Special Tactics Airman killed in training incident

Photo By Staff Sgt. Rachel Williams | U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Peter Kraines, a Special Tactics pararescueman with the 24th Special Operations Wing, died while performing mountain rescue techniques in Boise, Idaho, Oct. 8, 2019. As a Special Tactics pararescueman, Kraines was specially trained and equipped for immediate deployment into combat operations to conduct combat search and rescue and personnel recovery operations.  

HURLBURT FIELD , FL, UNITED STATES

10.10.2019

Story by Staff Sgt. Rachel Williams 

62nd Airlift Wing

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Peter Kraines, 33, a Special Tactics pararescueman with the 24th Special Operations Wing, died from injuries sustained in a training incident while performing mountain rescue techniques in Boise, Idaho, Tuesday. The incident is currently under investigation.

Kraines enlisted in the United States Air Force in March 2011. He immediately entered the two-year pararescue training program and upon completion of the pipeline, he was assigned to the 347th Rescue Group, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. In March 2017, Kraines assessed and was selected to join the ranks within Special Tactics and was assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

“This is a tragic loss to the Special Tactics community,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Allen, commander of the 24th SOW. “We are grateful for the support from our community and our [Air Force Special Operations Command] teammates. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates at this time.”

Kraines was a military static-line jumper, free fall jumper, an Air Force combat scuba diver and certified as an emergency medical technician. As a Special Tactics pararescueman, Kraines was specially trained and equipped for immediate deployment into combat operations to conduct combat search and rescue and personnel recovery operations.

His awards and decorations include an Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, Small Arms Expert Ribbon, Air Force BMT Honor Graduate Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon and NATO Medal.

Please direct any media queries to the 24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs at 850-884-3902, or at [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 10.10.2019
• Date Posted: 10.10.2019 09:56
• Story ID: 347068
• Location: HURLBURT FIELD , FL, US
• Hometown: MIDLOTHIAN, VA, US