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New York airmen team up with Ramstein to support launch

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
The New York Air National Guard and Ramstein's 37th Airlift Squadron, 1st Combat Communications Squadron teamed up in support of NASA in its launch of the space shuttle Atlantis here May 9.

The initial job for the three units began by loading rescue cargo into two C-130 Hercules on the Ramstein flightline.

The mission for each unit is to be on standby for the launch of the Atlantis, in case of an in-flight emergency where the shuttle crew would have to bail out over water or land.

"Today, we are headed to Moron, Spain to be prepositioned for the launch on May 11," said Maj. Shawn Fitzgerald, 101st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, New York Air National Guard combat rescue officer. "We are the support contingency if the shuttle crew has to bail out. We will stay on alert and in contact with the Joint Personnel Recovery Center in Florida."

With three days to prepare their equipment and clear their heads for the mission, the pararescuemen will be on standby in case of an emergency involving the Atlantis and the crew is forced to make an emergency exit.

"We have equipment to help us out if a situation arises," Major Fitzgerald said. "In case of an emergency, we throw out the Rigging Alternate Method, a zodiac boat with parachutes on it, and then the pararescuemen will jump out after the boats. Along with dry suits, water protective equipment and medical gear; we have the ability to get anyone anywhere."

While supporting NASA is a unique mission, the pararescuemen do not let this thought get in the way of their job.

"We are well trained for this type of mission," Major Fitzgerald said. "Whether it's a shuttle astronaut or an Air Force pilot, we will recue them. The only difference is it is a crew instead of just one person, but we will get them."

With the precautionary measures being taken in preparation for the Atlantis takeoff, everyone involved realized their efforts are strictly precautionary.

"This system was developed after the Challenger exploded on launch," said Major Fitzgerald. "Every since then, we have not had any astronauts have to bail out."

Although the pararescuemen have more than sufficient training, they would not be able to do their mission without the support of Ramstein's 1st CBCS.

"We are providing information to support the pararescuemen," said Staff Sgt. Steven Humphrey, 1st CBCS satellite communications technician. "We provide communication support between the John F. Kennedy Space Center, near Cape Canaveral, Fla., and the aircraft."

Without that valuable communication link, the pararescuemen would not know where to jump.

"We will pass the data onto the pararescuemen, and we will keep the plane flying around the right area," Sergeant Humphrey added.

Not only does the 1st CBCS provide vital support to the mission, but without their participation the space shuttle would not be able to launch.

"It's a very serious mission. Without us, the shuttle would not be able to take off," said Staff Sgt. Jordan Birkey, 1st CBCS radio maintenance technician. "This is a search and rescue mission. We train and prepare for the worst, but hope for the best."

Even though the 37th ALS pilots fly this specific mission about twice a year, they do not take it any less serious.

"We are prepositioning for an emergency response," said Capt. Siobhan Celusta, 37th ALS flight commander. "This is one of the most important missions the 37th does."
While being tasked by NASA might seem unreal, it is a reality to those at the 37th ALS.
"We're such a vital part to the mission for NASA," the captain said. "Knowing that we are there to stand by in case of an emergency is pretty noble, and I am proud to be a part of that."

With all systems for Atlantis in great shape, according to NASA Test Director Jeremy Graeber, the 1st CBCS, 37th ALS and the Air National Guard, will stand by for takeoff on May 11, where they will be hoping for the best, but prepared for the worst.