Page 12 - Desert Lightning News July 1 2016

12 July 1, 2016 Desert Lightning News
www.aerotechnews.com/davis-monthanafb

Personnel recovery exercise bringsFacebook.com/DesertLightningNews rescue teams
together for RF-A 16-2
primary role is to be observer-controllers and missile sites and providing close-air support
Master Sgt. Karen J. Tomasik make sure pilots are safe and scenarios are for the HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter crew
completed, but we also provide orientation and pararescuemen who deployed to recover
354th Fighter Wing Public A airs training for the 18th Aggressor Squadron and Kaaekuahiwi.
training for personnel at high-risk for capture.”
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- The The final piece of the 353rd CTS personnel
phrase, “So Others May Live to Return with In addition to ensuring safety and mission recovery division’s role during RED FLAG-
Honor” expresses the overarching goal of completion, SERE specialists evaluate pilots to Alaska exercises is to gather lessons learned
those serving in the rescue community and it make sure they remembered their SERE train- from SERE specialists and the pilots involved
connects a myriad of career fields dedicated to ing, which is conducted every three years for in rescue scenarios during the outbrief.
fulfilling that mission. Air Force pilots.
“The biggest lessons learned would be to al-
RED FLAG-Alaska 16-2 provided an oppor- “The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps only ways have a plan after you hit the ground; know
tunity to connect survival, evasion, resistance get SERE training during their initial qualifi- that if it’s a high-threat environment what your
and escape specialists, rescue squadron per- cations and then they are considered good to immediate actions are,” explained Kaaekuahi-
sonnel, combat search and rescue assets, and go,” said Douge. “For the Air Force, our pilots wi. “Are you going to be able to dig through
an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot during an isolat- receive continuation training at the base level.” your equipment to grab specific items or are
ed personnel scenario June 14. you going to hit the ground with only what
During the June 14 scenario, Capt. Keli you’re wearing. Think through what you’d do
“This training gives A-10 pilots a chance to Kaaekuahiwi, an A-10 pilot assigned to the with the minimal equipment to survive and
experience what an isolated person feels on 354th Fighter Squadron out of Davis-Monthan evade in the specific theater that you’re in.”
the ground,” said Master Sgt. Kurtis Douge, the Air Force Base, Arizona, participated as the
353rd Combat Training Squadron personnel isolated personnel in need of recovery from Lessons learned from pilots like Kaaekua-
recovery division superintendent. “It makes enemy territory. hiwi help the personnel recovery division to
them more effective as a pilot in their person- effectively teach multi-service pilots how to
nel recovery mission.” In the Grizzly Training Area portion of the conduct effective personnel recovery missions
Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Kaaekua- and safely bring their people home.
Multiple pieces must come together to build hiwi explained to Douge how he would survive
and execute an effective rescue scenario, which the initial shock and potential injuries incurred “At the end of the day, we want our people to
is why this becomes the personnel recovery di- from ejecting into an unfriendly area, and then come home safe,” said Douge. “This is why we
vision’s primary mission during RED FLAG- demonstrated his ability to survive off the land exist; we do what we do so that others may live
Alaska exercises. with the gear in his possession and evade en- to return with honor.”
emy forces searching for him.
“First, we are tasked with building ISO-
PREPs, or isolated personnel reports, process- The scenario included multiple A-10s tak-
ing, and conducting all the behind-the-scenes ing out enemy threats such as surface-to-air
coordination required,” Douge explained. “Our

OPEN EVERY DAY Sunflower Relax. ReFReSH.
Sun. - Thurs. • Noon - 10:30 pm RejuveNaTe.
Fri. - Sat. • Noon - 11:30 pm Women’s Health Care

Award winning brewery Jennifer S. Hutchison M.D. OB/GYN
featuring 7 Beers and Root Beer
Friendly, knowledgeable staff
all made at the brewery
Full gynecological services including
Grilled Brats and Gourmet Chili • MonaLisa laser treatment for vaginal discomfort,
plus free popcorn available
dryness, painful intercourse
Convival Tap Room • daVinci® robotic surgery
and Elevated patio • Endometriosis evaluation and treatment
• Minimally invasive surgical procedures
Located in the heart of the
Historic Brewery Gulch, • Endometrial ablation
Bisbee, AZ • Complete obstetrical care including
first trimester screening and ultrasound
We Support the Troops

We support and honor our troops
through on-going contributions to
organizations such as the Armed

Forces Family Survivors Fund.

www.oldbisbeebrewingcompany.com Accepting BCBS, UHC, Humana, Cigna & TriCare …when you want the best

(520) 547-5692 PROVIDING

310 N. Wilmot Rd., Suite 207 Tucson, AZ 85711 Couples Massage • Swedish Massage • Hot Stone • Deep Tissue • Pregnancy Massage
Peels & Facials • Head to Toe Waxing • Manicures/Pedicures • Shellac Nails
www.sunflowerwhc.com
Call today to schedule your appointment
5100 E. Hwy 90, Ste. D • 458-3644 • timelesstds.com