Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    Kentucky Air Guard Troops Deploy to Coastal Texas

    Kentucky Air Guard Troops Deploy to Coastal Texas

    Courtesy Photo | Members of the Kentucky Air Guard's 123rd Special Tactics Squadron prepare radio,...... read more read more

    WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

    09.12.2008

    Courtesy Story

    Defense.gov         

    About 25 pararescuemen, combat controllers and support troops from the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron began deploying to coastal Texas today to conduct rescue operations for victims of Hurricane Ike.

    The Airmen began leaving the Air Guard Base at Louisville International Airport at 5:35 p.m. aboard multiple Kentucky Air Guard C-130 airplanes.

    The aircraft, bound for Ellington Field near Houston, were loaded with thousands of pounds of medical gear and rescue equipment, including Zodiac motor boats, swift-water rescue boats, all-terrain vehicles, off-road motorcycles and a special tactics operations center, said Chief Master Sgt. Pat Malone, a superintendent in the squadron.

    “We’re taking everything we need today to establish airfield operations, begin rescue efforts and provide medical assistance as necessary,” Malone said.

    The equipment also included long-range communications gear and navigational electronics, which the squadron’s combat controllers use to control emergency air traffic into and out of disaster areas.

    “We can deploy into any environment and establish airfield operations and air traffic control very quickly,” Malone said. “That’s crucial for successful rescue operations.”

    Following Hurricane Katrina, for example, members of the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron established a helicopter landing zone on an Interstate overpass and helped direct helicopter med-evac flights that airlifted more than 11,900 to safety.

    (Air Force Capt. Dale Greer is assigned to the Kentucky Air National Guard.)

    Story by Air Force Capt. Dale Greer, Special to American Forces Press Service

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 09.12.2008
    Date Posted: 07.03.2025 19:39
    Story ID: 521248
    Location: WASHINGTON, US

    Web Views: 2
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN