Air Force Reserve Rescuers support historic launch

  • Published
  • By By Capt. Cathleen Snow
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla --  The U.S. Air Force Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing at nearby Patrick Air Force provided flawless rescue and Eastern Range support for NASA's successful launch of the final scheduled flight of Space Shuttle Discovery February 24. The launch occurred at 4:50 p.m. (EDT) from Space Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center.

A combined team of military, government civilians and contractors from across the 920th Rescue Wing and 45th Space Wing provided vital support to the STS-133 mission. The 920th RQW's role was to patrol the Eastern Range ensuring the safety and security of mariners during lift off, and to serve as guardians to the astronauts if something were to go wrong during lift off.

The Air Force Rescuers have served as the primary rescue force supporting manned spaceflight since the early 90s, and have more than 400 rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center and CCAFS launches since that time.

STS-133 marks the 35th flight of a shuttle to the International Space Station. It's commanded by Steve Lindsey, a retired Air Force colonel. Active Air Force Colonels Eric Boe and Alvin Drew are Pilot and Mission Specialist-1, respectively.

"As a proud group of Airmen called Guardians of the Astronauts, I congratulate my team for their role in this historic mission, and also the team as a whole for another successful launch supporting our nation's manned-space program," said Col. Robert Dun, 920th RQW Commander who piloted an HH-60G Pave Hawk from his wing's fleet in support of rescue operations.

Discovery and her crew will deliver to the ISS the Permanent Multipurpose Module, critical spare components, the Express Logistics Carrier 4 and Robonaut 2, the first human-like robot in space. The mission will feature two spacewalks to do maintenance work and install new components.

Air Force pararescuemen have been called upon to serve as rescue response for astronauts since the beginning of manned spaceflight.

For more informatoin on the 920th Rescue Wing's support for manned spaceflight and combat search and rescue endeavors, follow them on Twitter and Facebook.