NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- In a remarkable display of rapid response and seamless coordination, Airmen from the 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 34th Weapons Squadron teamed up to rescue an F-35 Lightning II pilot who ejected during a training mission near Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, March 31.
The day began with routine duties for the 355 AMXS, with no flights scheduled. That changed at 12:11 p.m. when the 34 WPS made an urgent request for aircraft support.
Master Sgt. Michael Steinbrecher and Master Sgt. Amalya Velez, production superintendents for the 355 AMXS, immediately directed their maintenance crews to prepare aircraft. The team quickly assembled a tow crew, moved two mission-ready HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters from a hangar to the flightline, and executed flawless pre-flight inspections to ensure airworthiness.
"For many of the maintainers, this was their first time supporting a live rescue; it is an experience they will carry throughout their careers and beyond," Steinbrecher said.
The maintainers’ swift actions resulted in the first helicopter being ready for departure just 26 minutes after the initial call, with two additional aircraft prepared shortly after.
“It feels great to be part of the rescue mission,” Velez said, reflecting on the squadron’s vital support role.
As the maintainers readied the aircraft, the operations team at the 34 WPS, led by Lt. Col. John Golden and Master Sgt. Bernard McSally, orchestrated the complex response from the Rescue Operations Center. They expertly coordinated the efforts of seven distinct agencies and six squadrons, deconflicting airspace, synchronizing emergency medical plans with two regional hospitals, and relaying critical updates to senior leadership.
"The seamless integration between the maintainers on the flightline and the operators in the Rescue Operations Center was the deciding factor that day," Golden said. "When every second counts, you rely on the rigorous training and the synergy of the entire team. They executed flawlessly to bring our wingman home."
The flight crew included pilots Maj. Tim Turner and Maj. Zachary Schrock, and special mission aviators Tech. Sgt. Zachary Newfrock and Tech. Sgt. Jayson Keen. Launching from a non-alert posture, the crew was airborne within 32 minutes of notification.
"I’m proud of the entire rescue team involved and grateful the pilot returned safely," Steinbrecher said. The successful outcome stands as a powerful testament to the readiness, expertise, and collaborative spirit of the maintainers, operators, and support personnel at Nellis Air Force Base.