Nellis helicopters aid rescue efforts

  • Published
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNEWS) --  A rescue helicopter and aircrew assigned here have deployed to assist in the rescue of hikers stranded on a mountain in southwest Utah.

One HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter from the 66th Rescue Squadron and pararescuemen from the 58th RQS here departed at approximately 12:30 p.m. to Pine Valley Mountain in a second attempt to rescue three stranded hikers.

The squadron's first attempt to rescue the hikers was April 23 at approximately 2:30 p.m. after receiving a request for assistance from the Washington County Sheriff's Department. The rescue was unsuccessful due to inclement weather.

This rescue team consisted of a pilot and co-pilot, flight engineer, aerial gunner and four pararescuemen. While the pilot and co-pilot command the aircraft, the flight engineer and aerial gunner work together to assist pilots while also operating the hoist, which lowers the pararescuemen to the ground.

More information will be released as it becomes available. 

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