304th RQS

PORTLAND, Ore. - Two Air Force Reserve pararescuemen (Pjs) from the 304th Rescue Squardon, a geographically seperated unit from the 920th Rescue Wing, Cocoa Beach, Fla., map out an area to search for a missing hikier. The PJs were called in to help find a 57 year-old man reported missing after a three-day hike. The terrain, rugged and dense, required the special skills the PJs have to search the high-angle, rough area 10 miles South of Mt. Hood. The 920th RQW PJs are ready for any type of rescue in any terrain. In fact, they are among the most highly trained emergency trauma specialists in the U.S. military. They must maintain an emergency medical technician-paramedic qualification throughout their careers. With this medical and rescue expertise, along with their deployment capabilities, PJs are able to perform life-saving missions in the world?s most remote areas. (U.S. Air Force photo)

304th RQS

PORTLAND, Ore. - Air Force Reserce pararescuemen from the 304th Rescue Squadron, a geographically seperated unit from the 920th Rescue Wing, Cocoa Beach, Fla., were asked to join in the search of a 57 year-old hiker. The 304th RQS has the training and skills to navigate the rough, rugged terrain 10 miles south of Mt. Hood. The 920th RQW PJs are ready for any type of rescue in any terrain. In fact, they are among the most highly trained emergency trauma specialists in the U.S. military. They must maintain an emergency medical technician-paramedic qualification throughout their careers. With this medical and rescue expertise, along with their deployment capabilities, PJs are able to perform life-saving missions in the world?s most remote areas. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Reserve PJs continue search for a missing Portland hiker

Published July 29, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Leslie Kraushaar
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Seven Air Force Reserve pararescuemen from the 304th Rescue Squadron here are continuing the search for a 57-year-old hiker.

The missing hiker was reported to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Department July 25 by his brother, which prompted a search by the sheriff's department. Realizing the extensive area and rugged terrain, the sheriff made the call to the 304th RQS and to the rescue professionals, commonly referred to as "PJs".

The PJs searched for nine hours on July 28 covering a 4-kilometer area of dense, wooded, high-angle terrain. The PJs are specially trained for such conditions.

"The sheriff broke down the most likely areas where the hiker would have gone and gave us [PJs] the most rugged terrain to search," said Maj. John Graver, commander of the 304th RQS.

The PJs worked with six other search teams, local volunteers, the local sheriff's department, local K-9 units and the American Red Cross, which provided food and water for the search teams.

"We've been working with the local law enforcement here for almost 50 years," said Major Graver. "It's a seamless process and the coordination between us is flawless."

Going into day two of a three-day search plan the PJs are ready to get back out and continue the search.

Some of the pararescuemen are working hand-in-hand with a local K-9 unit to enhance the search for the missing man.

The 304th RS PJs are assigned to the 920th Resque Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., and are trained to rescue people in any terrain. They are among the most highly trained emergency trauma specialists in the U.S. military and are qualified emergency medical technician-paramedics. With this medical and rescue expertise, along with their deployment capabilities, PJs are able to perform life-saving missions in the world's most remote areas.