Air Force Reserve searches for missing diver, aids in rescue of another

  • Published
  • By Capt. Cathleen Snow
  • 920th Rescue Wing
PATRICK AFB, Fla. --  The 920th Rescue Wing answers the call for help in search of a missing diver off the coast of Port Canaveral, Fla., while earlier in the day rescue crews aid in the successful rescue of another diver.

In the most recent search, a 60-year-old man was diving with a friend for lobster when they became separated. The man's diving companion resurfaced without him so he alerted authorities. A large search effort went into affect immediately.

Two Air Force Reserve HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crews from the Rescue Wing here launched at approximately 2:00 p.m. to help search for the missing diver.

A Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral small boat, Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Fla., helicopter, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are all searching for the missing man. Good Samaritans on scene are also assisting in the search.

"We are always ready at a moments notice to aid those in need. It's what we train for as Air Force Reserve search and rescue teams," said Col. Steve Kirkpatrick, 920th Rescue Wing Commander.

At approximately 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. the two Pave Hawks returned to Patrick to refuel and with little time to spare turned back around to continue their search before sunset. At approximately 8:30 p.m. the search was finally called off.

Earlier the same day, 920th Rescue Wing helicopter crews aided in the successful rescue of a missing diver off the coast of Boca Raton, Fla. The crews were conducting an exercise in Key West, Fla. and as they flew up the coast to Boca Raton, Fla. to refuel they spotted an unmanned boat dragging anchor. Two helicopters were launched on the scene in addition to other rescue assets. Ultimately that diver was found by the Coast Guard.

The 920th Rescue Wing is one of the most called upon units in the Air Force Reserve, and is the only reserve rescue wing in the U.S. The wing's primary mission is combat search and rescue, but also supports NASA and the 45 Space Wing in all rocket and space shuttle launches as well as civilian humanitarian calls for help.