Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
last yr.

U.S. Air Force Conducts High-Stakes Rescue of Ill Passenger and Child from Cruise Ship

In a coordinated effort involving multiple aircraft, the U.S. Air Force successfully airlifted a critically ill boy and his mother from a cruise ship far off the U.S. coast.

Image
The 920th Rescue Wing successfully conducted a civilian medical airlift operation of a critical patient aboard a cruise ship 350 miles off the eastern coast of U.S. May 4, 2024. The mission, carried out by two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, two HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and two teams of pararescuemen required three air-to-air refuelings to complete. The more than 8-hour mission covered more than 1,200 miles round trip over open ocean. (Courtesy photo)
The mission was carried out by two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, two HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and two teams of rescuers. The eight-hour mission covered more than 1,200 miles round trip over open ocean.
Image

Overview

  • The rescue operation took place 350 nautical miles off the U.S. East Coast, involving two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and two HC-130J Combat King II aircraft.
  • A mother and her 12-year-old son were airlifted to safety after the boy suffered a serious medical issue aboard the Carnival Venezia.
  • The mission required three air-to-air refuelings and covered over 1,000 miles, demonstrating the logistical complexity of the rescue.
  • The 920th Rescue Wing, trained for such high-stakes operations, executed the rescue efficiently, saving crucial time.
  • The boy is currently recovering in a North Carolina hospital, with his mother expressing profound gratitude towards the rescue teams.