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National Geographic documentary series features AF combat rescue

  • Published
  • By Capt. Cathleen Snow
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Guardian Angel Airmen like those assigned to the Air Force Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing here, will be featured in a new National Geographic Channel series premiering Feb 18.

The six-episode television documentary "Inside Combat Rescue," explores Air Force combat search and rescue in Afghanistan through the stories of deployed Airmen.

The show provides a real-time look at the experiences of Airmen working to save the lives of NATO coalition members, Afghan security forces and Afghan civilians.

In this first-of-its kind series for the Air Force, a National Geographic film crew embedded with pararescuemen, combat rescue officers, HH-60G Pave Hawk crews and support forces of  the 23d Wing during a 2012 deployment to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

The show features Guardian Angel team members deployed from the 38th Rescue Squadron, Moody AFB, Ga., and Pave Hawk crews deployed from the 66th Rescue Squadron and associated units at Nellis AFB, Nev.

In addition to cameramen on the ground, more than 40 mounted cameras recorded each mission to capture thousands of hours of raw footage during this Air Force and Department of Defense sanctioned project.

Air Force rescue forces saved more than 12,200 U.S., allied and host nation forces in conflicts worldwide since Sept. 11, 2001. They have rescued more than 5,000 people worldwide during catastrophic natural disasters and other responses.

The entertainment industry regularly engages the U.S. Air Force for involvement in motion pictures, television and video games through the Air Force Entertainment Liaison Office in Los Angeles, Calif. This office works to protect the Air Force's interests and project its missions, capabilities and Airmen through entertainment.

"Our priority is to ensure we have the opportunity to engage with the creative community so we can put the Air Force in the best position to inform the nation through entertainment. Programs like this, which allow us showcase our real Airmen and missions, are priceless," said Lt. Col. Francisco Hamm, director, Air Force Entertainment Liaison Office.

Check your local listings for channel information. Click here to view a preview Inside Combat Rescue.

The 920th RQW performs combat search and rescue as its primary mission, but is also responsible for civil search and rescue, humanitarian relief and support of rocket launches. To date, the unit has saved more than 3,000 lives.

Stay up to date with the 920th Rescue Wing at http://www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil. Follow the 920th on Facebook and Twitter.

(Information for this article was compiled by a news release by Maj. Brandon Lingle, Air Combat Command Public Affairs)