SpaceX COTS-2 Launch with the 920th Rescue Wing

Flying on a HH60G Pavehawk helicopter with the 920th Rescue Wing as they provide launch support and clear the Eastern Range around the launch site of unwanted guests. Based out of Patrick Air Force Base, the 920th serves as an Air Force Reserve Command combat-search-and-rescue unit. Their elite team of Pararescuemen, better known as PJ's, are among the most highly trained emergency trauma specialists in the U.S. military, capable of performing life-saving missions anywhere in the world, at any time.

The 920th provides safety and security surveillance of the Eastern Launch Range during all rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. They were the primary rescue force serving as "guardians of the astronauts" for 50 years, providing contingency response for a variety of emergencies that could potentially come up during a space shuttle launch or landing.

No photojournalist has flown with the 920th to cover a launch in the 50 years that they have been providing launch support, so it was a real honor to be invited to fly along. Big thanks to the 920th Rescue Wing for this rare opportunity to experience this historic launch from their perspective.

www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil/
www.Facebook.com/920thRescueWing
Twiiter: @920thRescueWing

For the 920th Rescue Wing / Patrick Air Force Base, ARES Institute (www.ARESInstitute.org), AmericaSpace (www.AmericaSpace.com), and Zero-G News (www.ZeroGNews.com)

© 2012 Mike Killian
www.MikeKillianPhotography.com

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