Brothers from another.....squadron?

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Leslie Kraushaar
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
Pararescuemen, or PJs from Portland, Oregon's snow-capped mountains ventured across country to Florida's vast open water to get a taste of the salty seas that Florida pararescuemen here call home.

The Portland PJs are from the 304th Rescue Squadron there and the Florida PJs are from the 308th Rescue Squadron here. Both units represent the Air Force Reserve and are bound together in brotherhood by trade and relationship.

The PJs are part of the parent unit, the 920th Rescue Wing. Its mission is saving lives, no matter where. Each pararescue squadron is strategically located in vastly different areas of the country where they can hone their skills particular to the terrain - in this case, mountain and sea.

One of the only congressionally mandated all-male Air Force careers; PJs share a deep sense of duty as their motto defines how they live their livesĀ - by saving others. These things we do that others may live is a calling that takes them into the toughest situations and gives them the resolve to
sustain life.

The PJs from the 304th Rescue Squadron live and work in the high-altitude environment where snow and ice are there to be conquered by them.

Training in a different environment from which they are accustomed to, allows the PJs from both the 308th Rescue Squadron here and the 304th RQS in Portland to band together and work as a team.

Crews from the HH-06G Pave Hawk helicopter squadron here operated the platform which allowed the PJs to dive right into training in the Banana River situated alongside Patrick Air Force Base to maintain their currency on life-saving water rescue techniques. The helo crew also gained some
essential training.

Another day-in-the-life of Reserve PJs and helicopter crews.