Rescue teams demo skills for USAFA cadets

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. --  Purple smoke marks the location of a simulated victim and within moments, an HH-60G Pave Hawk is hovering near him with pararescuemen fast roping out of the helicopter. The rescue team secures the scene and the victim is hoisted into the Pave Hawk.

This whole scene lasted only two minutes while the cadets cheered on the rescue teams and the A-10C Thunderbolt IIs provided cover for the teams. The rescue teams provided this demonstration for the cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy to improve morale and showcase one of the 23rd Wings distinct capabilities.

"We provided a personnel recovery capabilities demonstration to the cadets at the academy," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Sean Monteiro, 75th Fighter Squadron assistant director of operations. "The demo showcased how we find a pilot, organize and recover the pilot. It is a mission we don't use often but when we do, we do it well.

"We provided this demo to motivate the cadets and provide information about their future careers and display one of the many options they have," he added.

Capt. Francis Hallada, 58th Rescue Squadron flight commander, was a member of the rescue team that participated in the personnel recovery demo and also was awarded the Bronze Star Medal during the Air Force vs. Army football game.

"We came out here to spread awareness of the Guardian Angel weapon system and how we rescue downed Airmen," he said. "We hope the demo provided a renewed excitement about what the Air Force has to offer and to show them what we are willing to do to recover someone in need.

"It is exciting to see the interest they are showing in what we do," he added.

Cadet Andrew Alderman, Cadet Squadron 16, was one of the cadets who watched the demo and said he is thinking about a job as a combat rescue officer.

"I thought it was very organized and realistic," said Alderman. "I can't be a pilot because of my eyesight but I have always wanted to be boots on the ground and in the fight. It was great that they came out here and did this demo for us."

The demo was part of the 23rd WG's visit to the academy to mentor the cadets of Cadet Squadron 9. Squadron 9 is the cadet squadron that Moody sponsors.

"It is always amazing to showcase the guardian angel weapon system and personnel recovery," said Tech. Sgt. Jose Mercado, 58th RQS pararescueman. "I'm from around here and I'm glad to be able to showcase our mission and help improve morale."

At the conclusion of the demo, the HH-60 landed and cadets from the academy rushed to the Pave Hawk to talk to the rescue team and check out the gear they use.