MOFFETT AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Calif. -- California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing departed this morning around 7am to conduct an overwater rescue mission on the Pacific Ocean in response to a seriously ill 70 year-old American male on board a 52ft sailing vessel, Sin Duda, 1000 miles west of Los Angeles, California.
The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center requested the rescue support from the 129th Rescue Wing to rescue the patient due to an illness determined by a U.S. Coast Guard Flight Surgeon requiring a higher level of care needed as soon as possible.
"The coordination between our California Air National Guardsmen and the U.S. Coast Guard is yet another example of the interoperability of our armed forces when executing our vital, life-saving mission," said Col Taft Aujero, 129th Rescue Wing Commander. "Our Citizen-Airmen are always ready to answer the call and safely carry out all rescue operations, at home and aboard."
The 129th RQW is credited with saving the lives of more than 1,000 people. From arid deserts and snow-covered mountain tops to urban and rural settings, 129th Rescue Wing air guardsmen can reach any destination by land, air or sea. Equipped with MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft, HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and Guardian Angel teams (Pararescuemen, Combat Rescue Officers and SERE Specialists), the 129th Rescue Wing conducts combat search and rescue missions, as well as the rescue of isolated persons on board ships, lost or injured hikers, and medical evacuations across the West Coast
For more information about this rescue or the 129th Rescue Wing, please contact
Capt. Roderick Bersamina, public affairs officer, at 650-603-0760.