Count down means gear up for Air Force Reservists

Published Feb. 7, 2008
By Capt. Cathleen Snow
920th Rescue Wing

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- As NASA begins its countdown for the launch of space shuttle Atlantis Feb. 7, Air Force Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing here gear up to save the astronaut's lives.

At 3-2-1 liftoff, these Airmen get ready, set, and wait in the wings to commence a rescue operation if the astronauts encounter danger during the critical seconds of a launch.

Although the window for life-saving operations slams shut shortly after it's opened, rescue wing Airmen become a part of the planning process up to one year in advance.

These Airmen join forces with servicemembers from the other four branches of the military to prepare to provide a variety of support throughout launch, on-orbit and landing.

Airmen of varied specialities here go work for NASA during every launch: There are maintainers who ensure the fixed and rotor-wing aircraft can fly. There are riggers who prepare the life support equipment. There are also pilots, radio operators, flight engineers, loadmasters, navigators, pararescuemen and flight doctors who are all a part of this life-saving operation.

In addition to their mission of combat search and rescue, these Air Force Reservists perpetually train in their respective capacities to locate, retrieve, and treat the astronauts if they had a pad or launch emergency; are forced to bailout of the shuttle; or have to return for landing.

In 2007, wing personnel supported 14 launches from the Eastern Range, three of which were space shuttles.

The motto of the the 920th Rescue Wing is, these things we do that others may live. It's one of the most called upon wings in the Air Force Reserve. Its primary mission is combat search and rescue, but also supports all manned and unmanned launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy Space Center. The wing also respond to humanitarian calls for help.