Search and rescue missions underway

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jason Tudor
  • Air Force Print News
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A combined search-and-rescue team with helicopters and HC-130 Hercules aircraft flew its first mission Sept. 24, combing the Texas Gulf Coast for Hurricane Rita victims.

Active duty and Air Force Reserve aircrews from the 347th Rescue Wing, Moody Air Force Base, Ga., and the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick AFB, Fla., arrived here Sept. 23.

The team is just one component of a huge humanitarian effort that combines forces from the military services, NASA and a host of local, state and federal agencies.

Thirteen helicopters are currently flying missions from Randolph, a huge undergraduate jet training base. Pararescuemen, trained in all environments, are also on hand to provide medical support as needed.

Col. Mark Noyes, commander of the 347th Aerospace Expeditionary Group deployed here for Hurricane Rita, said people’s lives are what matter.

“We’re looking at the human element,” he said. “We will commit our resources to make sure that people are recovered and brought to safety.”

The crews at Randolph are searching in three specific areas. “Coastal West” and “Coastal East” focus along areas possibly devastated on the coastline. Both areas are about 35 miles southeast of Houston. “Kirbyville” is an area northeast of Houston.

Crews will be here as a long as necessary, the colonel said. Many of the same people deployed here were also part of the effort to evacuate people during Hurricane Katrina a few weeks before.

Search-and-rescue crews saved 4,306 people during that storm, according to Colonel Noyes.

He said the work between federal agencies as well as with the active and Reserve aircrews and pararescuemen was pivotal to ensuring success.

“It is cooperative effort and spirit,” Colonel Noyes said.

As the missions continue, the colonel emphasized the importance of the work, plus the professionalism of his team.

“We’re going to do this safely so that America can see what professionals we are,” he said.