• Rescue Reservists are credited with flying more than 726 rescue missions, saving 490 lives and assisting in saving another 458 lives
Photos
Approximately 70 Reserve Airman from the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. returned home to Florida Feb 6 and 7 after being deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They served as aviators, maintenance and support Airmen, and were part of a combat-search-and-rescue team responsible for saving many lives. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Cathleen Snow)
Approximately 70 Reserve Airman from the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. returned home to Florida Feb 6 and 7. They are part of a combat-search-and-rescue team that was deployed for the last five months to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Cathleen Snow)
After being deployed for five months, Tech. Sgt. Chris Mora, aerial gunner, 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., is greeted by his chihuahua, Mischa, Feb. 7, at the base passenger terminal. Mora was part of a pararescue team to save lives in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Cathleen Snow)
As part of a life-saving rescue team, approximately 70 Reserve Airman from the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. returned home to Florida Feb 6 and 7. As aviators, maintenance and support Airmen, they performed combat-search-and-rescue operatons for the last five months in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Cathleen Snow)
As part of a life-saving pararescue team, Airman from the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. returned home to Florida Feb 6 and 7 after being deployed to Afghanistan for the last five months. As aviators, maintenance and support Airmen, they performed combat-search-and-rescue operatons in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Cathleen Snow)
Approximately 70 Air Force Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. returned home to Florida Feb 6 and 7 after being deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They served as aviators, maintenance and support Airmen, and were part of a combat-search-and-rescue team responsible for saving many lives over the last five months. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Cathleen Snow)
Approximately 70 Air Force Reserve combat-search-and-rescue Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. returned home to Florida Feb 6 and 7. They were part of a life-saving team that was deployed for the last five months to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Cathleen Snow)
by Capt. Cathleen Snow
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
2/7/2012 - PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Approximately 70 Reserve Airman from the 920th Rescue Wing here returned home Feb. 6 and 7 after a five-month deployment to Afghanistan as part of a combat-search-and-rescue team supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Helicopter pilots, aircrew, pararescuemen, maintenance and support personnel were part of the 920th's year-long deployment to provide combat rescue and medical evacuation operations.
During this rotation, the reservists are credited with flying more than 726 rescue missions, saving 490 lives and assisting in saving another 458 lives.
A 'save' refers to a situation where, without immediate intervention, a person would lose their life, a limb or eyesight.
The wing's primary wartime job is combat search and rescue, which involves locating and rescuing service members isolated or injured in combat - such as pilots shot down behind enemy lines or combatants injured on the battlefield.
This deployment was one of many for the Rescue Reservists. Operational requirements remain high due to the nature of this mission.
Nearly 100 Airmen from the wing remain deployed in various locations throughout the world.
For more information about the 920th RQW, log on to the wing's Web site: www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.
