Air Force Reserve rescuers return from Africa

An Air Force Reserve Command HC-130 aircraft lands on an unimproved airstrip in Africa. The 920th Rescue Wing from Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., sent about 100 reservists to Djibouti, Africa, to provide combat search-and-rescue support for two months. The last group of 28 reservists returned to Patrick AFB on May 14, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Rob Grande)

Reserve Rescuers return from African missions

Published May 14, 2009
By Capt. Cathleen Snow
920th Rescue Wing

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Twenty eight of Brevard's Reserve Rescuers returned home May 14 from Africa.

This concludes a deployment of approximately 100 reservists: pilots, aircrew, pararescuemen, maintainers and many support Airmen who were mobilized to Djibouti, Africa providing combat search and rescue support to the Horn of Africa region, which included the countries of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.

The Airmen piloted two HC-130P/N Hercules Aircraft from here to Africa operating out of Camp Le Monier which is located on the south-west side of the Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport.

The HC-130s provided an extended-range refueling capacity to helicopter rescue units operating in the area. They also provide a platform to insert pararescuemen and other special operators into areas where they can support ongoing operations.

Earlier this week, an additional thirty Airmen returned home from Africa touching down here in two HC-130P/N long-range extended refueling aircraft they piloted home from the continent.