Members from the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa Personnel Recovery Task Force and US Africa Command contract Personnel Recovery conducted a complex, multi-day rescue at sea of a UK civilian mariner in distress, in November.
“This mission is exactly why we always train. It demonstrated how the Warfighter Recovery Network can come together and save a life in the most remote places, when needed most,” said US Air Force Master Sgt Trevor Clark, 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron pararescueman.
Members of the WRN received an urgent request for a mariner experiencing symptoms of a heart attack aboard the US-flagged cargo ship Liberty Grace located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 500 nautical miles east of Kenya. “While this mission presented unique circumstances, we adapted to what was given,” said Clark.
Five-member pararescue team deployed
The PRTF deployed a team of five US Air Force Pararescuemen aboard MV-22B Ospreys to rappel aboard the ship and stabilize the patient. Due to the vessel’s distance from shore, a US Marine Corps KC-130 tanker deployed to provide aerial refueling of the Ospreys.
PJs remained onboard overnight as the vessel maneuvered within 150 nautical miles of Manda Bay Airfield in Kenya. The following morning two WRN contracted Super Puma aircraft provided transportation to Manda Bay Airfield.
“We then transferred the patient to a DHC-8 airplane, which enabled our final turnover to a medical facility in Nairobi that provided the appropriate level of care,” said Clark. “The patient is doing well and I am so proud of my team for their part.”
