: Flying the fleet trains Airmen, brings pride
By Staff Sgt. Annamarie Wyant
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Airmen from the Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing here stepped up to the challenge from their commander, Col. Robert Dunn, who had them launch the wing’s entire fleet of aircraft March 6 during their drill training weekend.

The mission simulated a mass hurricane evacuation prior to the start of Florida’s storm season, as well as the 920th RQW’s busy deployment schedules.

Three HC-130P/N King fixed-wing aircraft were launched at approximately 9 a.m. Immediately following their takeoff, Airmen launched six HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters.

Onlookers on the beach said the aircraft disappeared into the mist shortly after liftoff as there was a thick cloud cover and it rained off and on around the base when the planes took off.

Airmen flew the aircraft several miles out to sea where the Kings refueled the Pave Hawks, then the fleet returned to the coastline, flew south approximately 10 miles, then turned and flew north about the same distance north along Cocoa Beach, then back to PAFB.

Colonel Dunn said this was the first time the entire operational fleet was flown in more than 15 years and it was significant for 920th RQW Airmen for many reasons.

“To do something like this takes a lot of effort,” Colonel Dunn said. “These are old planes; to put one hundred percent of them in the air together is a major feat that required a lot of time, effort and coordination from everyone.

In addition to training for hurricane evacuation and natural disaster relief, Colonel Dunn said having the aircraft maintainers work together and see the fruits of their labor was a great morale booster for them.

“It’s good practice, and it’s motivational,” he said. “To see the (aircraft) maintainers out there watching all the planes and helicopters take off, and seeing the pride in their faces for what they’ve accomplished, makes it all worth it.”

The colonel said he knew this would require extensive work from all Airmen, but he believes the entire wing benefited from it. He said it was a great success, and he was proud of the hard work his Airmen did to make it happen.

“It couldn’t have been a better day,” he said. “There was a lot of pride out there.”

The maintainers started organizing the mission early to make sure everything would run smoothly. They began coordinating three months earlier with pilots and aircrew.

The wing has three additional HC-130s to the three that launched, but two are getting scheduled maintenance inspections at other locations, and one is at another location performing a temporary duty mission. The wing also has two additional helicopters, but they are also getting scheduled maintenance inspections off-site.

The primary mission of the 920th RQW is a combat-search-and-rescue. The unit is also tasked as the primary rescue force for NASA astronauts during lift off and local civilian search and rescue, as well as humanitarian relief. For more information on the 920th Rescue Wing, log onto their web site or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

ON BASE: Air Force Reserve Rescuers support historic launch
By Capt. Cathleen Snow
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. – The U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing at nearby Patrick Air Force provided flawless rescue and Eastern Range support for NASA’s successful launch of the final scheduled flight of Space Shuttle Discovery on February 24. The launch occurred at 4:50 p.m. (EDT) from Space Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center.

A combined team of military, government civilians and contractors from across the 920th Rescue Wing and 45th Space Wing provided vital support to the STS-133 mission. The 920th RQW’s role was to patrol the Eastern Range ensuring the safety and security of mariners during lift off, and to serve as guardians to the astronauts if something were to go wrong during lift off.

The Air Force Rescuers have served as the primary rescue force supporting manned spaceflight since the early 90s, and have more than 400 rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center and CCAFS launches since that time.

STS-133 marks the 35th flight of a shuttle to the International Space Station. It’s commanded by Steve Lindsey, a retired Air Force colonel. Active Air Force Colonels Eric Boe and Alvin Drew are Pilot and Mission Specialist-1, respectively.

“As a proud group of Airmen called Guardians of the Astronauts, I congratulate my team for their role in this historic mission, and also the team as a whole for another successful launch supporting our nation’s manned-space program,” said Col. Robert Dun, 920th RQW Commander who piloted an HH-60G Pave Hawk from his wing’s fleet in support of rescue operations.

Discovery and her crew will deliver to the ISS the Permanent Multipurpose Module, critical spare components, the Express Logistics Carrier 4 and Robonaut 2, the first human-like robot in space. The mission will feature two spacewalks to do maintenance work and install new components.

Air Force pararescuemen have been called upon to serve as rescue response for astronauts since the beginning of manned spaceflight.

For more informatoin on the 920th Rescue Wing’s support for manned spaceflight and combat search and rescue endeavors, follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

ON BASE
By Staff Sgt. Leslie Kraushaar
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

Rescue Airmen angle for new rescue techniques

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. – What do you do with an empty, 300-foot tall, metal building that, at one time, was used to build rockets?

Air Force Reserve Pararescuemen (PJs) and combat rescue officer (CROs) from the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, found a way to put it to good use which included ropes, pulleys, climbing gear, helmets, gloves, and lots of sweat.

Dressed in air battle uniforms — tactical vests, body armor, radios and ballistic helmets — that added weight and limited mobility, the pararescuers assumed the task of hauling a “survivor” up-and-down the steel platforms that at one time held a Titan Rocket.

Rescuers, active duty and reserve, are attending a two-week course, ROCO Rescue, held here that hones their rescue skills in a not-so-ordinary way.

“We simulate anything – any type of situation that these guys may find their selves in and have a victim to rescue,” said Mr. Ishmael “Ish” Antonio, tactical program manager and instructor for ROCO Rescue.

The ROCO Rescue course specializes in high-altitude, high-angle and confined space rescues. The use of the very tall building works well for them to hoist a PJ and “victim” up very high, severe areas.

This training is required for all PJs and CROs both active duty and reserve.

“We are considered rescue technicians,” said Capt. James Sluder, reserve combat rescue officer with the 920th RQW. “This course and our knowledge of ropes give us the credibility to be able to come in and do the rescue in a timely, safe fashion.”

Using this training comes in handy with deployments always looming in the future and the humanitarian rescues that can happen at any time. In fact, this exact training was put to use during their last deployment in Afghanistan where they had to extract and save over 300 Afghan Nationals from buried vehicles after an avalanche swept away a road last year.

“You never know what you’re going to get until you get there,” said Mr. Antonio.

The PJs and CROs are a unique group. Their knowledge of ropes sets them apart from the other Special Forces entities and allows them to perform their duties in technically challenging areas, such as mountains, ravines, rivers and, in some cases, industrial areas, said Mr. Antonio.

“You have to be able to think quickly in these situations,” said Sergeant Durham. “Time is always against you and the best protection from being killed is speed.”

