Reserve Airmen clear path for rocket launch Published Sept. 8, 2015 By Master Sgt. Paul Flipse 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing provided range clearance and safety support for the successful launch of a military communications satellite on board a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket today at 6:18 a.m. from nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The satellite is the Navy's Mobile User Objective System, a next-generation tactical communications system designed to improve ground communications for U.S. forces in transit. The satellite was manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Hours before launch, two wing HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters cleared the Eastern Range of all air and marine traffic. The Eastern Range is a 70-mile long by 10-mile wide patch of Atlantic Ocean extending east from CCAFS that is susceptible to falling rocket debris. The 920th RQW's primary mission is combat search and rescue, which includes rescuing servicemembers trapped and/or wounded behind enemy lines. Additionally, the wing performs civil search and rescue and humanitarian relief. Since being activated in 1956, the 920th Rescue Wing has saved roughly 4,000 lives, including more than 850 combat rescues. It is the only CSAR unit in the Air Force Reserve. #AFReserve #Reserverescue #920Rescue