When the 413th Flight Test Squadron receives a call from the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, it's typically the last resort for someone in the community requiring a life-saving critical care flight.
On Aug. 10, Airmen from the 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, assigned to the 355th Wing but geographically located at Nellis Air Force Base, and the 88th Test and Evaluation Squadron rapidly generated and deployed two HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters to rescue five U.S. Navy personnel following an aircraft mishap near Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California.
With limited fuel, an Air Force combat rescue helicopter found all 11 victims and hoisted them to safety – completing the mission with just minutes to spare.
Six New York National Guard soldiers received top French honors for a 2023 Iraq mission that rescued pinned‑down French commandos under fire.