Air Force Reservists Ready to Rescue

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Cathleen Snow
  • 920
PATRICK AFB, Fla. --  The 920th Rescue Wing is answering the call to aid the Coast Guard and Navy in the search for a missing fisherman off the coast of Jacksonville, Fla.

Within minutes of notification today, 920th Rescue crews launched two aircraft: an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter and an extended range HC-130P/N Hercules aircraft. Two pararescuemen equipped with dive gear and medical equipment are aboard the Pave Hawk ready to rescue and administer medical treatment if needed.

The Rescue crews are currently participating in the multi-service search for a man who was reported missing by his brother yesterday at 9 p.m.

Coast Guard crews have already recovered a 25-foot recreational fishing vessel adrift approximately 27-miles northeast of St. Augustine, but the man was not aboard. 

The HC-130P/N aircraft is capable of administering air refueling to the Pave Hawk to extend the range of the Air Force Reserve's search and rescue capablities if necessary.

The 920th Rescue Wing is one of the most called upon units in the Air Force Reserve, and is the only reserve rescue wing in the U.S. The wing continues to have members deployed around the world, in support of major areas of operation in the Middle East, Europe and Africa. The wing's primary mission is combat rescue, but also supports NASA in launches and humanitarian calls for help.