Senate honors California Air National Guard members for international maritime rescue

By Army Maj. Jonathan Shiroma

California National Guard

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Seven California Air National Guard members from the 129th Rescue Wing was recognized on the California Senate floor today for their efforts in the successful rescue of two injured fishermen March 12.

The Guard members rescued the fishermen from a fishing vessel in international waters 500 miles off the coast of Acapulco, Mexico.

Senator Lou Correa, chairman of the California Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, will introduce each Airman by name and speak about their personal involvement in the rescue operation.

The 129th received a call from the U.S. Coast Guard on the evening of March 9 concerning two injured fishermen aboard a fishing vessel. The fishermen, badly burned in a diesel fire, required medical treatment beyond the capabilities of the vessel's medical staff.

Due to the vessel's remote location in the Pacific Ocean and the immediate need for medical care, the 129th accepted the mission.

The 129th rallied two MC-130P Combat Shadow cargo refueling aircraft, two HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and a team of Pararecuemen to complete the mission.

After flying more than 1750 miles the team parachuted into the open ocean with necessary supplies, boarded the vessel, stabilized the patients, hoisted them off the vessel and rushed them to a medical facility in San Diego.

This rescue brings the total number of people saved by the 129th to 950.