My late son Jim was an Air Force search and rescue, (S and R) helicopter pilot. The Air Force uses a modified version of the MH60 Blackhawk for their mission. The Army and Marine Corps also depend on the Air Force for their search and rescue operations to bring their wounded home.
Renamed the Pavehawk, the aircraft is set up specifically for rescue missions. The bird’s only weapons are two .50 caliber machine guns and each crew member carries a handgun. When on the ground, the PJs carry machine guns with grenade launcher attachments. Instead of heavy weapons, the Pavehawk carries medical equipment and more fuel than the Blackhawk. The Pavehawk is also capable of air-to-air refueling. This tedious procedure makes it possible for the crew to stay in the air long enough to complete any mission.
The crew consists of a pilot, copilot, flight engineer and two paramedic jumpers or PJs. These brave Americans undergo extensive and rigorous training before they can qualify for S and R.
Air Force PJs are some of the most highly trained special opps soldiers on the planet. Before they can qualify for PJ school they are required to complete the extremely demanding Air Force’s commando training. They cross train with the Navy Seals since so many of their rescue operations are in water.
I have had the privilege of meeting a couple of Air Force PJs who flew with Jim. To meet and talk to these guys, they seem like just ordinary people, but they are far from ordinary. They are without a doubt, among the bravest people on the earth. They literally jump into any situation to save lives without regards for their own safety or lives. Gunfire, raging flood waters. You name it, if there is a wounded or stranded person down there, these guys are going in against any odds hell has to offer. The word, “fear,” does not exist in their vocabulary.
These rescue teams are called on for civilian emergencies as well as combat. Every branch of service has S and R team.
They are on the job in Texas now. Please remember these young men and women as you pray for Texas.
