Over the past weekend, on a Carnival cruise ship sailing hundreds of miles off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, a passenger fell critically ill. The US Air Force dispatched a rescue team consisting of multiple helicopters and search planes to perform an emergency rescue mission over the cruise ship.
According to a press release issued by the US Air Force’s 920th Rescue Wing on May 7th, the 920th Rescue Wing successfully executed a civilian medical evacuation operation on May 4th, rescuing a critically ill patient from a cruise ship over 350 nautical miles off the east coast of the United States.
Upon receiving the call, the 920th Rescue Wing mobilized a team comprising two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, 2 HC-130J Combat King II search planes, two teams of combat rescue personnel, and pararescuemen within hours. They flew to the location of the cruise ship and safely transported the patient to the nearest medical facility capable of treating them.
Due to the remote location of the cruise ship in the open seas, three aerial refuelings known as HAAR (Helicopter Air-to-Air Refueling) were necessary. “HAAR involves connecting the probe on the helicopter to the drogue on the HC-130J aircraft, allowing for in-flight fuel transfer. This ensures extended mission time and readiness in challenging and dynamic conditions,” the press release stated.
Upon arrival at the cruise ship’s location, the two HC-130J planes assessed the situation from the air and took on-site command while preparing for necessary aerial refuelings. Subsequently, the HH-60 helicopters approached the ship to carry out the rescue mission. Pararescuemen were lowered down to prepare the patient for hoisting, after which the patient and their mother were lifted into the helicopter and received medical treatment en route to the hospital.
“Every member of the rescue team mobilized with astonishing speed. Through collective effort, we saved crucial time, providing life-saving assistance six hours ahead of other responding teams. Our collective determination and efficiency ensured the successful rescue and transportation of those in need,” said Dylan Gann, a pilot from the 301st Rescue Squadron.
Commander John Lowe of the 920th Operations Group stated that the team had undergone countless hours of training to prepare for these real-world missions. The rescue personnel were able to plan and execute the mission without hesitation. “This composite force of airmen has received rigorous training in their respective fields, understanding their roles in the larger picture and successfully completing the mission.”
The 920th Rescue Wing and the cruise company have not disclosed further information regarding the patient’s condition or the location of their treatment.
The mission lasted 8 hours and covered a total distance of over 1,200 miles.
Following the medical evacuation mission, the cruise ship continued its journey to New York and arrived as scheduled on Monday.
Headquartered at Patrick Space Force Base in Florida, the 920th Rescue Wing is the only combat search and rescue wing under the Air Force Reserve Command.