Team Rescue

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Team Rescue, comprising of Air Force Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing, stand tall during the final landing of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, July 21, 2011. This group of Reserve Airmen are comprised of HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter pilots, crew, pararescueman and flight medics. These rescue responders have been the insurance policy ready to perform the world's largest search and rescue mission if called upon, during the astronauts' daring entries and exits into space. This is the final flight for the Atlantis marking the end of NASA?s manned space program. Rescue reservists from the 920th RQW, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., have been present since the start of the shuttle mission to clear the range and stand by in the event of a mishap. The 920th RQW uses HC-130P/N King refueling aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters to transport their highly-trained and effective rescue teams, often called Guardian Angels. Their unique combat search-and-rescue skills and equipment make them the most qualified in the world to respond to any emergency scenario, the worst being one that would cause the astronauts to bail out over the Atlantic Ocean during liftoff. Even though the shuttle mission has come to an end, the Airmen from the 920th RQW are on hand for every rocket launch to clear the 1,000 square mile area, called the Eastern Range, over the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S Air Force photo/Major Simpson)