The California Air National Guard’s 129th Rescue Wing completed the 1,000th “save” in its four-decade-long history. Aircrews and pararescuemen deployed to Afghanistan reached the milestone on May 18 after rescuing an Afghan national policeman who had suffered a gunshot wound, according to a May 20 wing release. “The wing is credited with more than 400 combat saves and nearly 600 civilian saves. In addition, the wing has assisted in over 600 other saves,” states the release. A mission is considered a “save” if the rescued individual was in danger of losing his/her life, a limb, or eyesight. The 129th RQW is based at Moffett Federal Airfield northwest of San Jose.
Aircraft readiness will suffer if Congress does not approve some $1.5 billion worth of spare parts the Air Force requested in its annual Unfunded Priorities List, sent to Capitol Hill last week, Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin said.