Nellis squadron assists with rescue of lost hikers Published April 21, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Cynthia A. Haughton Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- A unit from the 66th Rescue Squadron assisted the National Park Service with location and rescue of two missing hikers April 19 in Zion National Park, Utah. The National Park Service notified the squadron of the missing hikers mid-afternoon April 19, and requested assistance in their search and rescue. Airmen from the squadron arrived at Zion National Park around sunset and, 30 minutes later, located a ground party who had been assisting the stranded hikers. Two Airmen, who were lowered from an HH-60G Pavehawk, assisted the group on the rest of the hike out of the park. "We at the 66th and 58th [rescue squadrons] are always happy to help the park service in their search and rescue efforts," said Capt. Vincent Powell, 66 RQS flight commander. "We were thrilled to have the opportunity to help these two hikers get home." The hikers, who had been stranded in a flooded slot canyon since April 16, did not require medical attention and were released shortly after 11 p.m. after being interviewed by park rangers.