The 920th RQWis an Air Force Reserve Command’s Combat-Search-and-Rescue Unit. There are two geographically separated units, each with their own Guardian Angel Weapons System (CROs, PJs and search, evasion, resistance, escape specialists) at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. and Portland International Airport, Ore.

The wing is comprised of 1,500 Airmen who live by the motto, these things we do, that others may live.

For more information on the 920th Rescue Wing, log onto: Facebook/920th Rescue Wing, or visit their website at: www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil

Air Force Reservists featured in Smithsonian Channel Documentary for Heroics
By Capt. Cathleen Snow

920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.  – Local Air Force Reserve Combat-Search-and Rescue (CSAR) Airmen, from the 920th Rescue Wing here, are featured for their heroics in a newly released documentary titled, “The Taliban Gambit,” which will be airing on the Smithsonian Channel through January.

Deep in the mountains of Afghanistan, nearing the end of their overseas deployment in June 2005, Airmen from the 920th RQW at PAFB were called upon to find and rescue a Navy SEAL who was the sole survivor of the largest loss of life in the Special Forces community since
the Vietnam war.

“Nothing prepared me that day for what I saw under my night vision goggles on that mountain side in Afghanistan… the world outside my rotor tips came to a complete stop as our PJs (pararescuemen) met with the Navy SEAL and took the time to painstakingly pin the American flag on the body bag of the fallen member we were sent to recover,” said Lt. Col. Kurt Matthews, HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter pilot and 308th Rescue Squadron Commander here.

“It didn’t matter that the Marines were shelling the next valley over, or that the A-10s were striking targets on our route as we came in and out of the landing zone; all that mattered was the proper respect be paid for our brother-in-arms,” Lt. Colonel Matthews remembers.

Although U.S. forces were unsure at the time if any of the SEALs had survived the conflict, their mission was to fly their Pave Hawk helicopters into some of the most inhospitable territory in the world to find out.

In the “Taliban Gambit” you’ll witness this heroic search and rescue, where reservists showed the world, and themselves, what they’re capable of when duty calls. Not only did the Airmen find and pull out the only survivor of the ordeal, Petty Officer Marcus Luttrell, but to keep with the U.S.’s policy to leave no service member behind, they went back in to the hostile region, to recover the bodies of his three fallen team mates.

Several years later, the rescued Navy SEAL found his account of the ordeal on the New York Times bestseller list in a book he penned after being medically discharged from the service.

Titled, “Lone Survivor, the Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10,” where the book ends the documentary begins. “Taliban Gambit” reveals for the first time, the details of this harrowing rescue told by Airmen — a mixture of HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter aviators and pararescuemen.

The rest of the Airmen featured in the documentary are scattered about the U.S. and a handful still serve here with the 920th RQW.

The Smithsonian Channel airings of the “Taliban Gambit” are: 1/3: 10 a.m.; 1/5-6: 7 p.m. and 2 a.m.; 1/9-10: 4 p.m. and 5 a.m.; 1/24: 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.; 1/31: 10 a.m.

For more information on the 920th RQW, log onto: Facebook/920th Rescue Wing or visit their web site at www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil.

A Veteran’s Day story: Hell’s Guest campaigns for remembrance

By Staff Sgt. Leslie Kraushaar

920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

While pundits all over the nation recently ended frenzied campaigns in races for political office, one man continues at a slow but steady pace on his campaign for America. One that’s taken years, which he hopes will never end.

His campaign: remembrance.

“I came here to talk about what happened to me and to make it real; to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” explained Colonel Glenn D. Frazier (Ret.), an American Prisoner of War and Bataan Death March survivor from April 9, 1942 to September 4, 1945.

At 87, the stoic colonel filled out his Army service dress well. While his white hair contrasted his uniform’s deep green color, a rack of military medals dangled like weights, pulling down slightly to the right side of his chest, clanging softly when he moved. Among them were: the Medal of Freedom, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and more, coloring his chest with many acts of heroism.

He was awarded four purple hearts in all, but today he would reward Reserve Airmen of the 920th Rescue Wing here with his story. The survivor’s gray eyelashes framed his watery blue eyes that were as vivid as his memories.

“At my age, I’m in a campaign to pay back my country and the people in the service; they need to know what happened to us in Bataan so it will never, ever happen again,” said Colonel Frazier.

The Bataan Death March took place in the Philippines in 1942. After a three-month battle at the start of World War II, about 80,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war were captured by the Japanese. The Japanese commanding officer, General Masaharu Homma, found he had too many prisoners to transport by rail, so he ordered the forced march of the already starving and disease-ridden men to his prison camp.

The 60-mile trek would be like walking from here to Orlando in the middle of a sweltering August with no food, water or sleep for 6 days. Death surrounded the men as they stepped over the bodies of those who were beheaded for falling. The colonel witnessed his captors shoot and cut the throats of fellow marchers. Some were stabbed with bayonets, and all endured rifle-butt beatings.

Out of about 80,000 prisoners, there were 67,000 Filipino, 1,000 Chinese-Filipinos and 11,796 Americans. Only 54,000 made it to the final camp, Camp O’Donnell.

General Homma was eventually found guilty and executed for the atrocities of the death march out of Bataan and the gruesome events at Camp O’Donnell at a war crimes trial.

The brutality and horror the men faced is beyond explanation; but as a survivor, Colonel Frazier makes it his mission to keep the memories and history alive so that this generation and those to come can learn from his ordeal.

Paying back his country and fellow Americans with information and knowledge is foremost on Colonel Frazier’s mind as he sits daily next to a decommissioned battleship, now a museum, in Mobile Bay, the USS Alabama in Alabama, to dedicate and sign a book he authored, “Hell’s Guest,” which details the horrific events. He himself is a live museum retelling these events to visitors who stop.

This daily ritual was how Capt. Jason Goetz, 301st Rescue Squadron helicopter pilot, found him, on a family vacation to the USS Alabama.

“I was inspired by his words and book so I invited him to speak to fellow Reservists here during their drill training weekend,” said Capt. Goetz.

With the numbers of survivors of the Second World War dwindling at a rate of 1,000 a day, according to U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs estimates, Colonel Frazier is a representative of America and her survivors of war.

“We have to remember how special this country is and what we have to remember it by,” said Capt. Goetz. “Colonel Frazier puts it all in perspective.”

