http://www.hoa.centcom.mil/Stories/Oct06/20061029-001.html

POSTED: Sunday, October 29, 2006

Alaska Pararescuemen Ready to Respond Around Horn of Africa
Story by U.S. Air Force Capt. Robert M. Taylor




CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti -- U.S. Air Force Captain Rob Taylor, Pararescueman, Alaskan Air National Guard, parachutes after freefalling from 10,000 ft off a C-130 Hercules aircraft, , Combined Joint Task force - Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sgt. Sean M. Worrell)
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CAMP LEMONIER--At Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, there is a team of highly trained men and women ready to respond should someone need a rescue from a dangerous situation.

“We’re just like our motto…these things we do that others may live,” said Senior Airman Rocco Pergola, a pararescueman from the 212th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron.

The 212th ERQS joined Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa from the Alaskan Air National Guard. This special unit is comprised of pararescuemen, combat rescue officers and support personnel. The squadron is capable of providing rescue support to all combined joint task force operations in the Horn of Africa. Furthermore, the 212th ERQS is ready to respond to any natural disaster contingency as required.

“We are very happy to be here and hope we can help in anyway,” said Chief Master Sergeant Skip Kula, the 212 ERQS’ non-commissioned officer in charge.

Pararescuemen, also known as PJs are capable of providing rescue and medical skills in water and on land. Pararescuemen operate primarily as aircrew members on helicopters; however, they are capable of parachuting into a rescue site to provide life-sustaining care.

They work hard for the ability to respond to rescue situations anywhere in the world. Specifically, the 212th ERQS is trained to respond to any location from cold, high altitude operations on Mount McKinley, Alaska with below zero temperatures at 20,000 feet to Lake Assal, Djibouti with above 100-degree temperatures, 500 feet below sea level.

Recently, the 212th ERQS supported disaster relief efforts literally halfway around the world. Pararescuemen and combat rescue officers from the 212th ERQS were among the first responders during Hurricane Katrina rescue efforts in the United States as well as the Pakistan earthquake of 2005. In these two events, the 212th ERQS rescued over 1200 people.

From the service men and women at Camp Lemonier to others living in Djibouti and neighboring countries, each can rest knowing that this special unit stands ready to respond to persons in distress.