Silicon Valley Air National Guard Unit Ready to Support Texas for Hurricane Harvey

Photo By Master Sgt. Ray Aquino | California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing, Moffett Air National Guard Base, Calif., prepare to board a C-130J aircraft from the 146th Airlift Wing, Channel Island Air National Guard Station, Calif., in support of Hurrican Harvey, August 28, 2017. The 129th Rescue Wing plans to deploy approximately 90 of its unit members, including highly trained Guardian Angel pararescuemen to Texas to provide search and rescue support for the victims of Hurricane Harvey. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ray Aquino)  

CA, UNITED STATES

08.28.2017

Story by Capt. Roderick Bersamina 

129th Rescue Wing

MOFFETT AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Calif. -- California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing are preparing to provide search and rescue support for the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

The 129th Rescue Wing have deployed to Texas in the past perform search and rescue operations for Hurricanes Rita, Ike and Gustav.

The 129th Rescue Wing plans to deploy approximately 90 of its unit members, including highly trained Guardian Angel pararescuemen, HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, and an MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft and will operate out of Robert Gray Army Airfield in Texas. The mobilization efforts require additional support from the 146th Airlift Wing from Channel Islands and the 176th Wing from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.

"After supporting fire suppression operations here in California and recently participating in a large scale exercise in Alaska, the 129th is ready to deploy its life-saving capabilities to another region of the country," said Col. Daniel Lapostole, 129th Rescue Wing vice commander. “Our response time is a reflection of our quality training, teamwork, and the professionalism of our airmen.”

The 129th Rescue Wing is credited with saving the lives of more than 1,017 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 (Pararescuemen, Combat Rescue Officers and SERE Specialists), the 129th Rescue Wing conducts combat search and rescue missions, as well as the rescue of isolated persons on board ships, lost or injured hikers, and medical evacuations across the West Coast.

For more information about this rescue or the 129th Rescue Wing, please contact Capt. Roderick Bersamina, public affairs officer, at 650-603-0760.

• Date Taken: 08.28.2017
• Date Posted: 08.29.2017 14:37
• Story ID: 246434
• Location: CA, US