Photo By Tech. Sgt. Sean Madden | A New York Air National Guard HH-60W Jolly Green II rescue helicopter, assigned to the...... read more read more
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Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, N.Y.– New York Air National Guard members assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing participated in a combat search and rescue exercise at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, May 3, 2025.
The exercise involved aircrews from the 102nd Rescue Squadron, which operates HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft, aircrews from the 101st Rescue Squadron, which flies HH-60W Jolly Green II rescue helicopters, pararescuemen from the 103rd Rescue Squadron, intelligence analysts, and communications specialists from the 106th Operations Group.
According to Major Patrick Harding, an HC-130J Combat King II pilot, key planner, and instructor for the exercise, the objective of the full mission profile was to simulate a combat search and rescue mission in an overwater environment.
The training instructed crew members who had just transitioned to the HH-60 Whiskey helicopter and demonstrated how to direct a rescue scene from the HC-130J, explained Harding.
The mission scenario involved the recovery of a downed fighter pilot over the ocean, represented by an Airman with simulated injuries. The operation required a search by HC-130J aircraft and extraction by HH-60W rescue helicopters, with pararescuemen onboard to provide medical support and execute the recovery.
Once located, the HC-130J crew guided helicopters to the pickup location where rescue personnel simulated a water extraction of the “injured” pilot from the ocean.
Upon retrieving the simulated downed pilot, pararescuemen began treating simulated injuries while their helicopter flew to rendezvous with the HC-130J on the ground. Once there, they transferred the simulated patient from the helicopter to the plane for further treatment and more rapid transit to a hospital.
“For our younger loadmasters, we wanted them to get more exposure working with an entire task force, and specifically working with pararescuemen and a team,” said Staff Sgt. Salvatore Abamonte, an HC-130J Combat King II loadmaster and key planner of the exercise. “They did come onto the airplane with a live patient, and they were actually working on the patient, so having them integrate was important.”
Also part of the scenario was helicopter air-to-air refueling. Combat King II aircraft can simultaneously transfer fuel to two HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters during flight. The HC-130J extends hoses and drogues while the helicopters are equipped with an extending boom connecting with the airplane's hoses.
During aerial refueling, loadmasters use a signal light with colored lenses as well as radio communication to direct the operation from the rear, opening the ramp of the HC-130J.
Abamonte explained that the unit conducts helicopter refueling as often as possible to make sure newer loadmasters get as much practice as possible.
“The full mission profile we did, to capture all the points we're looking at, is to advance our younger aviators and continue to hone in the skills of our most experienced aviators so that we maintain our ability to save lives in the most effective and quick way possible,” Harding said.
The 106th Rescue Wing, based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York, operates and maintains the HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft, and the HH-60W Jolly Green II rescue helicopter. The 106th Rescue Wing is home to a special warfare squadron with pararescuemen and combat rescue officers, specializing in rescue and recovery, and deploys for domestic and overseas operations.
| Date Taken: | 05.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.08.2025 16:24 |
| Story ID: | 497327 |
| Location: | WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 24 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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