Portland PJs are on the search for a missing hiker

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt Leslie Kraushaar
  • 920 Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PORTLAND, Ore. --  Seven Air Force Reserve pararescuemen (PJs) from the 920th Rescue Wing's geographically separated unit in Portland, Ore., the 304th Rescue Squadron, are currently searching for a missing hiker south of Mt. Hood.

The 57 year-old Oregon man was reported missing to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Department July 25th by his brother, which prompted a search by the Sheriff's Dept. Realizing the extensive area and rugged terrain, the sheriff made the call to the 304th RQS and to the rescue professionals.

The PJs will be conducting ground and air-to-ground searches using an Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter in the large area 10 miles south of Mt. Hood.

Major John Graver, commander of the 304th RQS, said the sheriff's department called in the PJs after realizing they were not equipped with the necessary training and gear to conduct searches in the rugged, mountain terrain.

The 920th RQW PJs are ready for any type of rescue in any terrain. In fact, they are among the most highly trained emergency trauma specialists in the U.S. military. They must maintain an emergency medical technician-paramedic qualification throughout their careers. With this medical and rescue expertise, along with their deployment capabilities, PJs are able to perform life-saving missions in the world's most remote areas.