Recently, Colonel Frazier was asked to speak at the U.S. Army Base of Ft. Benning, Ga. on the topic of suicide, which has been hitting all military branches harder than war these days.

“Your relationship with your fellow soldiers is so vitally important,” Colonel Frazier explained. “You must make friends with those around you; you’ll never know when you’ll need them.”

Today’s service members struggle with feelings and emotions not unfamiliar to the colonel as seen in recent rising rates of suicide released by all the services.

“It’s hatred that kills us,” he said. “I came home with hatred in my heart and it took 30 years for me to forgive — I prided myself in that hatred.”

“Once I got rid of that hate, I never had another nightmare, another day that I felt sick or another moment of regret,” said the Colonel.

This is one of the many lessons he passes on to fellow service members suffering from wartime stress.

With books being sold daily (one or more books in 95 different countries), appearances on “Larry King Live” and a Public Broadcasting System’s documentary, “The War,” Colonel Frazier reaches thousands with his words.

“It’s my country. It’s our country,” he said.

For more information and updates on the 920th Rescue Wing, follow them on Facebook.

Air Force Week provides a look behind, beyond the gates
By Capt. Cathleen Snow
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – With well over 35,000 Airmen currently deployed across the globe in support of contingency operations, the theme of Air Force Week Cocoa Beach was Honoring Hometown Heroes, and it took place at the endless summer sanctuary that is Cocoa Beach.

To gain momentum for the weeklong event of Air Force recruiting magnificence and Airmen recognition, the two local Air Force Wings here teamed up. The Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing and its active duty host and mission partner, the 45th Space Wing, to showcase air power to the Central Florida community.

The two Wings pulled out all the stops with an in-depth look behind the scenes of their air and space assets and their support for manned space exploration.

The Air Force defends America. We fly, fight, and win in Air, Space and Cyberspace. Air Force Weeks like this one help bring Airmen to your neighborhood to tell their stories and to thank the local community for their support.

Central Florida was treated to high-speed flybys over Orlando theme parks, aircraft static displays, media flights, free concerts, barbecues, aerial demonstrations, and school and hospital visits, and it all ended with an air show over Cocoa Beach on Halloween.

The 920th and 45th both support NASA during space shuttle launches. The 920th Airmen specifically are charged as guardians of the astronauts and have been tasked with rescuing them if there were a Mode 1 through 8 contingency — 8 being the worst-case scenario, a bail out of the shuttle over the ocean upon liftoff.

To learn more about these iconic events, which surely raised the mercury throughout Central Florida beyond magic-kingdom imagination, go to www.airforceweek.af.mil or www.facebook.com/airforceweek.

For more information on the 920th RQW and the Cocoa Beach Air Show, become their friend on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cocoa-Beach-FL/920th-Rescue-Wing/142804449075083?ref=sgm (Government Organization).

ON BASE

By Staff Sgt. Leslie Kraushaar
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

Same Job, Many Skills

Rescue Reservists from the Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing here at Patrick Air Force Base have a new campaign to showcase their life-saving skills for two upcoming Air Force events: Air Force Week, October 26-29, and the Cocoa Beach Air Show, October 30-31, 2010.

The information campaign is kicking off the start of these festivities with the production of printed recruiting materials showing one of the many unique careers offered in the Reserve, the pararescuemen, or PJs, and the multitude of skills necessary to perform their job as rescue specialists.

Air Force week is dedicated to showcasing Airmen who make up the Air Force family. Rescue Wing Airmen will demonstrate their water rescue techniques as they fly their HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and HC-130P/N Kings front-and-center during several scheduled events throughout the weekend of October 26-31.

As shown on the flyer (found at the 920th RQW’s website: www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil), four different PJs are outfitted in completely different gear to show the multitude of skills they have to perform rescues. In one scenario they could be climbing a mountain to rescue a missing hiker, and in a very different scenario they could be free-falling from the back of a C-130 to get to someone who needs help at sea.

PJs go through extensive training to get and maintain their many qualifications. Each PJ is an expert SCUBA diver, mountaineer, marksman and parachutist.; not to mention their main job — to save lives. Throughout their careers they must obtain and maintain emergency medical/paramedic qualifications.

The 920th RQW is an Air Force Reserve Command combat search and rescue unit with two geographically separated units, one at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., and the other at Portland International Airport, Ore. All three units have Reserve PJs assigned who not only serve as Citizen Airmen but also hold civilian jobs in their communities.

This is one of many of the careers offered in the Air Force Reserve.

For more information on the 920th RQW, Air Force Week and/or the Cocoa Beach Air Show, contact the 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs Office at (321) 494-0536 or log onto: www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil. Find them on Facebook at: facebook.com/920th Rescue Wing (Government Organization).

ON BASE
By Staff Sgt. Leslie Kraushaar
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

Local heroes share their rescue adventures on Facebook

The Air Force Reserve Combat search and rescue Airmen are used to going to work in the most extreme conditions. Now you can be a part of the action by joining their new Facebook site.

In addition to rescuing downed pilots and other Special Forces troops in war zones, their day at the office looks very different than what most of us do.

During a typical day at the 920th Rescue Wing on Patrick Air Force Base, Rescue Airmen could be called to help search for a missing boater lost at sea during a tropical storm or they may go farther, like to the top of a mountain, to rescue a hiker caught in snowstorm.

The 920th Rescue Wing is also the world’s premier rescue unit that serves as guardians of the astronauts. Rescue Reserve Airmen are charged with watching over NASA astronauts during all space shuttle launches and returns. They also keep watch over the Atlantic Ocean during all Space Coast rocket missions to keep everyone safe.

“These things we do, that others may live,” defines the daily work ethic of the Reserve Rescue Wing Airmen.

If you haven’t been properly introduced, the 920th Rescue Wing is an Air Force Reserve Command combat-search-and-rescue unit headquartered in Cocoa Beach. The wing is the only Air Force Reserve Rescue unit in the world and operates three very different weapons systems out of three very different locations.

If you aren’t impressed yet, read on, but before you do, help us share our story by becoming a member of our Facebook page.

While several 920th Rescue Wing Facebook pages exist, there’s only one official page and the world’s premier rescue wing wants to share their adventures with you. All you have to do is log on and find the official site — www.920rqw.afrc.mil — and click the “Like this” tab: Facebook/920th Rescue Wing (Government Organization).

