MOFFETT AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Calif. – California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing are providing search and rescue support in Southern California for those impacted by the recent mudslides.
The 129th Rescue Wing has deployed an HH-60G Pave Hawk Helicopter with air crews and two elite Guardian Angel Pararescuemen to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport and are performing search and rescue operations in the surrounding areas adversely impacted by the recent mud slides. The aircraft is one of eight California National Guard aircraft and a dozen high-water vehicles supporting mudslide-response efforts.
The California National Guard and the 129th Rescue Wing are working closely with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office and stand ready to send additional personnel and resources as needed.
“Like we’ve done time and time again, your local Air National Guardsmen answered the call at a moment’s notice to help those in need," said Col. Taft O. Auer, 129th Rescue Wing commander. "The extraordinary women and men of the 129th Rescue Wing are always ready to execute our life-saving mission.”
Over the last few months, hundreds of these Silicon-Valley based airmen deployed to support relief efforts in Texas for Hurricane Harvey, in Florida for Hurricane Irma, in Puerto Rico for Hurricane Maria and in Calif. for the Wine Country Wildfires and the Thomas Fire.
The 129th Rescue Wing is credited with saving the lives of more than 1,100 people since 1977. From arid deserts and snow-covered mountaintops to urban and rural settings, the 129th Rescue Wing air Guardsmen can reach any destination by land, air or sea. Equipped with MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft, HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and Guardian Angel teams (Pararescuemen, Combat Rescue Officers and SERE Specialists), the 129th Rescue Wing conducts combat search and rescue missions, as well as the rescue of isolated persons on board ships, lost or injured hikers, and medical evacuations across the West Coast.