Nellis helicopters en route to rescue stranded hikers Published April 24, 2007 By Capt. Justin McVay Nellis AFB Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- A rescue helicopter and aircrew assigned here have deployed to Utah to assist in the rescue of hikers stranded on a mountain. One HH-60 Pavehawk helicopter from the 66th Rescue Squadron and pararescuemen from the 58th Rescue Squadron here departed at approximately 12:30 p.m. to Pine Valley Mountain, Utah, in a second attempt to rescue three stranded hikers. At approximately 2:30 p.m. Monday, Nellis received the request for assistance from the Washington County, Utah, Sherriff's Department, but due to inclement weather, the first attempt was unsuccessful. Today's attempt is the second request for assistance received from the sheriff's department to rescue these stranded hikers. This rescue team consisted of a pilot and co-pilot, flight engineer, aerial gunner and four pararescuemen. While the pilot and co-pilot command the aircraft, the flight engineer and aerial gunner work together to assist the pilots while also operating the hoist, lowering the pararescuemen to the ground to rescue the stranded personnel. More information will be released as it becomes available.
