C-130E in Haition relief mission

A C-130E from the 79th Rescue Squadron sits on the runway at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Jan. 14. Another C-130E from the squadron participated in a Haitian relief mission during the evening of Jan. 13 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. During this mission, Airmen delivered more than 13,000 pounds of cargo to include vehicles and equipment. They also dropped off airfield operations personnel to help set up the airfield in Port-au-Prince and control the relief traffic in and out of the airfield. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Valerie Smith)

Davis-Monthan's Rescue Squadron Supports Haiti

Published Jan. 15, 2010
By Capt. Stacie N. Shafran
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 79th Rescue Squadron, based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, participated in a Haitian relief mission during the evening of Jan. 13 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

During this mission, Airmen delivered more than 13,000 pounds of cargo via one C-130E aircraft to include vehicles and equipment. They also dropped off airfield operations personnel to help set up the airfield in Port-au-Prince and control the relief traffic in and out of the airfield.

"It felt great to be part of this mission to help the people of Haiti by setting up the main airfield to receive relief supplies," said aircraft commander Capt. Tim Saxton.

The 79th Rescue Squadron was at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. conducting training when they were asked to transport cargo and personnel into Haiti. They were in the air with the cargo within five hours of request.

According to Lt. Col. Michael Hinsch, 79th Rescue Squadron director of operations, "Our aircraft, personnel and equipment are currently standing by, ready to offer further support as needed."

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