• The Barry M. Goldwater Range replicated the forward deployed environment rescue Airmen from the 943rd Rescue Group will face. • During the operation, rescue group Airmen were on 24/7 combat-search-and-rescue alert status. • "It's important for us to tailor our training as close as possible to when we are deploying and to keep current on the ongoing operations," said Capt. Kevin Deibler, combat rescue officer, 306th Rescue Squadron.
Photos
A HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter with the 943rd Rescue Group takes off after dropping off pararescuemen during a mass causality drill during the Operation Shocker training exercise. The exercise tested the 943rd Rescue Group’s ability to respond to a variety of combat-search-and-rescue scenarios prior to an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Air Force Photo/ Master Sgt. Luke Johnson)
Pararescuemen carry a patient on a stokes litter to a HH-60G helicopter during a mass causality drill as part of Operation Shocker, a training exercise designed to hone 943rd Rescue Group Airmen’s combat-search-and-rescue skills. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Luke Johnson)
Capt. Kevin Deibler, a combat rescue officer with the 306th Rescue Squadron, communicates with a incoming HH-60G helicopters during a mass casualty drill as part of Operation Shocker. The exercise tested the 943rd Rescue Group’s ability to respond to a variety of combat-search-and-rescue scenarios prior to an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Luke Johnson)
An HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter with the 943rd Rescue Group prepares to land and drop off pararesucemen during a mass causality drill during Operation Shocker training exercise. The exercise tested the 943rd Rescue Group’s ability to respond to a variety of combat-search-and-rescue scenarios prior to an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Luke Johnson)
Two HH-60G helicopters from the 943rd Rescue Group depart Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field during a training combat-search-and-rescue mission as part of Operation Shocker, Dec. 14, 2011. The training exercises tested rescue group Airmen’s ability to respond to a variety of CSAR scenarios in preparation for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Luke Johnson)
Pararescueman load a patient on to a HH-60G helicopter during a mass causality drill as part of Operation Shocker, a training exercise designed to hone 943rd Rescue Group Airmen’s combat-search-and-rescue skills. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Luke Johnson)
A pararescueman with the 306th Rescue Squadron prepares patients for a medical evacuation during a mass causality drill as part of Operation Shocker. The training exercise put rescue group Airmen in a variety of combat-search scenario to prepare them for a future deployment. (U.S. Air Force Photo/ Master Sgt. Luke Johnson)
by Master Sgt. Luke Johnson
943rd Rescue Group Public Affaris
12/16/2011 - Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Ariz. -- The tiny air strip with bare bones facilities located inside the extensive Barry M. Goldwater Range replicated the harsh forward deployed environment many rescue Airmen from the 943rd Rescue Group will face during their upcoming deployment.
During the operation, rescue group Airmen were on 24/7 combat-search-and-rescue alert status and were faced with many perilous CSAR scenarios designed to hone their rescue skills and to build camaraderie among those who will be deploying.
"It's important for us to tailor our training as close as possible to when we are deploying and to keep current on the ongoing operations," said Capt. Kevin Deibler, combat rescue officer, 306th Rescue Squadron.
The most important aspect of the training was ensuring all of the newer Airmen to the CSAR mission were fully prepared to face rigors of being deployed.
"We have two guys there who are still going through their mission qualification training, and they are going to go out the door with us in a few months," said Deibler.
For the aviators and air crew on the HH-60G Pave Hawks, the environment around Gila Bend is very similar to what they will face flying and landing in the harsh deployed conditions.
"We need to get into the situation; we go up into the air where the environment is a lot more dynamic, you got all the radio chatter in the helicopter itself," said Capt. Brent Watts, HH-60G Pave Hawk pilot, 305th Rescue Squadron. "It's the only real way to simulate an actual combat environment."
The harsh Arizona environment gave 943rd RQG Airmen a chance to learn from each other and to develop the best possible tactics and procedures to save lives.
"I think the essential part of this training is what I learn from every on else, expanding my knowledge base and expanding my abilities," said Deibler.
For more information on the 920th RQW, follow them on Facebook or Twitter.
