Airpower Summary for Feb. 13 to 19
Posted 2/23/2011 Updated 3/2/2011
Release Number: 010311
2/23/2011 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Poised on the helipad of an isolated forward operating base in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, they wait. Hoping for the best, they are prepared for the worst. Their mantra, "a slow day for the Pedros is a good day for coalition forces."
The 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron's dual-role mission of conducting personnel recovery and casualty evacuation operations for Regional Command East is a source of pride for the unit, as are the Pedro patches they wear on their shoulders.
When the rescue squadrons were stood up in Afghanistan to perform the CASEVAC mission with the HH-60G Pave Hawks, the units elected to once again use the Pedro call sign. The call sign generally reserved for rescue squadrons is Jolly, which is still used in personnel recovery operations in Iraq; however, the unique role of the operations in Afghanistan prompted the name change.
The Pedro mission also extends to providing CASEVAC support to planned ground operations. In these cases, the unit may reposition (or REPO) personnel and aircraft to FOBs to cut the evacuation time.
The Pedros are a close-knit community including a cross section of career fields including aircrews, pararescuemen, maintenance and other support functions.
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