by William K.
This is a true story about
innovation. This story is about two Air Force Reservists, who in the face of
austere funding, deterrence and of obstructions, designed and built a handcraft
communications vehicle called Rescue 621. Eventual recognition as Free World’s most
versatile communication system could not have come if it weren’t for two
different Air Reserve Rescue Squadrons that flew the Lockheed HC-130H and P
models.
Rescue 621 valuable
communication resources to the Atomic Energy Commission and the U.S. Department
of State. The Lockheed aircraft provided transportation to such historical
events as the 1979 aftermath of the Wichita Falls tornado disaster, the
aftermath of the Mount Saint Helens eruption, the San Francisco and Loma Preita
earthquakes and Hurricane Andrew.
Rescue 621 and the Air
Force Reserve Lockheed HC-130H and P models found themselves in Argentina, Panama
and Peru. Although Rescue 621’s communications suite was designed somewhat
after the HC-130H aircraft communications suite, it had one single advantage.
That advantage was the use of two different NASA experimental voice satellites.
This was provided through the relentless and courageous quest of Lois Clark
McCoy, current president of the National Association for Urban Search and
Rescue.
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| No challenge is too big for the Hercules. |
