Rescue goes down range Published Oct. 1, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Thomas Spangler 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- When a U.S. service member or allied troop becomes wounded on the battlefield and their condition becomes dire, it falls upon the shoulders of a few to make sure that warrior comes home alive. The Airmen of the 58th Rescue Squadron, 66th Rescue Squadron, 823rd Maintenance Squadron, and Detachment 1, 563rd Operations Support Squadron are all vital parts of combat search and rescue operations, and bringing the wounded home. Airmen from those squadrons departed Nellis Air Force Base Sept. 26 for deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This is the first deployment for some of the Airmen, and many of them have been training for years for the opportunity to put their training skills to use in an operational situation. "It's every guy's dream. We spend the majority of our time on home station just training to do the mission, so for some of these guys it's going to be their first time [deploying]," said Capt. Jon Nicolas, 58th RQS flight commander. "They spent roughly two-and-a-half years in training so they're getting the chance to get out there and do the mission and the job." Many other Airmen also expressed their excitement for putting their training to use. "I'm excited to do the job, it's what we've been getting ready for," said Senior Airman Brant Casteel, 58th RQS pararescue team member. "I've been in three years, and am just now going on my first deployment." The Airmen are also excited about the fact that they're deploying with individuals who they're used to working with. "It's always awesome to get to go with the guys you train with every day, including the guardian angels [pararescumen] and our maintainers," said Capt. Tyler Ripley, 66th RQS flight lead. "A lot of times we're displaced going with mixed units, but here we get to go with people from Nellis." Even though these Airmen are excited to put their training to use, they do realize when they have to rescue a wounded troop, it means something disastrous has happened and that troop is in a dire situation. "It's a double-edge sword, you hope for the opportunity to put your skills to the test, but at the same time, if the opportunity arises that means someone is in a world of hurt," said Capt. Lauren Robillard, 66th RQS pilot. One of the unfortunate factors that comes with military deployments is the strain it puts on families. "It's hard for my wife and kids," said Staff Sgt. Charles Hippler, 66th RQS special mission aviator evaluator. "Life still goes on at home so [before you deploy] you have to make sure everything is good to go." Some families take solace in the fact their Airman is deploying to save lives. "I'm a little anxious because it's a long time for him to be gone," said Bianca Casteel, spouse of Senior Airman Brant Casteel, 58th Rescue Squadron pararescue team member. "But it makes me really proud of him just knowing that he's going to potentially make those saves." Whether an aircraft goes down or if a troop is in urgent need of medical care, the Airmen from Nellis AFB are prepared to execute their jobs flawlessly to ensure their fellow warriors can return home.
