HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and HC-130s from the 347th Rescue Wing at Moody AFB, Ga., and AFRC’s 920th RW, Patrick AFB, Fla., deployed to Laughlin AFB, Tex., for search and rescue operations after Rita’s landfall. On Sept. 24, the rescue crews made five saves and assisted in six others during post-storm operations over Louisiana and Texas.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.