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AF, Chile team up for rescue training

Air Combat Command News

Release Date: 9/09/2003

By Tech Sgt. Brian Davidson 355th Wing Public Affairs

9/9/2003 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (ACCNS) - Airmen from the 79th Rescue Squadron here and the 38th RQS based at Moody AFB, Ga., teamed up recently to conduct joint search and rescue training with the Chilean air force.

The mission, sponsored by 12th Air Force and U.S. Southern Command, provided a unique opportunity for the HC-130 crews and pararescuemen to hone their skills in water rescue, day and night operations, flying in mountainous regions and joint operations.

"The entire mission was a great success," said Lt. Col. Steven Alderfer, 79th Rescue Squadron commander. "It takes a professional, dedicated team effort to complete such a demanding mission successfully. Everyone performed to the best of my expectations - particularly our maintenance people, who made sure we had safe, flyable aircraft every day."

Missions were flown from at Los Cerrillos Air Base near Santiago, Chile, and included a High-Altitude, Low-Opening jump, a water rescue and a 1,200-foot night jump.

Though flight crews, mission leaders, aircraft maintainers and rescuers had to overcome language barriers, cultural and military differences, and climate and terrain challenges, they completed each mission without injury or accident.

"Many people may look at a mission like this, and because of the appeal of the location, consider it more of a vacation than a deployment," Colonel Alderfer said. "Santiago, Chile, certainly is an appealing location, but we worked hard to make the mission a success, and the training gained -- particularly for our younger, inexperienced crewmembers -- was invaluable."

Master Sgt. John Kingsley, a 38th RQS pararescue jumpmaster, was impressed with the entire exercise, from the flying operations to the medical scenarios on the ground.

"The teams of U.S. and Chilean forces showed outstanding initiative and strong spirit under difficult circumstances," he said.

The two-week exercise ended Aug. 28.