CSAR Symposium relives past, explores present

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Spencer Gallien
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Combat Search and Rescue veterans will gather here May 12-16 to embrace past memories and current operations during the 2008 Society of CSAR Symposium.

The event, which features two days of presentations followed by a CSAR demonstration and the 347th Rescue Group's Dining Out on May 16, will give Moody Airmen the chance to meet and hear from the historic group of veterans.

"It's very important for our community to know where we came from," said Capt. Leslie Semrau, CSAR Symposium co-chair. "Some of the heritage and history we learn from the veterans is simply amazing. The combat stories and what they accomplished is nothing short of miraculous--they really are the pioneers of CSAR."

Moody members are welcome to attend the mission "debriefings", which occur May 14-15 at the 41st Rescue Squadron auditorium. These briefings feature participants from several notable rescue missions ranging from the Korean War to present and will include briefers from the Society of CSAR as well as Moody's 41st, 38th and 71st Rescue Squadrons and the 23rd Fighter Group.

Every year the group chooses a new base to visit. It has been approximately three years since the last time Moody hosted the event. Other host bases included Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., and Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

"Working with the CSAR veterans has been a pleasure," added Captain Semrau. "I'm really looking forward to meeting them and enjoying a week of history."

The last time the CSAR society visited Moody, the base was part of Air Force Special Operations Command. This will be the group's first visit to the base since it changed to the 23rd Wing and realigned to Air Combat Command.

"We are planning a first-class event," said Capt. Michael Mullins, CSAR Symposium project officer. "We are really looking to show the society a great time, and provide them with some real southern hospitality."

Although the 38th, 41st and 71st RQS are the core CSAR squadrons at Moody, the 23rd Fighter Group will also participate. Many of today's rescue missions involve the use of A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft for close air support and command and control when operating in "hot" or hostile environments.

During the CSAR demonstration at Grand Bay Range, this synergy between Moody's assets will come to life. A-10Cs will begin the demonstration with strafing runs to clear a landing zone. Pararescueman will then perform a high-altitude parachute-jump from an HC-130P King. Finally, after securing the downed aviator, the HH-60Gs will evacuate the PJs, ending with the A-10Cs escorting all aircraft out of harm's way.

The week-long events will conclude with the 347th Rescue Group Dining Out, providing one last social setting for current and former CSAR members to interact.

"The base is honored to have the opportunity to host this amazing group of veterans," said Col. Kenneth Todorov, 23rd Wing commander. "Similar to hosting the Flying Tiger Reunion this past fall, the Society of CSAR Symposium allows Moody Airmen to get a first-hand experience with the rich heritage that paved the way for today's Air Force."

Colonel Todorov added the event also allows the veterans the opportunity to see how the CSAR mission operates today and how it may have changed over the years.