Rescue Wing Airmen deploy to Africa Published Feb. 22, 2007 By 1st Lt. Cathleen Snow 920th Rescue Wing PATRICK AFB, Fla. -- Approximately 13 Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing deployed to Africa Feb. 22 in support of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. CJTF - HOA works to prevent conflict, promote regional stability and protect Coalition interests in east Africa and Yemen through humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, consequence management and civic action programs. During their 60-day deployment, the Rescue Airmen from the 39th Rescue Squadron will be providing Combat Search and Rescue to the region. Additionally 920th Maintenance Squadron personnel will be providing maintenance support to the combat search and rescue aircraft, the HC-130 P/N. The HC-130 P/N aircraft is an extended-range combat search and rescue version of the C-130 Hercules transport. Its mission is to extend the range of combat search and rescue helicopters by providing air refueling. 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 and elsewhere. The wing's primary mission is combat rescue, but also supports NASA in launches and humanitarian calls for help.