Training comes first for pararescue Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Simmons
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) --  Air Force pararescue is an elite force, but before its Airmen are PJs they're trainees. And sometimes PJ training brings them here before they join the world of combat rescue.

Thirteen instructors and 20 pararescue trainees with the 342nd Training Squadron traveled from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., to the 920th Rescue Wing to complete an air operations training block Oct. 7-21.

"We train here because of so many convenient facilities," said Tech. Sgt. Tracy Debbs, pararescue instructor. "From the water area and boat docks to the parachute tower, everything is real close and convenient." 

A segment of the training intensified Oct. 13 when 12 PJ trainees and several instructors carried out a rigging alternate method zodiac drop. First they prepared and checked the equipment. Then with the help of two 39th Rescue Squadron loadmasters they loaded it onto one of the 920th RQW's HC-130 Hercules aircraft.

With everything strapped in, the crew pushed up the throttle accelerating them from zero to 100 miles per hour in about 15 seconds. They quickly went airborne and the trainees prepared mentally for their jumps.

"These kids are trainees and most of them said they had about 15-jumps-worth of experience," said Tech. Sgt. Robert Grande, 39th RQS radio operator onboard for the training. "While I imagine they're nervous, they all seemed focused and committed the whole way through."

While the "King" Hercules took to the air, two large safety boats and two small inflatable Zodiacs launched and patrolled the drop zone about 1 ½ miles from shore in the Banana River.

"Everthing they're doing in the air is for the benefit of the drop," said Ken Knutson, PJ instructor. "In a real mission there are no safety boats so this is the time for them to prepare."

The day's training included three RAMZ drops each accompanied by four PJ trainees and an instructor. Under the watchful eye of expert instructors the trainees hit the water running. They quickly made their way to dropped equipment palates where they wrestled with fasteners and straps to free the un-inflated zodiac boats.

Throughout this process the instructors delivered pointed directions and critiques to make sure safety, speed and effectiveness were properly considered.

Instructors accompany students to Patrick four times each year. The training lasts two weeks and is part of a six-week air operations training block. Once they finish here, the trainees are only 6 ½  weeks away from being fully trained.