CSAR crews shine at Nellis Open House Published Nov. 20, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Joshua Kleinholz 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Fixed-wing aircraft weren't the only ones slicing through the cloudless southern Nevada skies this year at the Nellis AFB 2014 Open House. Following a close air support demonstration featuring the venerable A-10 Thunderbolt II and a duo of F-15 Eagles, the runways became a stage to showcase the capabilities of some of the most highly trained combat search and rescue forces in the world. The HH-60Gs of the 66th Rescue Squadron, accompanied by pararescuemen assigned to the 58th Rescue Squadron, swooped in from the south closing in on their objective -- a simulated blast casualty. Rhythmic sounds of air being beat into submission projected across the flightline as the helicopters hovered above, casting ropes down to the distressed Airman below. "We are the premier combat search and rescue force across the services," said Capt. Ruben Mallorino, 66th Rescue Squadron aircraft commander. "Our job is to find and save somebody basically having the worst day of their life, and that's a feeling that can't be beat." According to their official factsheet, the 66th RQS performs other vital functions in addition to worldwide combat rescue. The unit's secondary mission is to provide rescue support for air operations over the Nellis Range Complex and backup rescue for civilian agencies in the local area and the greater Southwestern United States. The men and women of the 66th RQS, 58th RQS, and 823rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron collaborated through the weekend to provide both a static aircraft on the ground, and a live CSAR demonstration during this year's open house. Spectators were given the opportunity to watch the aircraft in action, and get up close and personal with the machine and the Airmen that make it tick. "Everywhere I look I see a little kid, wide-eyed, with a grin from ear-to-ear and I have to wonder, 'Did I look like that back then?" said Mallorino. "Seeing the reactions of the kids and talking to the veterans when they see us here is a feeling that I thoroughly enjoy." Pilots, flight engineers and special mission aviators were all on hand to interact with the public and show them the ins and outs of the HH-G0G Pave Hawk. Young minds were inspired, knowledge was gained and selfies were taken. Canceled last year due to sequestration, the 2014 Open House was a coveted opportunity for Nellis Airmen to show their capabilities to the public and tell the Air Force story. "Sometimes there's a disconnect between what's communicated to the public and what's put out by the media; but if you really want to find out what we're all about just ask us," said Mallorino. "We're more than happy to share it with you, and we're proud of it."
