Mode VIII in Motion
Mode VIII – An Air Force Reserve Pararescuemen races through choppy ocean waves to rescue an astronaut from the Atlantic during a joint exercise off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Fla. May 31. The Mode VIII exercise simulates an ocean bailout for astronauts during a Space Shuttle launch. The 920th Rescue Wing provides primary rescue support for astronauts during all launches. Due to exercises like these, NASA and the Reserve Wing are geared up and prepared for future shuttle launches/landings. The Human Space Flight Support Office (HSFS) at nearby Patrick Air Force Base is the primary link between the two agencies and coordinates all DoD involvement. (U.S. Air Force Photo/SSgt. Paul Flipse)