California Air Guardsmen prepare to assist with Hurricane Sandy response

  • Published
  • 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs Office
More than 100 California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing are preparing to mobilize to the East Coast to assist with Hurricane Sandy rescue efforts.

Two MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft, two HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and two Guardian Angel Pararescue teams will mobilize to the East Coast as early as Monday to provide life-saving rescue capabilities to those in need in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The aircraft and personnel will station at a location to be determined, based on the storm's path and impact.

For more information, please contact Capt. Donald LeBlanc at 650-793-1749. More details will follow as they become available.

The primary mission of the 129th Rescue Wing is to conduct its wartime mission of combat search and rescue anywhere in the world. In addition to its wartime mission, the unit also works closely with the Coast Guard and other civil agencies on state missions; equipped with MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, the 129th has performed a wide variety of civilian search and rescue missions, including responding to distressed persons aboard ships, lost or injured hikers, and medical evacuations. Over the course of its history, the 129th Rescue Wing has rescued close to a thousand distressed people.

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