LOCATIONS:

Although Headquartered at Patrick Air Force Base in Cocoa Beach, Fla., the wing is spread out over the country. They have sites in Tucson, Ariz. and Portland, Ore. Each location allows them to take advantage of the diverse terrain and exercise their rescue skills. It also puts them close to harm’s way. No matter where in the country, or the world, they have the skills that save lives.

By being a member of their new Facebook site you will get a look behind the scenes of these thrilling events.

WEAPONS SYSTEMS:

Guardian Angels — The Guardian Angels’ Weapon System (GAWS) are a team of rescue specialists. They are the Air Force’s and the military’s most elite special force (If you don’t believe us, read on).

HH-60G Pave Hawk — To get the job done, Airmen fly the Air Force’s version of the Army’s Blackhawk — a souped-up HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter that drips with extraordinary electronics that provide special combat rescue capabilities.

HC-130 Hercules — Supercharged C-130s — HC-130 P/N are extended-range Hercules aircraft configured for air-to-air refueling of the Pave Hawk helicopters that extend the range of any rescue at sea. Not to mention that they also serve as a stand-alone search platform proving more visibility on some of the most difficult search-and-rescue scenarios.

To access this page search Facebook/920th Rescue Wing (Government). Upon accessing this page, you will find recent search and rescue exercises, missions, deployments and upcoming events involving the 920th RQW.

One of the events that you’ll be kept up-to-date on is the upcoming Air Force Week and Cocoa Beach Air Show, both of which feature the 920th Rescue Wing and its people. The Air Force Week is scheduled for October 26-29, 2010 and the Cocoa Beach Air Show is set for October 30-31, 2010.

The 920th is responsible for a demanding and compelling array of missions, and the men and women who serve here must maintain a high level of proficiency and be ready to deploy at moment’s notice.

For more information, visit the 920th Rescue Wing’s web page: www.920rqw.afrc.mil

ON BASE
By Staff Sgt. Leslie Kraushaar, 920th Rescue Wing
920th Rescue Wing deploys for Naval exercise

As the Rim of the Pacific exercise entered its final two weeks, more Air Force Reservists have winged their way to Hawaii to participate.

Two HC-130s Hercules aircraft and three HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters from the 920th Rescue Wing arrived there July 17.

The 920th RQW had a total of 117 Air Force Reservists participating in the exercise through the end of last month.

RIMPAC is a series of multinational maritime exercises currently underway in the Hawaiian operating area. Held biennially by U.S. Pacific Fleet, the 2010 RIMPAC exercise is the 22nd time it has been held. Fourteen nations, 32 ships, five submarines, over 170 aircraft and 20,000 personnel participated in the exercise in the Hawaiian operating area. In addition to U.S. military forces, military units from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Thailand participated. The countries of Brazil, India, and New Zealand sent observers.

RIMPAC helps improve leadership at all levels, increase personnel proficiency, and hone leadership’s ability to adapt to rapid changes. For the naval forces involved the exercise offers the opportunity for forces to hone their skills — from disaster response to anti-piracy operations — in a complex, challenging, multinational environment designed to improve cooperation and command and control operations.

Immediately after their arrival on July 17, the 920th members unfolded their helos from the C-17 Globemaster IIIs and C-5 Galaxy aircraft used for shipment, participated in local in-briefs and began flying local familiarization flights around the island. The mission of the 920th is to search for, locate and recover U.S. Armed Forces personnel during military operations. Their arrival at Hickam AFB allowed them to enter the exercise during the tactical phase where participants transitioned into the execution of a combat operations scenario consisting of unscheduled events where participants had the opportunity to operate as they would during actual real world contingency or conflict operations.

The 920th brought an array of equipment and talent to this year’s exercise. In addition to the Pave Hawk helicopters from it 301st RQS and Hercules tanker aircraft from its 39th RQS and Guardian Angels combat rescue officers and pararescuemen from its 308th RQS, there were also aircraft maintenance, an operations support squadron and intelligence personnel.

Colonel Hannon, 920th RQW Operations Group commander, said the benefits of participating in the 2010 RIMPAC would result in enormous training opportunities for the 920th. “The Air Force is the only service that has a dedicated personnel recovery force that trains for combat search and rescue operations in a major task force environment,” he said. “This exercise gave us an invaluable operational opportunity to practice safely deploying, employing, and re-deploying combat search and rescue assets.”

He continued, saying, “This was a great opportunity to train our Combat Search and Rescue Task Force skills including working with C2ISR, AWACs, fighters for rescue combat air patrol high-up fighter protection, fighters/attack helicopters for low environment protection similar to operations in Afghanistan, helicopter air refueling with the HC-130, as well as rigged alternate method zodiac drops which is parachute operations for our boats and Guardian Angel teams to the ocean.”

The colonel said the Reservists also practiced high altitude operations, brown-out landings, and transload operations.

“They gave us quick medical patient transfer from the combat zone to a rear hospital,” he said. “We were conducting our rescue training both day and night using night vision goggles and practiced one our special deck landing mission qualifications by landing on U.S. Navy ships.”

The rescue teams also worked with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Maritime Safety and Security Teams in conducting helicopter visit board search and seizure operations.

“As we get ready for our deployment to Afghanistan next summer, this exercise will also give us an opportunity to train inexperienced wing personnel on deployed operations prior to our AEF,” Colonel Hannon said.

The colonel said the joint and combined experience RIMPAC 2010 offers close ties to current military operations in Afghanistan working with the International Security Assistance Forces.

“We hope to gain joint operational experience and cross-tell rescue tactics, techniques and procedures. We see this exercise will give us an opportunity to demonstrate U.S. Air Force CSAR capabilities to the sister services and the forces from the multiple participating countries while also receiving an excellent opportunity to hone our skills.”

The wing mobilized to Afghanistan in 2009 under Operation Enduring Freedom for 14 months. While there, they were credited with more than 1,100 combat saves.  Most recently they were activated from January through April this year where the Guardian Angels from the 304th, 306th, and 308th Rescue Squadrons completed four months in Afghanistan. Previously, the wing mobilized to Afghanistan in 2005 for Operation Enduring Freedom, making 54 combat rescues, including U.S. Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, who documented his ordeal in the best-selling novel, “Lone Survivor.”

Airmen of the 920th Honor Fallen Comrades
• By Staff Sgt. Leslie Kraushaar, 920th Rescue Wing •

As family, friends and fellow Airmen gathered to pay their respects for the fallen Airmen of the Khobar Towers, the sunny Florida skies shined above — a contrast, for some, of what they were feeling inside.

