Reservists rescue troops during combat operations

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. K.E. Warren
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) --  By the time U.S. forces rolled into downtown Baghdad, Iraq, deployed Air Force reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing had saved the lives of at least 10 American troops.

According to Col. Tim Tarchick, 920th RQW commander, members of the wing were involved in at least four combat search and rescue missions in Iraq as of April 8.

"We've been at the tip of the spear on missions involving the extractions of two groups of Marines, an Air Force A-10 (Thunderbolt II) pilot and two U.S. Army special operations soldiers," Tarchick said. "It's likely our HC-130 (Hercules) and HH-60 (Pave Hawk helicopter) crews have been involved in more saves, but the official word hasn't filtered to us over here yet."

Besides reservists from Patrick, members of the deployed Air Force Reserve Command contingent included rescue people from the 939th RQW at Portland International Airport, Ore.

Their most recent rescue involved flying behind enemy lines to rescue an A-10 pilot who ejected from his airplane after it was hit during a close-air-support mission over western Baghdad on April 8. He was recovered and flown back to a coalition base, uninjured.

The previous day 920th RQW airmen braved severe weather conditions to come to the aid of two critically wounded soldiers about five miles south of Baghdad. The 920th RQW airmen worked with Air Force and Army special operations forces to find the soldiers and bring them to a hospital in Kuwait.

The reservists also rescued two groups of people in late March. Seven Marines pinned down behind enemy lines were rescued during what Tarchick described as lengthy, complicated and dangerous missions.

"I talked to one of our pilots after one of the missions," Tarchick said. "He was tired but full of pride and happy that they got those Marines out. His adrenaline was still pumping."

Tarchick said he is extremely proud of his deployed people.

"They're on the front lines of the war in Iraq and are doing a tremendous job under the most hostile and extreme conditions," he said. (Courtesy of AFRC News Service)