Mission Update: more than 300 U.S. troops saved Published Dec. 19, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Paul Flipse 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Air Force Reservists with the 920th Rescue Wing here have saved more than 300 U.S. troops since deploying to Afghanistan in February to support the U.S. Army medical evacuation operation. During the course of the deployment, rescue wing Airmen from Brevard County, and the wing's sister units in Arizona and Oregon, have flown 1,181 sorties, during which they made 313 saves, according to a wing intelligence report. A 'save' refers to a situation where, without immediate medical evacuation, a person would lose their life, a limb or eyesight (LLE). In addition, wing Airmen have also recorded nearly 342 assists -- evacuations where LLE were not in immediate danger. The wing's primary wartime job is combat search and rescue, which involves locating and rescuing servicemembers isolated in combat -- such as pilots shot down behind enemy lines. The MEDEVAC deployment, called an "in-lieu-of" mission, marks the first time the 920th has undertaken the role for the Army. In addition to its mission of combat search and rescue, the wing also performs civil search and rescue, humanitarian relief and supports all NASA Space Shuttle and rocket launches.