June 25 marks the day, 14 years ago, when five Airmen from the “Rescue” community here made that ultimate sacrifice to their country — the sacrifice of their lives.

“We’re here so we do not forget what happened 14 years ago,” said Col. Charlene Nelson, commander of the 920th Maintenance Group, during the memorial service. “We honor them for their families.”

With opening remarks by Darrell Hankins, the project manager of the event and a former member of the 1st Rescue Group, the crowd of about 45 Airmen and 20 family and friends listened to the names of those who perished in the bombing.

The men who served from Patrick Air Force Base:

Capt. Christopher J. Adams of Massapequa Park, NY

Capt. Leland T. Haun of Clovis, CA

Master Sgt. Michael G. Heiser of Palm Coast, FL

Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Johnson of Shreveport, LA

AIC Justin R. Wood of Modesto, CA

“We are here to honor our fellow airmen and, most importantly, to make sure we never forget them,” said Mr. Hankins who was active duty in the 71st Rescue Squadron at the time of the tragedy.

Jenny Haun, wife of Capt. Leland T. Haun who was killed in the bombing, has attended this memorial service here for the last three years.

“This means so much to the families. Everybody puts in a little of themselves,” she said. “There is no one else who understands this, except military.”

Last to speak before the traditional laying of the wreath on the memorial site was Senior Master Sgt. Michael Ziegler, a reserve pararesueman here and a first responder to the events in Saudi Arabia.

“These men felt a higher calling to save lives and it was, literally, that simple to them to do so,” Sgt. Ziegler said. “These heroes spent their time protecting those around them.”

Two Airmen carried the wreath to the granite memorial commemorating the lives of these great men and placed it there. A very, very small token of appreciation in comparison to what these families had sacrificed.

“We need to take their tragedy and become stronger from it,” said Sgt. Ziegler.

In the combat search and rescue community, each and every airman is committed to saving lives — in some cases, at the expense of their own.

The motto, “These things we do, that others may live,” is the creed these brave men and women live by.

Florida Guardian Angels return from saving lives in Afghanistan
• Staff Sgt. Leslie Kraushaar •
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

As the sun shone brightly and the Banana River glistened next to 920th Rescue Wing’s pararescue squadron here at Patrick Air Force Base, a small, intimate group of families waited anxiously as the white bus pulled into the parking lot on May 5, 2010.

It had been quiet around the Guardian Angel’s squadron the last four months, with personnel who make up the Guardian Angel Weapons System (or GAWS) and support personnel deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

GAWS is made up of survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists, pararescuemen called PJs, and combat rescue officers (or CROs) to provide a life saving force to the forces.

The deployment, which has been a yearly event for the GAWS, began in January and was completed May.

While deployed, they saved many lives of both service members and Afghani nationals. One particular event took them high up in the mountains of the Helmand Province, more specifically, the Salang Pass, at an elevation of approximately 11,500 feet.

The Guardian Angel Team used their diverse rescue skills to treat and evacuate survivors of multiple avalanches that occurred in this major mountain pass, which connects northern Afghanistan to the Kabul province.

More than 1,500 Afghans were stranded on Salang Pass in frigid weather — raging winds and minus-40 degree air, not to mention mounds of snow.

After 12 flights in a seven-hour period, the guardian angels were able to assist more than 300 people.

Not only were the GAWA able to assist the local citizens but they were also tasked to help fellow Airmen and Soldiers.

“We always have good missions — we’re rescue — we’re there to help people,” said Master Sgt. Mike Maroney, Air Force Reserve PJ here who was deployed with the GAWs team for the last two months.

Although helping others is a calling for PJs, it is nice to be able to come home to loved ones at the end, he said.

While waiting for her dad to get off the bus, Lola Hufnagel, 3, holds a small American flag to give to pararescueman Tech. Sgt. Wes Hufnagel.

“We are very happy and excited to have him back,” said Ms. Sheri Hufnagel, Sergeant Hufnagel’s wife.

Helping others is engrained in the pararescuemen through their training, history and motto, “These things we do, that others may live.”

Air Force Reserve Combat-Search-and-Rescue Wing holds change-of-command
• Staff Sgt. Leslie Kraushaar •

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, FL – Colonel Robert Dunn will assume command of the 920th Rescue Wing on May 2 after a change-of-command ceremony at Patrick Air Force Base at 10 a.m.

Colonel Dunn will replace Colonel Steven “Wall Street” Kirkpatrick who served as commander of the 920th Rescue Wing from March 2006 to May 2009. Colonel Kirkpatrick will be assigned as the Senior Air Force Reserve Advisor to the U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base, FL.

Colonel Dunn is currently the Commander of the 943rd Rescue Group, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., which is a geographically separated unit of the 920th RQW.

He received his commission through Reserve Officer Training Corps from Kent State University, Ohio, in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering Technology. He spent 10 years on active duty as a pilot. He entered the Air Force Reserve in 1990 and has since seen worldwide duty in Air Force Systems Command, Pacific Air Forces, Tactical Air Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Special Operations Command and Headquarters Tenth Air Force as a unit training officer, instructor pilot, flight examiner, flight commander, operations officer and director of safety.

Colonel Dunn is a command pilot with more than 5,500 hours in the T-37, T-38A/B, A-10A, UH-1H, HH-3E and HH-60G.

As the 920th RQW Commander, Colonel Dunn will provide leadership, management and supervision and will be responsible for the organization, training and equipping of the wing.

The 920th RQW is the only combat-search-and-rescue wing in the Air Force Reserve Command. It’s comprised of 1,500 dedicated Citizen Airmen and is the most called-upon unit in the Air Force Reserve. The 920th routinely averages 50-200 service members deployed in support of overseas contingency operations.

The wing’s assets include a fleet of 15 HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and six HC-130P/N Hercules extended-range aircraft to employ wing pararescuemen to perform a demanding and compelling array of life-saving combat-search-and-rescue missions.

For more information about the 920th RQW log on to the wing’s Web site: www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil.

Reserve rescue riggers pack 67-year-old piece of history with a little help from YouTube
By Staff Sgt. Leslie Kraushaar, 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation,” General Douglas MacArthur famously said.

Unfold the journey of how a 67-year-old Japanese silk parachute from World War II made its way to a Florida Veteran’s Memorial Center where it’s on display, and you’ll see a detour at the Air Force Reserve Command’s 920th Rescue Wing here.

