Rescue demonstration highlights 9/11 military salute

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  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
COCOA BEACH, Fla. --  A dozen pararescuemen, or PJs, from the Air Force Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing parachuted from an HC-130P/N Hercules aircraft into the Atlantic Ocean off Cocoa Beach Sept. 11 just after 6 p.m. demonstrating how they get to work to save mariners who are in distress or lost at sea.

The jump highlighted a Space Coast Military Salute commencing a week of patriotic observances marked by the remembrances of those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

The ceremonial portion of the event took place on stage at Coconuts on the Beach at 6 p.m. beginning with a proclamation read by Cocoa Beach Mayor Skip Beeler saluting Space Coast Servicemembers, past and present.

An announcer introduced local military commanders including Brig. Gen. Ed Bolton Jr., commander of the 45th Space Wing, and Col. Steve Kirkpatrick, commander of the 920th Rescue Wing and the Port Canaveral Coast Guard Station commander. The Patrick Air Force Base Honor Guard posted the colors while Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Drake, 920th Combat Radio Operator, sang the National Anthem.

The PJs 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.

They are the primary rescue force dedicated to serving as guardians of the astronauts during space shuttle launches from Kennedy Space Center.

The demonstration offered an unprecedented look at these United States Air Force Reservists, their resolve and their incredible training and offered a preview of what's to come during their rescue capabilities demonstration at the Cocoa Beach Air Show, Oct. 3-4 at Alan Shepard Park along Highway A1A in Cocoa Beach.

The 920th Rescue Wing is one of the most called upon units in the Air Force Reserve. Wing members continually deploy in and around the world in support of the Global War on Terrorism and other contingencies.