9th SFS conducts pilot-rescue exercise

by Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo
9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

10/18/2013 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Airmen from the 9th Security Forces Squadron conducted a pilot-rescue exercise at Dragon Town here, Oct. 9.

The scenario involved the simulated downing of a U.S. aircraft and the capture of the pilots by opposition forces.

With the aid of Air Force contractors, security forces Airmen were tasked with recovering the downed pilots.

The rescue team conducted a recovery operation in a simulated village while using Beale's MC-12W Liberty aircraft to provide tactical reconnaissance.

"The (MC-12) is our eyes in the sky. It allows our ground forces a real-time view of the battle space," said Capt. John Hart, 9th SFS commander. "Our defenders were able to utilize this cutting-edge technology just like they would in a deployed location."

Once in the village, the rescue team was engaged by opposition forces with simulation and blank rounds.

Air Force contractors with real-world recovery operation experience demonstrated proper movements, communication and tactics.

"There is no substitution for first-hand knowledge," said Staff Sgt. Kirsten Bradley, 9th SFS trainer. "Our Airmen received training straight from subject matter experts."

According to Hart, the exercise highlighted security forces' ability to execute outside-the-wire missions.

"Current conflicts require our Airmen to go outside the wire and bring the fight to the enemy," Hart said. "This training is essential."

Master Sgt. Damien Larche, 9th SFS NCO in charge of training, emphasized the importance of the training.

"Having the opportunity to simulate a scenario our Airmen may encounter downrange is time well spent," Larche said. "The knowledge gained from this exercise is vital."