MOFFETT AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Calif. - In a remarkable display of coordination and teamwork, the 129th Rescue Wing executed a high-stakes medical evacuation Oct. 9, rescuing an unconscious merchant mariner aboard a Liberian-flagged cargo vessel about 800 nautical miles off the coast of San Francisco.
The mission launched in response to a request from the U.S. Coast Guard’s 11th District in Alameda.
Coast Guard and 129th RQW flight surgeons determined the patient needed advanced medical care due to their critical condition. The distance from shore was beyond the range of the Coast Guard’s rescue helicopters, which typically have a radius of 150 to 200 miles. The 129th Rescue Wing, equipped with the HC-130J Combat King II’s air-to-air refueling capabilities, was positioned to extend the mission’s reach.
Lt. Col. Christopher Nance, 130th Rescue Squadron HC-130J command pilot, led the mission, commanding four aircraft: two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and two HC-130J Combat King IIs.
Preparation for the mission began Oct. 8, involving more than 70 service members from the 129th RQW and the 79th Rescue Squadron. The 79th RQS, an active-duty unit based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, provided crucial air assets.
“The teamwork across the ops group, maintenance group and units like the 79th Rescue Squadron was incredible,” said Nance. “This mission showed how seamlessly the Air National Guard can work with active-duty Air Force personnel.”
The mission’s success hinged on the coordinated efforts of the four aircraft, including air-to-air refueling to extend the helicopters’ range. The HC-130J aircraft from the 79th RQS provided the refueling capability, allowing the Pave Hawks to refuel four times during the operation.
A multilingual service member from the 129th RQW was instrumental in overcoming communication barriers with the foreign crew of the vessel.
“We were fortunate to have someone who spoke Russian and Ukrainian,” Nance said. “This significantly helped communication with the ship’s captain. This reflects the diversity within the 129th RQW and how every member brings value to the mission.”
Upon reaching the vessel, 131st Rescue Squadron pararescuemen were lowered from a hovering HH-60G Pave Hawk to evaluate the patient’s condition. Once stabilized, they hoisted him to the helicopter.
During the return flight, it was determined the patient required further medical treatment. An ambulance waiting at Moffett transported the patient to Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto for immediate higher medical care.
“This mission exemplified our core mission: ‘That Others May Live,’ Nance said. “The risks taken by these service members demonstrate the dedication and sacrifice required to save a life.”
The mission was the wing’s 1,165th life saved.