Military's Extraordinary Open Sea Rescue Mission Spans 1000 Miles - Installment 1
Title: A Dramatic Pacific Ocean Rescue: Inside the 129th Rescue Wing Mission
On a sunny Tuesday morning, the Pacific Ocean seemed endless and tranquil from the window of a C-130. Staff Sgt. Mike Scheglov, an aircrew flight equipment specialist, gave a quick prayer. "I really hope they speak Russian." He was about to embark on a mission, no ordinary one - a long-range rescue in a heart-stopping bid to save a life.
It all started at Moffett Field, home to the California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing. As Airmen were Ready for the day, an unusual request came their way: "Did you bring your lunch today?" Scheglov recalled. Turns out, the rescuers needed a Russian speaker to communicate with the ship captain. Scheglov, a fluent speaker, was an excellent fit for the task.
The 129th Rescue Wing, one of the few on Earth capable of rescuing patients hundreds of miles offshore, relies on its HC-130J command and control planes and HH-60G helicopters for these operations. Ingeniously, the HC-130Js refuel the helicopters via long hoses mid-flight, allowing them to hoist patients out of a fishing boat or a cruise ship and bring them back to a hospital.
However, such rescues are high-risk, with numerous moving parts involved. "There are a lot of complexities to the mission," explained Lt. Col. Christopher Nance, who led the Port Kyushu mission. Flying for hours at a time, often in darkness or airtight anti-exposure suits can make the job extremely challenging. But for the 129th RQW, skilled in open ocean rescues since 1975, it's part of the job.
On that fateful day, the objective was to rescue a middle-aged man aboard the Port Kyushu, struggling with an urgent neurological problem. A rescue would jeopardize four aircraft and more than 20 lives, but the gravity of the situation made it unavoidable. Volunteers were easy to find.
Unique aspects of this mission included the need for two HC-130Js to cut down on risk and the use of spare aircraft and personnel from the nearby 79th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. By noon, the aircraft embarked on their journey, a journey that would take them 500 miles out to sea.
In the cockpit and the cabin, the PJs and the crew wore their gear - anti-exposure suits, life preservers, and critical medical supplies. But each also carried personal mementos, tokens of memory from loved ones, adding a touch of familiarity in the midst of danger.
Over the next few hours, the aircraft traversed the ocean, communicating with the ship, testing their refueling system, and staying vigilant as they approached their destination. The mission was far from over once they arrived; the real thing began when the helicopter dangled a PJ from its ropes to pick up the patient.
Extraction in the open ocean poses a multitude of risks, but the 129th RQW, known for their expertise, displayed a calm and professional demeanor. Their successful mission proved once again that they were not just any rescue unit - they were a team that could save lives, even in the most challenging circumstances, anywhere on Earth.
Stay tuned for part 2 of the series, where we delve deeper into the story, revealing more details about the patients, the dedication of the crew, and the unwavering spirit of the 129th Rescue Wing.
- The mission in the 129th Rescue Wing, capable of rescuing patients hundreds of miles offshore, often involves not only aircraft like the HC-130J and HH-60G, but also the skills and languages of veterans such as Staff Sgt. Mike Scheglov, who can speak Russian and assist with communication.
- The 129th Rescue Wing's missions are marked by complexity due to the numerous moving parts involved, including refueling mid-flight, hoisting patients, and navigating in darkness or donning anti-exposure suits.
- For the 129th Rescue Wing, skilled in open ocean rescues since 1975, the risk and challenges are reasons to demonstrate their prowess and live up to their reputation as a team that can save lives, even in the most demanding conditions, such as space, medical-conditions, and health-and-wellness.
- In addition to their regular aircraft and personnel, the 129th Rescue Wing relied on backup from the nearby 79th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, demonstrating their commitment to high-risk, life-saving missions.
- The crew members on the mission, including PJs (Pararescuemen), wore their essential gear, such as anti-exposure suits, life preservers, and critical medical supplies. In addition, they carried personal mementos as a source of comfort and familiarity during the life-threatening operation.
