Team Moody to show operational capabilities at Air Fest

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eric Schloeffel
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Team Moody will show its operational might during search and rescue demonstrations Oct. 20-21 at the upcoming Moody Air Fest '07. 

The 23rd Fighter Group and 38th, 41st and 71st Rescue Squadrons will each provide input into a simulated rescue scenario designed to showcase the synergy between missions, said Lt. Col. Charles Metrolis, 38th Rescue Squadron commander. 

"The average spectator will see the complexity of an Air Force CSAR mission; which isn't just one Airman riding down a hoist to pick someone up," the colonel said. "It says a lot about this base - which can be summed up by the words attack, rescue and protect. There aren't too many bases with such a diverse mission set." 

The demonstration will begin with the roar of A-10C Thunderbolts flying over an area where simulated survivors are located. The A-10s fly this portion to authenticate the survivor's location and if needed, provide close air support via their 30 mm Gatling gun. The A-10s will fly as low as 500 feet above ground to accomplish this part of the rescue scenario. 

"The 23rd FG's role is to support the CSAR mission, which will include assessing if an area is compromised due to enemy threats," said Maj. Scott Petts, 23rd FG A-10 pilot. "We also escort the HH-60G Pave Hawks to provide some extra firepower if needed." 

Once the survivor is located, several 38th RQS PJ's and combat rescue officers will parachute from an HC-130P assigned to the 71st RQS. Once on the ground, the PJ's and CRO's will provide medical treatment to the simulated survivors, and prepare the patient for extraction into an HH-60G. 

While the scenario serves as an up-close look into the inner workings of a real CSAR mission, those involved also reap training benefits, said Colonel Metrolis. 

"Our Airmen enjoy performing this type of scenario; it's not only a showcase for the public and military, but they are getting real training from the many facets of the exercise," he said. 

Colonel Metrolis also feels the demonstrations show the advantage of the close relationship forged between the 347TH Rescue Group and 23rd FG, as the result of the fighter group's recent move from Pope Air Force Base, N.C. 

"In the deployed environment, we always have interaction with the A-10C squadrons because our missions are often tied closely together," the colonel said. "Being co-located allows us to brief with them and go over lessons learned much more frequently. Since the move, morale and camaraderie have definitely been high, and this is a great thing for the rescue community at Moody."