News>Airmen featured in upcoming documentary series
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David Clawson, a member of the National Geographic film crew, captures the action for “Inside Combat Rescue” as pararescuemen from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., exit their helicopter after touching down in in a remote area of Afghanistan. The show is a Department of Defense supported Nat Geo television series about Air Force combat rescue efforts in Afghanistan. (National Geographic Channel photo/Jared McGilliard)
David Clawson, a member of the National Geographic film crew, captures the action as pararescuemen from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., secure the area while an HH-60 Pave Hawk lifts off. A five-person Nat Geo television crew filmed “Inside Combat Rescue” for five weeks with Airmen from Moody AFB and Pave Hawk crews from Nellis AFB, Nev., at Kandahar Airbase, Afghanistan. (National Geographic Channel photo/John Collin)
David Clawson, a member of the National Geographic film crew, captures the action as a pararescueman from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., secure the area while an HH-60 Pave Hawk arrives to whisk them out of harm’s way. In a first-of-its-kind project, Nat Geo had unprecedented access to all aspects of the Air Force rescue mission in Afghanistan for a new television series called "Inside Combat Rescue." (National Geographic Channel photo/John Collin)
A Moody Air Force Base, Ga., pararescueman, keeps an eye out for any signs of danger while an HH-60 Pave Hawk lifts off in Afghanistan. In a first-of-its-kind project, Nat Geo had unprecedented access to all aspects of the Air Force rescue mission in Afghanistan for a new television series called "Inside Combat Rescue." (National Geographic Channel photo/Jared McGilliard)
by Maj. Brandon Lingle
Air Combat Command Public Affairs
1/16/2013 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFNS) -- A six-episode television documentary exploring Air Force combat rescue in Afghanistan through the stories of deployed Airmen slated to premiere Feb. 18, at 10 p.m. EST/PST.
The show, "Inside Combat Rescue," provides a real-time look at the experiences of Airmen working to save the lives of NATO coalition members, Afghan security forces and Afghan civilians.
In this first-of-its kind series for the Air Force, a National Geographic film crew embedded with pararescuemen, combat rescue officers, HH-60G Pave Hawk crews and support forces of the 23rd Wing during a 2012 deployment to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.
The show features Guardian Angel team members, PJs and CROs, deployed from Moody's 38th Rescue Squadron and Pave Hawk crews deployed from the 66th Rescue Squadron and associated units at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
"We're excited for people to have a first-hand look at the great work Air Force combat rescue Airmen do every day around the world," said Col. Billy Thompson, 23rd Wing commander. "The series portrays just a fraction of the capabilities Air Force personnel recovery forces bring combatant commanders, and it captures what a true team effort this mission set requires. It's important to realize it takes the work of hundreds of Airmen in dozens of career fields to make the lives saved by our rescue crews possible."
In addition to cameramen on the ground, more than 40 mounted cameras recorded each mission to capture thousands of hours of raw footage during this Air Force and Department of Defense sanctioned project.
"I am extremely proud of our combat rescue officers, pararescuemen, and support personnel teams," said Lt. Col. Patrick O'Rourke, the 38th Rescue Squadron commander. "We train hard every day to ensure that when the mission drops, we are ready and will accomplish what is required without fail."
During the deployment, the rescue crews flew 130 missions and saved 108 lives. Air Force rescue forces saved more than 12,200 U.S., allied and host-nation forces in conflicts worldwide since Sept. 11, 2001. They have rescued more than 5,000 people worldwide during catastrophic natural disasters and other responses.
"We feel humbled and honored to be able to tell the stories of such a brave, selfless and heroic group of people in this series. Their inspiring mission not only depicts the tragic consequences of war, but the humanity as well," said Jared McGilliard, "Inside Combat Rescue" series producer. "Spending two months filming and getting to know them in Afghanistan was an amazing experience I will never forget."
The entertainment industry regularly engages the U.S. Air Force for involvement in motion pictures, television and video games through the Air Force Entertainment Liaison Office in Los Angeles, Calif. This office works to protect the Air Force's interests and project its missions, capabilities and Airmen through entertainment.
"Our priority is to ensure we have the opportunity to engage with the creative community so we can put the Air Force in the best position to inform the nation through entertainment. Programs like this, which allow us to showcase our real Airmen and missions, are priceless," said Lt. Col. Francisco Hamm, director, Air Force Entertainment Liaison Office.
Please check your local listings for channel information.