Preservation and a quick history lesson was in store for the 920th RQW aircrew flight equipment technicians (or parachute riggers) when they received the old parachute with the request to repack it in its original casing. While completely adept at packing the modern day parachutes for the 920th Rescue Wing Pararescuemen (PJs), this was a definite change of pace for the crew.

Mr. Mel Mueller, of the Brevard Veterans Council and Veterans Memorial Center, brought the silk parachute to the professionals to re-pack it for display at the museum.

“During my Air Force career I spent three years in the rescue service, [...] so I was familiar with the rescue folks and knew of their capabilities,” he explained.

So, with this knowledge in hand, Mr. Mueller made the trek to Patrick Air Force Base to drop off the parachute — which, at this point, was in a plastic garbage bag.

This particular parachute was donated to the museum by a woman whose husband, a retired Air Force fighter pilot, recently passed away. His wish for his possessions, according to Alexander Terrero, Brevard Veterans Council and Veterans Memorial Center, was to keep them preserved and with the military in some fashion.

“I’ve never seen a silk parachute,” Mr. Terrero said. “It’s like History Channel stuff!”

Although the Air Crew Flight Equipment Technicians are thoroughly knowledgeable in all things parachute, it took some research, a little YouTube viewing and good old-fashioned elbow grease to get the parachute in its original bag.

Senior Airmen Jarrod Burgess, aircrew flight equipment apprentice, intrigued by the parachute and its history, did a little investigating on his own to find the correct way to pack the parachute — and it came in the form of a six-minute video, in Japanese, on YouTube.

“I just looked it up on YouTube. Once I saw how it worked and how it opened, I was able to see the signature way of packing it,” he explained. SrA Burgess also looked at the way the Japanese parachute jumpers wore the parachute when they deployed from the aircraft. All of these factors helped in finding the perfect packing method.

There were major differences though, and these differences were what made this process so interesting.

This particular parachute was the main parachute used by the Japanese fighters during WWII, and was worn on the chest, unlike the main back-worn parachutes in current use. Airman Burgess was also surprised at how small this parachute was in contrast to those used by PJs today. Tech. Sgt. Juan Duharte, 920th RQW aircrew flight equipment supervisor, was amazed not only at the difference, but, surprisingly, the similarities. “While packing this parachute, we used pretty much the same system we use today,” he said. Sergeant Duharte also noticed that the stitching and some of the knots were exactly the same as those used now. “It’s very similar to the chest reserve parachutes we use today,” he said.

As the 920th riggers exchanged their stories and histories with the group from the Veterans Memorial Center, it was clear that while years go by the code of service remains the same. The same acronyms, deployments, pride in serving America and the same career stories. There is much more in common with the two groups — bonded over the packing of a parachute that represented an entire American era — than not.

Alaska, known for its cold winters, tall mountains and unforgiving terrain, became the perfect spot for Air Force Reserve Pararescuemen (PJs) from the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force to practice their winter Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) training.

The training is two-fold for these men. Not only is it gearing the group up for a deployment overseas, but it also keeps the PJs up-to-date on their qualifications. Here in Alaska, the 920th Rescue Wing PJs work side-by-side with their Reserve counterparts, the 212th Rescue Squadron based in Anchorage, Alaska.

“The unique type of training we provide is limitless,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Stephens, Commander of the 212th Rescue Squadron. “Most of our team enjoys the backcountry during their time off. We all ice climb, ski and hunt [...] practices that hone our rescue skills for Alaska and combat.”

The first day of their week-long training started with a late afternoon snowshoe out into a valley to practice navigating to a simulated “crash site” to recover victims while under “enemy” fire. Then, as darkness fell, an HH-60G helicopter flew in with a team of several PJs who fast-roped down to “rescue” a downed pilot behind “enemy lines.”

This type of training is important, according to Tech. Sgt. Weston Hufnagel, PJ from the Reserve 920th Rescue Wing, because it gets the team, “[...] operating in a different environment and familiar with using their cold weather gear and utilizing their cold weather tactics.”

The Reserve PJ Airmen are part of the Guardian Angel Weapons System (GAWS) along with the SERE (Search, Extract, Resist, Escape) Specialists. These men provide the capability to execute each of the personnel recovery tasks with only a fraction of the manpower, saving time, money, and lives.

Working under the cover of darkness is essential in a war zone, so the next several nights consisted of extracting “victims” from wreckages using tools they have to carry in from their staging area. For these men, working with the extra clothing, moving in the snow and carrying the extra gear was training in itself.

“This reinforced how difficult it is to move in a snow/mountainous terrain with all of our equipment,” said Capt. Chad Senior, Reserve Combat Rescue Officer (CRO) from the 920th Rescue Wing. “We hope to identify training shortfalls with time to improve on those skills at home station prior to deployment.”

All of this training is focused on saving lives, especially those in combat situations. However, these PJs may be called upon to perform life-saving maneuvers on a mountain covered in snow — so they must be able to work with the equipment they travel with.

Learning how to properly place anchors in the snow so they can pull a victim up and down a mountain was another day of training for the Florida PJs with their Alaska counterparts refreshing their skills by teaching.

“The PJs and CROs from the 212th [...] are skilled at applying technical rescue skills in the alpine setting. From getting to the survivor via snowshoeing, ice climbing or skiing, to building the rope system to raise or lower the patient on the near vertical slope — these guys are good at it because they do it day in and day out,” said Lt. Col. Joel Kinnunen, Commander of the Pararescue Squadron at the 920th Rescue Wing.

Part of the GAWS is the interchanging of information and sharing of skills. All PJs are equipped with the knowledge to pull off rescues in any type of environment, but not all of these men are stationed in places that allow for it. By each unit traveling to other geographical areas, PJs have the opportunity to compare skills and learn new ones.

“The Patrick team is great at the skills out their back door — just like us. They have taught us better ways to pack the Rigged Alternative Method Zodiac (an inflatable boat), dive techniques, and more. Their operating skills are in the hot and humid,” said Lt. Col. Stephens.
Training in any environment poses its own unique challenges, and this was no different. But with the help and support of the Alaska Team, the training went flawlessly and everyone got what they needed from the experience. “We tightened up as a team,” said Tech. Sgt. Hufnagel.

