Airmen with the 56th Rescue Squadron, now calling RAF Lakenheath, Britain, home, have found it a “challenge” to find training locations for flying and jumping, SrA. Kristofer Abel, a pararescue jumper, told Lakenheath’s Jet 48 magazine. In fact, training in various locales is standard for PJs and other rescue airmen. One 56th RQS PJ, SSgt. Kipran Wise says PJs must constantly train to stay proficient. His recent training grounds included Austria, Spain, and the Sierra Nevada mountains in the US.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.