California Air National Guard conducts lifesaving mission off coast of California

MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, CA, UNITED STATES

08.18.2015

Story by Ray Aquino  

129th Rescue Wing

MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, Calif. – California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing will depart Moffett Federal Airfield this afternoon to conduct an overwater mission to save the life of a U.S. citizen on a container ship approximately 900 miles from San Francisco.

The 129th Rescue Wing received a call from the U.S. Coast Guard concerning a patient who requires treatment beyond the capabilities of those onboard the vessel known as the Green Ridge. Due to the vessel’s location in the Pacific Ocean and the immediate need for medical care, the 129th Rescue Wing accepted the mission. A team of four Guardian Angel pararescuemen from the 129th Rescue Wing will parachute into the open ocean from an MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft to board the vessel and tend to the patient’s ailments.

“The 129th Rescue Wing’s federal mission is to conduct combat rescue. But as California Guardsmen, we have a responsibility to apply our lifesaving capabilities to the homeland,” said Col. Gregory F. Jones, 129th Rescue Wing commander. “This is a prime example of how the 129th Rescue Wing and the Air National Guard are always on mission for the American people.”

To date, 129th Rescue Wing is credited with saving the lives of more than 1,000 people. From arid deserts and snow-covered mountain tops to urban and rural settings, 129th Rescue Wing air guardsmen can reach any destination by land, air or sea. Equipped with MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft, HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and Guardian Angel teams (PJs and CROs), the 129th Rescue Wing conducts combat search and rescue and the rescue of distressed persons aboard ships, lost or injured hikers and medical evacuations.

• Date Taken: 08.18.2015
• Date Posted: 08.18.2015 20:47
• Story ID: 173543
• Location: MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, CA, US