Pararescuermen train to prepare for space shuttle launch Published June 28, 2006 By 1st Lt. Cathleen Snow 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing here practiced techniques that might be used during a Space Shuttle launch recovery mission. The training was conducted June 23 in preparation for the next Space Shuttle launch scheduled for July 1. Master Sgt. James Johnston, Master Sgt. John Shiman, Master Sgt. Alexander Abbey, Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Curl, and a new pararescueman, Staff Sgt. Russell Drake, took part in the training. Known as PJs, they performed a RAMZ (Rigging Alternate Method Zodiac) deployment. Instead of being inflated during the parachute drop, the inflatable, motorized Zodiac boat is deflated and bundled up into a four-foot cube, then parachuted out of a wing C-130. The engine, fuel and medical equipment are also in the package. Two cargo parachutes are attached. "A RAMZ deployment is a technique developed for astronaut recovery, and other open water rescues, to include combat," said Chief Curl. The initial phase included preparing and loading the RAMZ aboard an Air Force Reserve Command HC-130 aircraft for deployment at Judy Drop Zone in the Banana River, a stone's throw away from Patrick AFB. The airplane will climb to 3,500 feet as the men prepare for a freefall parachute jump. When it's time, they will follow the RAMZ off the back ramp of the aircraft during the same deployment pass. In an instant the men clear out of the aircraft and pull their rip chords. The parachutes open at 3,000 feet, allowing them to waft slowly down to the water below. One after the other the PJs plunge safely into the water and shed their parachutes for the next phase of the recovery; inflating and starting the Zodiac. As it bobs up and down, the PJs wrestle with the Zodiac while it inflates. Once aboard, Sergeant Drake pulls the engine chord numerous times to de-water the engine, attaches the fuel line, and gets the boat under way. At this point, "everything is going as planned," said Chief Curl. As the sun goes down, the men navigate to their objective - Senior Airman Andy Holzem, a PJ trainee who is playing the role of survivor. Sergeants Abbey, Drake and Johnston climb onto the support vessel and begin the final phase of their training; administering medical care to the survivor. As the boat rocks, Sergeant Drake prepares an intravenous injection set. He inserts a 16-gauge catheter into the patient's arm and attaches the line. Good fluid flow indicates a successful insertion. He secures the injection site. During the entire procedure he's evaluated on proper sterile technique. No pressure. Finally the chief is satisfied that Sergeant Drake performed optimally. Their day does not end until their parachutes are rinsed free of saltwater and their equipment is in tow. As the exercise winds down, night is upon the rescuers. "Staff Sgt. Drake performed very well. All areas evaluated were accomplished thoroughly and professionally," said Chief Curl. On this "typical PJ day" Sergeant Drake joins the ranks of his fellow pararescuemen as combat-mission ready. He's ready to put his skills into action saving lives. It's all in a day's work so that other may live. (AFRC News Service)