These men will be deployed from anywhere from two to four months as part of the GAWS. GAWS is intended to meet the need for recovery of personnel (in combat or otherwise) to include all U.S. military members, DOD contractors and civilians serving overseas. Its mission calls for expertise in all five stages of the personnel recovery life cycle — report, locate, support, recover, and reintegrate isolated persons.

“Don’t quit.”

That’s the motto here for the pre-Indoctrination Course Air Force Reserve Pararescuemen (PJs) and Combat Rescue Officers (CROs) at the 920th Rescue Wing Patrick Air Force Base, FL. In fact, that statement will follow these men throughout their two-year training program — the Pipeline as they call it.

The Physical Ability and Stamina Test (P.A.S.T) is administered the first Wednesday of every month for wanna-be PJs and CROs. These men come from all over the U.S. to try out for the program. Tech. Sgt. Patrick Dunne, an Air Force Reserve 920th PJ and test administrator, is the gateway to the Pipeline — pass his test and there’s a good chance you’ll be passing INDOC. “I think this is one of the most important steps in the journey,” Dunne said. He went through the P.A.S.T test here in 2002 after a nine-year break in service after getting out of the U.S. Marine Corps as Force Recon. The tragic events of September 11, 2001 drew Dunne back into the service, this time as a PJ.

Capt. Dan Turpin, a CRO candidate, was in the Army Rangers for four years prior to coming into the Air Force Reserves. He came in specifically for the PJ program — a far cry from his job in the Army where his primary mission was much different than Combat Rescue. His interest in the PJ program was sparked when PJs came to the rescue of an Afghanistan national during his Army deployment. “I want to be a part of something so much more rewarding […] to help people,” he said. The test is hard, but not as hard as the training to come, so if a person can’t stand up to this test — there is no way he’ll be sent to INDOC.

With a 95% drop-out rate for the INDOC course, it’s no wonder recruitment is down. “I think the biggest problem is that these young guys don’t think the process is as tough as what it actually is. A lot of times in society today people are allowed to pass based on effort. This program is not that way. This job demands a certain level of mental and physical toughness and you have to meet the standard,” explains Tolson. The physical part of the test is timed pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, and flutter kicks. After the calisthenics is a three-mile run with a 22-minute limit, with the trainees hitting the 1.5 mile mark in under 10:45. Then comes the hardest part for most — the pool work.

“The pool work we do is the hardest in the Department of Defense, and this is quoting someone who went to the Navy SEAL training,” says Dunne. The pool work starts with 15 minutes of 25-meter underwater swim, then a 30-minute time limit on a 1,500 meter swim.
If there are no new recruits in for the testing, the trainees waiting to go to INDOC still come in once a month and do the P.A.S.T test. It’s here that Dunne shows the soon-to-be INDOC participants a little taste of what is to come — and he’s not easy on them.

His reasoning for the no-nonsense treatment? “There are no guarantees in the Pipeline,” says Dunne. With guys being cut during the last week of the INDOC program, to failing the academic challenges of the Paramedic Program, the 18-month process of becoming the elite Pararescueman is riddled with challenges. Capt. Turpin is one of four men scheduled for INDOC training the beginning of January 2010. They all passed the P.A.S.T testing process and are on to the Pipeline. With only 350 Air Force Reserve PJs in service, it is vital that the best-of-the-best get to the initial INDOC training and push through the rest.

This is a serious job. PJs primary function is as a personnel recovery specialist, with emergency medical capabilities in humanitarian and combat environments. They deploy in any available manner, to include air-land-sea tactics, into restricted environments to authenticate, extract, treat, stabilize and evacuate injured personnel, while acting in an enemy-evading, recovery role. Not only are they Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) trained, they also are the most highly trained emergency trauma specialists in the U.S. military.
All of these skills combined enable the PJs to perform life-saving missions in the world’s most remote areas — and they do just that.

Now, with the support of the Guardian Angel Weapons System (GAWS), the U.S. Air Force Reserve is looking for new blood. The GAWS is intended to meet the need for recovery of personnel (in combat or otherwise) to include all U.S. military members, DOD contractors and civilians serving overseas. Its mission calls for expertise in all five stages of the personnel recovery life cycle — report, locate, support, recover and reintegrate isolated persons. PJ Airmen, part of GAWS, provide the capability to execute each of the personnel recovery tasks with only a fraction of the manpower, saving time, money and lives.

These men, with the motto, “These things we do, that others may live,” reaffirms the PJs commitment to saving lives and self-sacrifice. The school is not easy, but neither is saving lives — may the best apply and pass.

For more information or to apply for the P.A.S.T process — please call or email Master Sgt. Eric Tolson: Eric.Tolson@patrick.af.mil or 321-494-1962.

Col. Hannon replaced Col. Jeffrey L. Macrander, who served as Operations Group commander from October 2005 to October 2009. Col. Macrander has taken the position of Chief, Global Power Panel at Air Force Reserve Headquarters, Robins Air Force Base, GA, and is the single point of contact for all issues concerning combat forces.

Col. Hannon comes from 10th Air Force, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, as the director of training. He graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and Public Health. He then entered Undergraduate Pilot Training-Helicopter at Fort Rucker, AL, in 1984.

He served as the squadron commander of the 301st Rescue Squadron here from March 2005 to August 2008, where he commanded worldwide helicopter rescue and recovery operations. He has logged more than 5,400 hours as a command pilot, including deployments in support of Operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch, and with combat time in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

The 920th Operations Group is dedicated to combat search and rescue and is responsible for the overall combat training and readiness of nearly 300 aircrew, pararescue specialists, and support personnel, employing HH-60G Pave Hawk Helicopters and specially modified HC-130P/N Hercules aircraft.

Col. Robert S. Lipira served as interim Operations Group Commander from October 2009 through November 2009.

The 920th Rescue Wing here was one of the main performances that drew a huge crowd of enthralled onlookers. From start to finish, the crews of the HC-130 Hercules fixed-wing aircraft (also called King), and HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters (also called Jolly), amazed and delighted the crowd on the beach and pier.

While the purpose of this demonstration was to show the 920th Rescue Wing’s maritime operations as well as the past, present and future support of NASA’s manned spaceflights, the Air Force Reserve Pararescuemen (PJs) and the aerial prowess of the pilots and crews of the King and Jollies stole the show.

The crowd was given the V.I.P treatment — the PJs at their best. From a parachute free-fall from the King to jumping out of the Jollies into the Ocean, the PJs put on a very educational and fun show of their skills. They then topped it off by swimming onto the beach and through the crowd for photos, autographs and plenty of congratulatory words from the public.

