USAF 56th Rescue Squadron 'PJ'

The recent Joint Warrior 15-1 exercise participants at RAF Lossiemouth this year, included the USAF 56th RQS or Rescue Squadron from RAF Lakenheath.

The 56th RQS is a Search and Rescue Unit whose role includes Combat Rescue and who consist of personnel who are prepared to put themselves in harms way in order to save lives - a fact reflected by their motto:- 'That others may live'.

Watching them preparing for a training mission gave me some good opportunities to add some new subjects to the 'aviation people' section.

This PJ (Pararescueman or Pararescue Jumper) appeared to be doing some last minute radio checks prior to boarding one of the two HH-60G Pave Hawks that were heading out on a training mission.

The PJs are a very highly specialised elite whose two year training (which I understand has an 85 percent drop out rate) includes Emergency Medical Trauma, Diving and Parachuting to name just a few. Needless to say they are extremely fit, well trained and motivated.

Years ago I did find myself in a snowhole on a top in the Cairngorms, Scotland one night in winter with one of these guys, but they also do real serious stuff when not relaxing like that.

A4 Pencil sketch

USAF 56th Rescue Squadron 'PJ'
USAF 56th Rescue Squadron 'PJ'

The recent Joint Warrior 15-1 exercise participants at RAF Lossiemouth this year, included the USAF 56th RQS or Rescue Squadron from RAF Lakenheath.

The 56th RQS is a Search and Rescue Unit whose role includes Combat Rescue and who consist of personnel who are prepared to put themselves in harms way in order to save lives - a fact reflected by their motto:- 'That others may live'.

Watching them preparing for a training mission gave me some good opportunities to add some new subjects to the 'aviation people' section.

This PJ (Pararescueman or Pararescue Jumper) appeared to be doing some last minute radio checks prior to boarding one of the two HH-60G Pave Hawks that were heading out on a training mission.

The PJs are a very highly specialised elite whose two year training (which I understand has an 85 percent drop out rate) includes Emergency Medical Trauma, Diving and Parachuting to name just a few. Needless to say they are extremely fit, well trained and motivated.

Years ago I did find myself in a snowhole on a top in the Cairngorms, Scotland one night in winter with one of these guys, but they also do real serious stuff when not relaxing like that.

A4 Pencil sketch