Just In Case
Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing at Florida's Patrick Air
Force Base recently practiced techniques they hope they won't have
to use -- techniques that may be used during a space shuttle launch
recovery mission.
In case the worst happens, however... they intend to be
ready.
The PJs practiced deploying a rigging alternate method Zodiac,
or RAMZ. Instead of being inflated during the parachute drop, the
inflatable, motorized Zodiac boat is deflated and bundled up into a
4-foot cube, then parachuted out of an HC-130P/N. The engine, fuel
and medical equipment are also in the package. Two cargo parachutes
are attached.
"A RAMZ deployment is a technique developed for astronaut
recovery, and other open water rescues, to include combat," Chief
Master Sgt. Jeffrey Curl said.
The initial phase included preparing and loading the RAMZ aboard
an Air Force Reserve Command HC-130 for deployment at a drop zone
near the base. The airplane climbed to 3,500 feet as the men
prepared for a freefall parachute jump. When it was time, they
followed the RAMZ off the back ramp of the aircraft during the same
deployment pass.
In an instant, the men cleared the aircraft and pulled their rip
chords. The parachutes opened at 3,000 feet, allowing them to waft
slowly down to the water below.
One after the other the PJs plunged safely into the water and
shed their parachutes for the next phase of the recovery: inflating
and starting the Zodiac.
As it bobbed up and down, the PJs wrestled with the Zodiac while
it inflated. Once aboard, Sergeant Drake pulled the engine chord
numerous times to de-water the engine, attached the fuel line and
started the boat.
At this point, "everything (was) going as planned," Chief Curl
said. As the sun went down, the men navigated to their objective --
Senior Airman Andy Holzem, a PJ trainee playing the role of
survivor.
Master Sergeants James Johnston, Alexander Abbey, and Staff Sgt.
Russell Drake took part in the training. climbed onto the
support vessel and began the final phase of their training by
administering medical care to the survivor.
Sergeant Drake's evaluation found he performed optimally during
the ordeal -- and he may now join the ranks of his fellow
pararescuemen as combat-mission ready, prepared to put his skills
into action saving lives.
(Aero-News salutes 1st Lt. Cathleen Snow, 920th Rescue Wing
Public Affairs)