PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. -- When the 920th Rescue Wing launches rescue missions in austere and sometimes hostile locations they depend on the 920th Munitions Flight to supply them with enough ammunition to get the job done.
The flight is responsible for acquiring, inspecting and arming the wing's warfighters, and can be tasked with supporting various missions and airframes around the world.
"We bring the heat and help put rounds on target," said the 920th Munition Flight production section chief. "It's our job to ensure our aircraft and warfighters are well equipped at all times."
This specialized team is responsible for managing the 920th RQW’s munitions around the clock. Reservists assigned to the flight work with various types of ammunition, signaling devices, and explosive materials. They regularly inspect the wing’s inventory, certifying serviceability and distributing ammunition to more than eight sister units across the base. Their day-to-day tasks include logistics management, warehouse management, material handling, transportation, and distribution. By forecasting the needs of each unit, the flight is able to request enough resources to meet their respective training and mission requirements.
Units such as the 39th Rescue Squadron, which operate the HC-130J Combat King II aircraft, and the 301st Rescue Squadron, which operate HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, rely on the 920th Munitions Flight for mission success.
Ahead of each flight, the units reach out to the munitions flight to request supplies. Once the flight's material section chief processes the initial request, they dispatch inspectors to gather, inspect and deliver the requested supplies to the unit or the flight line where the aircraft is being prepared for departure. After each mission, Airmen with the munitions flight retrieve and secure leftover munitions for processing.
"The 920th Munitions Flight have a mission mindset," said a 301st RQS Special Missions Aviator. "They constantly put their expertise to use supporting us, as well as several other airframes and units. Their team can deliver thousands of rounds at a time and is the first line of defense for catching defects in the ammunition."
The 301st RQS SMA, who mans the aircraft’s weapon systems, counts on the munitions flight to be prepared for each mission. They rely on them to provide everything they need to get the job done.
“Our munitions flight is an integral part of the wing,” said the 920th Maintenance Squadron commander. “They aren’t on the flight line everyday launching aircraft but if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be able to execute the mission effectively. They give the warfighters the proper tools needed to go out and fight.”