Air Force pararescue is
an elite force, but before its Airmen are PJs they're trainees. And
sometimes PJ training brings them to the 920th Rescue Wing before
they join the world of combat rescue.
Thirteen instructors and 20 pararescue trainees with the 342nd
Training Squadron traveled from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., to
the 920th Rescue Wing to complete an air operations training block
Oct. 7-21.
"We train here because of so many convenient facilities," said
Tech. Sgt. Tracy Debbs, pararescue instructor. "From the water area
and boat docks to the parachute tower, everything is real close and
convenient."
A segment of the training intensified Oct. 13 when 12 PJ
trainees and several instructors carried out a rigging alternate
method zodiac drop. First they prepared and checked the equipment.
Then with the help of two 39th Rescue Squadron loadmasters they
loaded it onto one of the 920th RQW's HC-130 Hercules aircraft.
With everything strapped in, the crew pushed up the throttle
accelerating them from zero to 100 miles per hour in about 15
seconds. They quickly went airborne and the trainees prepared
mentally for their jumps.
"These kids are trainees and most of them said they had about
15-jumps-worth of experience," said Tech. Sgt. Robert Grande, 39th
RQS radio operator onboard for the training.
"While I imagine they're nervous, they all seemed focused and
committed the whole way through."
While the "King" Hercules took to the air, two large safety
boats and two small inflatable Zodiacs launched and patrolled the
drop zone about 1 ½ miles from shore in the Banana
River.
"Everthing they're doing in the air is for the benefit of the
drop," said Ken Knutson, PJ instructor. "In a real mission there
are no safety boats so this is the time for them to prepare."
The day's training included three RAMZ drops each accompanied by
four PJ trainees and an instructor. Under the watchful eye of
expert instructors the trainees hit the water running. They quickly
made their way to dropped equipment palates where they wrestled
with fasteners and straps to free the un-inflated zodiac boats.
Throughout this process the instructors delivered pointed
directions and critiques to make sure safety, speed and
effectiveness were properly considered.
Instructors accompany students to Patrick four times each year.
The training lasts two weeks and is part of a six-week air
operations training block. Once they finish here, the trainees are
only 6 ½ weeks away from being fully trained. [ANN Thanks
Senior Airman Jonathan Simmons, 920th Rescue Wing Public
Affairs]