Marines, Airmen rescue 6 during Angel Thunder scenario at Playas, NM

Six simulated victims were rescued by U.S. Marines and Airmen from an MRAP vehicle hit by an mock improvised explosive device at Playas Training and Research Center during Angel Thunder, June 11.

U.S. Marines from 1st Force Reconnaissance flew to the scene on MV-22 Osprey aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 268, set-up a perimeter and began locating and treating the victims. During triage, the group attracted enemy fire.

Two A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft responded to the call and provided close air support. After neutralizing the threats they provided over-watch, allowing the Marines and victims to board the Ospreys safely. A-10s then escorted the Ospreys back to home station.

Angel Thunder is the world's largest Personnel Recovery exercise, 30 May-13 June, which involved  all joint U.S. forces, 11 allied-nations, and 9 interagency organizations training together to improve their rescue skills.

For any questions about Angel Thunder please call the 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs at 520-228-3406 or email 355wgpa@us.af.mil.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DMAFB?ref=hl
Twitter: @DMAFB
Website: https://www.dm.af.mil 

The 1st Force Reconnaissance Marines belong to the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California. VMM 268 is a part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in San Diego, Calif. The A-10s are from the 354th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. The simulated victims were from the 22nd Training Squadron at Fairchild AFB, Wash., the 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron at D-M, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and the Royal Australian Air Force. Two of the six victims were human patient simulators from the University of Toledo, Ohio.