Patrick reservists practice astronaut rescue

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PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNEWS) --  Reservists from Air Force Reserve Command's 920th Rescue Wing here took part in a Mode 7 Exercise at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Feb. 13.

Helicopter crews from the wing's 301st Rescue Squadron provide range security during space shuttle launches. Pararescuemen in the wing's 308th RQS are on standby to rescue and treat astronauts if a space shuttle veers off the Cape Canaveral runway during a landing.

During the exercise, 920th HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters airlifted NASA firefighters and Air Force Reserve pararescuemen to a remote training site for them to practice their egress and medical skills.

Airmen in Air Force Space Command's 45th Space Wing, the host unit at Patrick AFB, also took part in the exercise.

The 920th RQW's wartime task is combat search and rescue of downed allied aircrew members.

(Courtesy Air Force Reserve Command News Service) 

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