Rescue Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing keep launches safe and secure

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Leslie Kraushaar
  • 920 Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Air Force Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing work well with others - and it's never more apparent than during the rocket and shuttle launches that make up a portion of a very busy schedule for the Air Force Reserve Command's reservists here.

The Reservists that make up the 920th RQW are all Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) trained and able to perform live-saving duties in all types of situations. Here their skills are put into action by being available during all rocket and shuttle launches to keep the safety zone intact and curious bystanders out of harms way.

The Navy launches rockets off the coast of Cocoa Beach, Fla., in order to use the tracking and telemetry assets from Cape Canaveral down to the far end of the Caribbean chain, explains Lt. Col. Robert Haston, an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter pilot here. The launch date, time and location are not announced in advanced to ensure no one interferes with the launch. This launch was December 19, 2009.

The helicopter squadron, comprised of Reservists, sends two HH-60Gs out well before the launch to detect inbound boats using electronic devices, radar, and a visual search. The pilots and crew then direct them away from the launch area if the vessel is infringing on the launch site. A U.S. Coast Guard vessel is also on station in addition to the launch support vessel.

Not only are the HH-60Gs on scene to ensure a safety zone, but keep boaters and those curious about the launches out of harms way, said Haston.

The 920th Rescue Wing is an Air Force Reserve Combat Search and Rescue unit which performs more than 20 percent of the Air Force's CSAR mission. The Wing is comprised of 1,500 Airmen and flies both fixed and rotor wing aircraft: the HC-130P/N extended-range Hercules and the HH-60G helicopter.