Heroes of the Sky: Portland's 939th Rescue Wing Saves Four Lives in Four Weekends

Heroes of the Sky: Portland's 939th Rescue Wing Saves Four Lives in Four Weekends

In the late summer of 1998, the Air Force Reserve Command's 939th Rescue Wing, based in Portland, Oregon, achieved a remarkable feat by conducting four successful rescue missions over four consecutive weekends, saving four lives. This string of operations highlighted the versatility and readiness of the Reserve's rescue force, which, though trained primarily for combat search-and-rescue missions, often extends its expertise to civilian emergencies.

The first of these missions took place on September 12, when two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters from the wing's 304th Rescue Squadron were dispatched to assist a 52-year-old seaman suffering from a heart attack aboard the Overseas Chicago, a merchant vessel located approximately 350 miles off the Washington coast. Despite challenging weather conditions, the rescue team, led by Lt. Col. (Dr.) Lewis D. Neace and Staff Sgt. Ryan E. Morris executed a precise operation using a hoist to recover the patient, who was then transported to Emanuel Hospital in Portland in stable condition.

The previous weekend, I had seen another dramatic rescue involving 82-year-old Herbert Rooper, who had been lost for four days in the Trapper Creek wilderness of Washington. Spotted by a news helicopter, Rooper was retrieved from a ravine by a 304th RQS team employing a similar aerial extraction technique. The operation was noteworthy for its collaboration with civilian media, which was crucial in locating the stranded hiker.

In late August, the 939th Rescue Wing embarked on a mission to save a sailor from the German freighter MV Classica, who was suffering from meningitis. This operation required coordination with the USS Pearl Harbor. It involved a complex midair refueling procedure to ensure the helicopters could reach and return from the site 500 miles west of Astoria, Oregon. The patient was successfully delivered to a Portland hospital in stable condition.

Another at-sea rescue had occurred just days earlier, targeting a Filipino crew member with acute appendicitis aboard a vessel 500 miles off the Oregon coast. Despite adverse weather conditions and the need for night-vision equipment, the rescue team transported the patient to safety, where he underwent an emergency operation.

These missions underscore the dual role of the Air Force Reserve's rescue units in both military and civilian capacities. By providing critical assistance during peacetime emergencies, the reservists save lives and maintain their operational readiness and skills for combat situations. The 939th Rescue Wing's success over those four weekends is a testament to their dedication, proficiency, and the vital role of search-and-rescue operations in public safety.