Rescue Airmen support 1st successful launch of the year

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  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. --  Air Force Reserve combat-search-and-rescue Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., supported the successful launch of an Atlas V carrying a NASA Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, Wednesday at 8:48 p.m. from launch Complex 41 Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System is designed to connect mission control with the International Space Station and other orbiting satellites.

A combined team of military, government civilians and contractors from Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., and Cape Canaveral AFS provided vital support to this launch, including weather forecasts, launch and range operations, security, safety and public affairs.

"What a great way to kick off the New Year, with another successful launch from the Easter Range," said Brig. Gen. Anthony Cotton, commander, 45th Space Wing, and also Launch Decision Authority. "Our manifest is full and strong for the coming year."
 
Rescue Wing Airmen who pilot the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter take to flight several hours before all scheduled launches from Cape Canaveral AFS to secure the Eastern Range. They patrol the stretch of the Atlantic Ocean beneath the launch trajectory ensuring no mariners veer into harm's way of potential rocket debris hazards.

Range clearing is one of the many tasks that the Airmen of the 920th RQW are charged with. The premier combat-search-and-rescue wing Airmen are trained to provide search and rescue services in humanitarian and combat environments.

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Editor's note: Information for this article was compiled from a story written by the 45th Space Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.