Rescue unit to support space shuttle launch

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Ruby Zarzcyzny
  • 943rd Rescue Group Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) --  Members of the 943rd Rescue Group here deployed March 7 to Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., to support the upcoming Space Shuttle Discovery launch mission.

The Air Force Reserve rescue group deployed two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, nine maintainers and four pararescuemen to augment its parent unit, the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick AFB for the scheduled March 11 space shuttle launch.

The Space Shuttle Discovery is set for liftoff March 11 at 9:20 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

The Discovery crew is set to fly the S6 truss segment and install the final set of power-generating solar arrays to the International Space Station. The S6 truss will complete the backbone of the station and provide one-fourth of the total power needed to support a crew of six on the International Space Station.

The helicopters were loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster III March 7 at Davis-Monthan AFB and then flown to Patrick AFB. The C-17 was from McChord AFB, Wash. The reservists are scheduled to return to Davis-Monthan AFB April 3. 

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