Pararescuemen from the 56th Rescue Squadron load a bus that will drive them to a C-17 Globemaster to deploy from RAF Lakenheath, England, Jan. 4. Pararescue jumpers make up an elite team responsible for combat search and rescue missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Connor Estes)
Pararescuemen from the 56th Rescue Squadron give Master Sgt. Todd Swartz, pararescue team superintendent, a quick goodbye before departing on their deployment from RAF Lakenheath, England Jan. 4. The pararescue team will perform combat search and rescue missions in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Connor Estes)
Pararescuemen from the 56th Rescue Squadron board a C-17 Globemaster for a deployment to Southwest Asia from RAF Lakenheath, England, Jan. 4. This team of pararescue jumpers will perform combat search and rescue missions in support of the Combined Forces Air Component commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Connor Estes)
Pararescuemen from the 56th Rescue Squadron load their bags on a C-17 Globemaster for a deployment to Southwest Asia from RAF Lakenheath, England, Jan. 4. Pararescue jumpers are certified scuba divers and skilled in surface water operations. They're also trained combat medics and certified emergency medical technician paramedics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Connor Estes)
Pararescue Airmen from the 56th Rescue Squadron load a C-17 Globemaster for their deployment to Southwest Asia from RAF Lakenheath, England, Jan. 4. The team’s mission is to penetrate hostile areas to rescue and recover survivors. They are certified scuba divers and skilled in surface water operations. They're also trained combat medics and certified emergency medical technician paramedics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Connor Estes)
Before deploying to Southwest Asia, Pararescuemen from the 56th Rescue Squadron give a “dog-pile” goodbye to Tech. Sgt. Marshall Jordan, NCO in charge of the pararescue team, before boarding a C-17 Globemaster at RAF Lakenheath, England, Jan. 4. Pararescue jumpers, or PJs, make up an elite corps responsible for combat search and rescue missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Connor Estes)