920th Rescue Wing Prepares to Launch Search-and-Rescue Missions in Response to Hurricane Michael
By Space Coast Daily // October 11, 2018
20th RQW will remain on standby until called into action
BREVARD COUNTY • PATRICK AIRFORCE BASE, FLORIDA – Air Force Reservists with the 920th Rescue Wing started preparing to launch search-and-rescue missions in response to Hurricane Michae.
The Air Force Reserve unit, which specializes in combat search and rescue, allocated aircraft, supplies and personnel in anticipation of Hurricane relief.
The 920th RQW will remain on standby until called into action in the aftermath of the storm. Its assets include HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and HC-130N fixed-wing aerial refueling aircraft.
“We’re ready to respond,” said Col. Michael LoForti, 920th Operations Group commander.
“Thanks to all of our dedicated Reserve Citizen Airmen, we’ve generated aircraft, equipment and personnel in a very short amount of time in response to Hurricane Michael.”
Given its rescue capabilities, the Reserve unit is often tasked with humanitarian efforts after natural disasters, most recently responding to Florence in September and Hurricanes Irma and Harvey in 2017.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, the 920th RQW rescued 235 people and 21 pets while staged at College Station, Texas.
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Related Story:Rescue Mission of the Year Awarded To 33 Airmen From 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force Base
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