Airmen volunteers support 57th RQS, participate in urban CSAR exercise

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Emerson Nuñez
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Pararescuemen, or PJs, of the 57th Rescue Squadron Guardian Angels worked with the U.K. Fire Service College to conduct an urban search-and-rescue exercise at Moreton-in-Marsh, England, from Feb. 29 to March 4.

"We were able to execute several realistic training scenarios and freshen up on PJ skills that are hard to accomplish in one place," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Onley, 57th RQS PJ. "The exercise's main objectives were to train on urban tactics, high-angle rope work, collapsed structure and confined spaces, mass casualty and patient management."

In order to support the Guardian Angel mission of the 57th RQS, comprised of about 30 pararescuemen and equipment personnel, pararescuemen must be trained to rescue a wounded service member in any environment they may encounter. Exercise participants included 20 PJs and 10 volunteers, who supported the exercise as 'opposing forces' and 'victims' in different scenarios. Leadership from the 57th RQS hand-picked those volunteers by selecting 48th Fighter Wing Airmen who helped establish their squadron - the Liberty Wing's newest squadron, having activated in June 2014, and the only Guardian Angel squadron in U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

"Staff Sgt. John Alleman, from the 48th Comptroller Squadron, played a critical role last year in helping the 57th  RQS procure $6.6 million of mission equipment and supplies, which enabled the unit to execute multiple deployments soon after standing up," said Lt. Col. Jose Cabrera, 57th RQS commander. "The 57th RQS decided to show their appreciation for Airmen like Alleman by integrating them in this exercise and giving them an opportunity to learn more about the Guardian Angel mission."

The volunteers had a unique perspective during the training and interacted with the PJs on a variety of scenarios.

"These Airmen received the opportunity to shoot at the rescue teams with paintball guns during realistic fire-fights, were hoisted down the side of buildings during collapsed structure scenarios, and received life-saving medical treatment during mass casualties," Cabrera said.

Volunteers were happy with the unique experiences they gained and happy to help the rescue squadron train.

"It was an excellent experience from beginning to end," Alleman said. "It was impressive to see what they are capable of doing when necessary."

With unique training objectives accomplished during the five-day training event, the 57th RQS is looking forward to training at the fire academy again in the fall.