Ms. Janelle Jones, of Cocoa Beach, came to the air show specifically for the Pararescuemen event with her children. The climbing of the rope ladder from the ocean to the Jolly was, by far, the most impressive, she said. The courage and strength of those guys are amazing!” Ms. Jones said. “It gives me goose bumps.”

Melbourne resident Mr. John Krause had the same sentiments. “The rope ladder climb was amazing,” he said. “I can’t imagine the brute strength needed to do that; they only used their arms,” he added. Mr. Krause also mentioned that he and another onlooker were commenting on the way the PJs jumped from the Jolly, ”It was pure and simple Hollywood,” he said. “Although the re-fueling demonstration was really, really neat to see.”

Colonel Philip Manning, Vice Commander of the 920th Rescue Wing, said, “This show is a prime example of the 920th’s dedication and resolve. This was a great training exercise for us. The community support and turn-out was great.”

The producers of the Cocoa Beach Air Show are already talking about next year’s event – and next year the 920th Rescue Wing will be out there showing the community their hard-earned skills.

Visit us the 920th online at: http://www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil/

By Bryan Ripple
DEOMI Public Affairs Officer

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — One truly unique agency within the Department of Defense is the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, more commonly referred to as DEOMI. The DEOMI campus is housed in a beautiful Florida/Mediterranean-style structure located along the beautiful Banana River on Patrick Air Force Base.

Located on Patrick in several older structures since 1971, DEOMI marked its fifth year of occupancy in its new campus in January 2009. The event provided a good opportunity to take a look back at the history of the Institute and remember why it’s so critical to mission success today for the nation’s military commanders.

With a single snip of a pair of scissors, Dr. David S. Chu, then Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, was joined by several high-ranking military and civilian leaders as they easily cut a ceremonial dedication ribbon, symbolizing the opening of the new home of the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute here.

During the ceremony, Dr. Chu commented on the factors that led to DEOMI’s emergence more than three decades ago.
“Years ago, our military was deeply troubled with racial unrest and turmoil plagued several military installations and ships. None of the military services was exempt,” said Dr. Chu, who reached the rank of Captain when he left the Army in 1970.
“In some cases, these civil disturbances directly interfered with the military’s ability to execute its mission and fight effectively,” he said.

To counteract these disturbances, an inter-service task force was formed to examine the causes — and more importantly — to find possible solutions for the racial strife within the Services.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Lucius Theus (then Colonel Theus) was chosen to head the task force, which resulted in the publication of Department of Defense Directive 1322.11, establishing the Defense Race Relations Board, and in 1971, created the Defense Race Relations Institute, the original name for DEOMI, which was renamed DEOMI in July 1979, with an expanded mission to consider areas of equity beyond race.

Since that first seven-week course, the Institute has continuously expanded to meet the needs of field commanders and agency heads. As a result, DEOMI now addresses a wide array of issues, including disability, diversity, sexism, extremism, religious accommodations, and anti-Semitism.

“The change in scenery and upgrading of our facilities is a very good thing, but what hasn’t changed, and what will never change as long as there is a need for DEOMI, is our focus on mission readiness — and on the indisputable fact than an effective and fair equal opportunity program is a real force multiplier,” said Dr. William T. Yates II, DEOMI Dean of Education.

DEOMI is a proud neighbor in the community. Many staff and faculty members live in the area and together with about 3,000 students who receive training here each year contribute to the local economy.
For more about DEOMI, visit us on the Web at www.deomi.org.

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, FL — Every time a rocket pierces through the sky into space from Cape Canaveral’s spaceport, Air Force Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing here are on the go to support it.

Mounted aboard a Herculean Delta IV rocket, the new national weather satellite took off Saturday, June 27 at 6:51 p.m. EDT after a loading its fuel during a severe storm. Air Force Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing here weathered the storm while patrolling for public safety in two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters — warning any mariners from slipping into the danger zone.

Winds gusting at 26 knots along with nearby lightning strikes were reported nearby. Ultimately, the storm cleared in time for United Launch Alliance rocket to part the skies with a fiery blast. Rescue Reservists remained airborne close by to ensure safety on the Eastern Range off Florida’s Space Coast.

The satellites provide a primary means of tracking tropical systems, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who owns and operates them. The spacecraft will also provide most of the satellite images seen throughout the nation on television weathercasts.

“The 920th’s space support mission showcases why the 920th Rescue Wing is the world’s premiere rescue unit,” said Wing Commander, Col. Steve Kirkpatrick. ”We are proud play a vital role supporting the 45th Space Wing and the entire space community.”

Several other units across the 920th Rescue Wing also provided support, including aircraft maintenance and life support. The Reservists must be ready each time a launch is scheduled. Many storms off Florida’s coast morph into more severe weather systems threatening populated areas along the eastern seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico. But upgrades to the GOES satellites have enabled NOAA and its National Weather Service to provide early warnings so people can take action in advance of the onset of severe weather.

GOES-O is also designed with links that include a search-and-rescue capability to detect distress signals from maritime vessels and aircraft. The added capability will allow emergency responders, like Air Force Northern Command’s Air Force Rescue Recovery Center, to obtain accurate, real-time information quickly enabling them to deploy appropriate resources, like the 920th, to save lives.

To date, Rescue Reservists have supported more than 400 launches alongside their active-duty counterparts, but that’s just a portion of what these Citizen Airmen are trained for.

“They are a Rescue force to be reckoned with,” said Col. Kirkpatrick who deployed to the Gulf region September 12, 2008 with 50 of Brevard County Rescue Reservists as part of a joint search and rescue unit at Randolph AFB in south Texas. Col. Kirkpatrick was tasked to command more than 800 joint-forces personnel staging there with approximately 20 Air Force and Navy HH-60 helicopters and four HC-130s. In all, they rescued 17 people, three Chihuahuas and two cats.

“Our SAR crews endure specialized training to conduct humanitarian and combat search and rescues,” said Colonel Kirkpatrick. “We always hope there won’t be a need for it. But when there is, we’ll do it — and we’ll do it well.”

The 920th RQW is an Air Force Reserve combat search and rescue unit which performs more than 20% of the Air Force’s CSAR mission at only 4% of the total budget. The Wing is comprised of 1,500 Airmen and flies both fixed and rotor wing aircraft: the HC-130P/N extended-range Hercules and the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter.