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Rescue reservists hone skills in Operation Shocker

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Luke Johnson
  • 943rd Rescue Group Public Affaris
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.

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