Local heroes share their rescue adventures on Facebook

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Leslie Kraushaar
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Air Force Reserve Combat search and rescue Airmen are used to going to work in the most extreme conditions. Now you can be a part of the action by joining their new Facebook site.

In addition to rescuing downed pilots and other Special Forces troops in war zones, their day at the office looks very different than what most of us do.

A typical day at the 920th Rescue Wing on Patrick Air Force Base, Rescue Airmen could be called to help search for a missing boater lost at sea during a tropical storm or they may go farther, like to the top of a mountain, to rescue a hiker caught in snowstorm.

The 920th Rescue Wing is also the world's premier rescue unit that serves as guardians of the astronauts. Rescue Reserve Airmen are charged with watching over NASA astronauts during all space shuttle launches and returns. They also keep watch over the Atlantic Ocean during all Space Coast rocket missions to keep the pubic safe.

"These things we do, that others may live," defines the daily work ethic of the Reserve Rescue Wing Airmen.

If you haven't been properly introduced, the 920th Rescue Wing is an Air Force Reserve Command combat-search-and-rescue unit headquartered in Cocoa Beach, Fla. The wing is the only Air Force Reserve Rescue unit in the world and operates three very different weapons systems out of three very different locations.

If you aren't impressed yet, read on, but before you do, help us share our story by becoming a member of our Facebook page.

While several 920th Rescue Wing Facebook pages exist, there's only one official page and the world's premier rescue wing wants to share their adventures with you. All you have to do is log on and find the Official site and click the "Like this" tab. Facebook/920th Rescue Wing (Government Organization).

LOCATIONS:

Although headquartered at Patrick Air Force Base in Cocoa Beach, Fla., the wing is spread out over the country. They have sites in Tucson, Ariz. and Portland, Ore. Each location allows them to take advantage of the diverse terrain and exercise their rescue skills. It also puts them close to harms way. No matter where in the country, or the world, they have the skills that save lives.

By being a member of their new Facebook site you will get a look behind the scenes of these thrilling events.

WEAPONS SYSTEMS:

Guardian Angels - The Guardian Angels' Weapon System (GAWS) are a team of rescue specialists. They are the Air Force's and the military's most elite special force (If you don't believe us, read on).

HH-60G Pave Hawk - To get the job done Airmen fly the Air Force's version of the Army's Blackhawk - a souped up HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter that drip with extraordinary electronics that provide special combat rescue capabilities.

HC-130 Hercules - Supercharged C-130s --HC-130 P/N are extended-range Hercules aircraft configured for air-to-air refueling of the Pave Hawk helicopters that extend the range of any rescue at sea. Not to mention they also serve as a stand-alone search platform proving more visibility on some of the most difficult search and rescue scenarios.

To access this page search Facebook/920th Rescue Wing (Government). Upon accessing this page, you will find recent search and rescue exercises, missions, deployments and upcoming events involving the 920th RQW.

One of the events that you'll be kept up-to-date on is the upcoming Air Force Week and Cocoa Beach Air Show, both of which feature the 920th Rescue Wing and its people. The Air Force Week is October 26-29, 2010 and the Cocoa Beach Air Show is October 30-31, 2010.

The 920th is responsible for a demanding and compelling array of missions, and the men and women who serve here must maintain a high level of proficiency and be ready to deploy at moment's notice.