Crew Chiefs Crank it up in Canada

  • Published
  • By Capt. Cathleen Snow
  • 920th Rescue Wing
GANDER, Newfoundland --  Nearly two dozen Air Force Reserve combat rescue crew chiefs are cranking up their efforts to prepare two 920th Rescue Wing Aircraft for flight in  Canada Search and Rescue Exercise 09 staging out of the Canadian air force's 9 Wing here.  

The exercise commenced the first day of Autumn through Sept. 25 keeping the maintenance crews busy preparing and maintaining the aircraft.

The HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter and the HC-130P/N fixed-wing Hercules work tandemly as rescue resources for the the U.S. Air Force Reserve's 920th RQW located at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. 

The work began for these crews prior to arriving as the Pave Hawk had to be packed and folded to fit inside a U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy transport aircraft, the world's 2nd largest aircraft.  The helicopters rotors, which span 53 feet, 7 inches are layered on top of one another using special tools and the aircraft is fastened down during transport.  The lengthy reverse process is accomplished upon arrival. Engine and operational checks occur next.

"You can experience rescue, you can feel it.  It gets in your blood," said Pave Hawk crew chief Tech Sgt. Enrique Barnes who described their work on the aircraft as easy, "just another day's work." The maintenance crews keep the wrenches turning cotinually and as evidenced in their work prowess they have heart for their mission of saving lives.  Their job is crucial because every mission is a potential life saved.

The HC-130P/N is an extended-range search and rescue version of the Hercules and not only will participate in the exercise but provided airlift for the remaining Airmen who will execute the exercises to include the pararescuemen who conduct personal recovery operations from both aircraft platforms.  Life support personnel prepare equipment and gear for the pilots and pararescuemen, such as the parachutesand safety gear.  And there are additional aircrews to fly the aircraft.

Nearly 55 Florida Airmen in all joined up with nearly 400 Canadian and international forces to participate in this year's SAR to hone their rescue skills in the region's hot bed of SAR activity and to share their experiences with rescue forces throughout Canada.