Florida law enforcement observe 920th RQW rescue capabilities

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Peter Dean
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Law enforcement official throughout Florida visited the Air Force Reserve Command's 920th Rescue Wing, here Feb. 21, for a firsthand look at the capabilities of rescue.
 
Not only trained in combat rescue, the 920th RQW, the only rescue wing in AFRC are routinely called upon for local and worldwide noncombat humanitarian rescue missions.

"What we're doing here today is to gather as many law enforcement, sheriff, fish and wildlife, PD and representatives that would deploy us (920th RQW) in an operational humanitarian capacity," Tech. Sgt. Dan Warren, 920th RQW Pararescueman, said. "It allows us to train together and cross talk with like entities, it's invaluable."

Within the past year and a half, Rescue Wing Airmen have deployed overseas to Afghanistan, Germany and most recently to the Horn of Africa providing both humanitarian relief and combat rescue medical evacuations. Since its start in 1956, the 920th RQW Airmen have saved more than 3,000 lives, 1,464 of them being noncombat humanitarian rescues.

We're very impressed with what we saw today," Lt. Mike Weippert, Seminole County Sheriff department, said. "To be able to tap into the resources available here (920th RQW) could be the difference between life and death."

Guardian Angels complete more than two years of extensive training that prepares them physically, mentally and provides them with lifesaving skills needed in both combat and humanitarian missions. They are among the most highly trained emergency trauma specialists in the U.S. Military.

The 920th RQW is an Air Force Reserve combat search and rescue unit, which performs more than 20 percent of the Air Force's combat search and rescue mission (CSAR). The Wing is comprised of 1,800 Airmen and flies both fixed and rotor wing aircraft: the HC-130P/N extended-range Hercules and the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter.

To learn more about the 920th Rescue Wing, Air Force Reserve Command's only combat search-and-rescue wing, visit their website, Facebook page, or follow them on Twitter.