HC-130 team trains to save lives during Africa mission

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Shannon Collins
  • Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa
DJIBOUTI, Africa (AFPN) --  With ears pricked, they listen for the slightest sign of an alert.

This Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa team knows it gets the call, it is a life-or-death situation.

Approximately 65 aircrew and maintainers from the New York Air National Guard’s 102nd Rescue Squadron are deployed here with the 449th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron where they train daily to be ready for the call for help.

Chief Master Sgt. Tom Elefterion, a loadmaster superintendent for the HC-130 aerial refueling aircraft, has been with the unit since 1977 and in the Air Force for 33 years. He gave up being a marine biologist to serve on the team for one reason -- to save lives.

“Our team is dedicated to training because that training leads toward saving people’s lives. That’s our whole objective,” he said. “If a pilot is shot down, we need to get in there and get him out. If you just need to pick up one person, that’s one life that you save.”

To stay up to date with training, the 449th ERQS HC-130 team works hand-in-hand with the 131st Rescue Squadron, consisting of pararescue jumpers and a combat rescue officer and a Marine helicopter squadron.

During a typical day here, HC-130 aircrew members will take PJs up for a drop and refuel the CH-53s after helicopters have delivered goods to CJTF-HOA members downrange.

“We train and fly with them every day we can because these are going to be the crews we will work with if we ever get called out on a mission,” said Lt. Col. Rex Reilly, 449th ERS commander. Colonel Reilly joined the unit four years ago after 14 years of active duty. “Everyone here is mission oriented, and they are a great team.”

The 449th ERQS team’s stateside squadron, the 102d RQS, is the oldest Air National Guard unit in the country. It originated in 1915. Since it became a rescue squadron in 1975, it has had about 464 saves, mostly civilians.

First Lt. Matt Stueck, a co-pilot and one of the few active duty members assigned to the ANG unit, is on his first deployment and looks forward to his first save.

“I’m trying to learn as much as I can from all of the experienced crewmembers in the unit,” he said. “The goal of saving a life keeps me studying and keeps me alert in my job. It’s a very valiant mission, and I’m ready for it. You’re helping people and that’s what I like to do.”

The 449th team consists mainly of traditional and full-time guardsmen. Staff Sgt. Jim Brucculeri, a loadmaster, has been with the unit for about four years. When he is not assisting in an aerial refueling, expediting the PJs or dropping supplies, he is a high school science teacher.

“When we study deserts, volcanoes and hurricanes, I have pictures and videos of us flying around the country and the world. When the students actually see the geology and geography, it helps them retain the information rather than just reading it in a textbook,” he said.

Sergeant Brucculeri enjoys both of his jobs.

“Personnel recovery is always a special mission and is very exciting,” he said. “Some days it’s very quiet and others it’s pure adrenaline and excitement. We always have to be ready because when you least expect it, you get the call and the mission. At that point, you know someone is counting on you on the ground or in the air.”

When the team is not in the combat zone training and waiting for the chance to save lives, they are providing search and rescue and medical evacuation from Northeast United States south to Bahamas Islands and east of the Azores. The unit is often summoned by the Coast Guard or other agencies to provide humanitarian assistance. They also support every space shuttle launch.

Chief Elefterion has been on many civilian saves with the unit over the years.

“I’ve dropped the PJs many times out in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean in pretty bad weather looking for someone on a fishing vessel or a tanker who’s either sick or who’s lost an arm or a leg in an accident,” he said. “Helping them, that’s the reason for us to be around. Getting out to somebody the Coast Guard couldn’t get to, saving lives, that’s what it’s all about.”

Sergeant Brucculeri has also been on saves and is excited to a part of the CJTF-HOA mission.

“Search and rescue is a very dangerous mission, especially if you’ve been flying for long hours in bad conditions,” he said. “Each and every one of us is honored to be tasked with such a critical mission in such an important part of the world.”