Press Releases

Nellis Airmen participate in life-saving rescue

  • Published
  • 57 th Wing Public Affairs

Nellis Air Force Base Airmen partnered with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to rescue six people on Nov. 12, 2020 in Cedar City, Utah.

Aircrew assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron (RQS) and pararescuemen assigned to the 58th RQS employed two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters to execute the rescue last week.

Four hikers, as well as two medical personnel assisting with the initial rescue response, were recovered from the Pine Valley wilderness in the Dixie National Forest. One of the hikers was initially listed in serious condition and flown directly to Dixie Regional Medical Center to be treated for altitude sickness, dehydration and exposure. All other hikers were assessed as dehydrated, but otherwise healthy, by the initial medical personnel.

The 66th RQS personnel are trained in the five stages of personnel recovery: reporting, locating and supporting the incident, recovery operations and reintegration. The 66th RQS’ vigorous search and rescue training enables them to tactically employ their HH-60G helicopters and crews to conduct military operations, civil search and rescue, disaster relief, international aid, and emergency medical evacuation at a moment’s notice.

Video B-roll featuring the helicopters’ return to Nellis AFB from the mission and an interview with a 66th RQS pilot involved in the mission are available for download and use via the Nellis AFB DVIDS page at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/NAFB.

For more information, contact the Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs office at 57WG.PA.MediaOps@us.af.mil or by calling 702-652-2750, opt. 3.