Uruguayan armed forces train with rescue reservists

Published Sept. 3, 2010
By Capt. Cathleen Snow
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Ten members of the Uruguayan armed forces visited Air Force Reserve Command's 920th Rescue Wing here Aug. 29 - Sept. 2 to get hands-on rescue orientation and training.

The South American team was made up of pilots, a loadmaster and pararescuemen.

The U.S. Air Force through the American Embassy in Uruguay invited the visitors as part of an ongoing exchange program with U.S. Southern Command, which fosters close ties between the two nations.

Lt. Col. Saint Lehtinen, Air Force section chief in the U.S. Embassy in Montevideo, Uruguay, served as host, escort, and translator for the group.

"Our mission in Uruguay is to help grow the nation's capabilities, security and stability," Colonel Lehtinen said. "We also want to promote U.S. interests, provide humanitarian assistance and counter drug trafficking."

Uruguay's only land border is with Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, to the north. To the west lies the Uruguay River. To the southwest is the estuary of Río de la Plata, with Argentina only a short commute across the banks of either of these bodies of water. To the southeast is the southern part of the Atlantic Ocean.

During the visit, the 920th RQW's HC-130P/N squadron flew the Uruguayan pararescuemen aboard its Hercules extended-range combat-search-and-rescue aircraft for joint jump training over the Banana River, adjacent to Patrick AFB. Uruguay is densely covered with river plants, so the Uruguayans will continue to work with the Florida PJs and rescue crews to hone their skills and exchange vital information in water rescue techniques.

Next year the 920th reservists will travel to Uruguay and pick up the training started in Florida.