Aerospace and Arizona Days to Showcase Air Force's Combat Search and Rescue Capabilities Published Jan. 12, 2010 By Capt. Erik M. Axt Rescue Mission Commander DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- During Aerospace and Arizona Days in March, spectators will witness a mission unique to the Air Force, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), through a demonstration simulating the rescue of a downed pilot behind enemy lines. Air Force members from Davis-Monthan and the 162nd Fighter Wing, Arizona Air National Guard, will showcase the Air Force's CSAR capabilities. The demonstration will include four A-10s, two F-16s, two HH-60s, one HC-130, and seven pararescue team members. The Air Force's CSAR capabilities ensure that no American will be left behind on the battlefield. Combat Search and Rescue falls under the larger umbrella of Personnel Recovery (PR). In September 2008, the Air Force acknowledged the extreme importance of this unique mission by adopting Personnel Recovery as one of its 12 core functions. The Department of Defense also designated the Air Force as the lead service for CSAR. To meet the requirements of a lead service, the Air Force has equipped and trained specialized rescue forces to conduct the mission. The mission also requires specialized aircraft. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base has both the personnel and the assets to perform this unique mission. During the performance, spectators will get a feel for the expertise, training and coordination required to execute this vital mission. The base's last air show was held in 2007. Aerospace and Arizona Days will be free and open to the public. Over the next few months, more information about the show, as well as descriptions of the aircraft and demonstration teams, will be posted at www.dm.af.mil. In addition to the CSAR demonstration, attendees will see performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Greg Poe and his Ethanol-Powered Fagen MX-2, the A-10 West Demonstration Team, and the U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue.