PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Florida -- The crew of "King 2", HC-130 rescue aircraft from the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing, gather for a group photograph on Monday, May 11, as they wait for the launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis.
This mission marked the 100th time that Airmen from the Long Island wing provided rescue support to Space Shuttle launches.
Joining the HC-130 crews from Gabreski Field Air National Guard Base at Westhampton Beach, New York, were pararescuemen from the California Air National Guard's 131st Rescue Squadron, based at Moffett Federal Airfield, located near Mountain View, California.
If the shuttle crew had been forced to leave the spacecraft near the Kennedy Space Center these men would have been responsible for pulling the astronauts from the water.
DMNA Press Releases
Loading Press Releases...NY National Guard In the News
Times Union -- Thu, 05 Feb 2026 Schumer announces $194 million secured for Skibird planes used by 109th Airlift Wing GLENVILLE U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Wednesday that he and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand had secured $194 million to start building the next-generation LC-130H Skibird... (more)
News Directory 3 -- Thu, 05 Feb 2026 Harlem Hell Fighters: Black WWI Heroes & Jazz Pioneers Remembering the Harlem Hellfighters: A Legacy of Courage and Jazz As Black History Month continues, today, February 5, 2026, we remember the extraordinary story of the 369th Infantry Regiment,... (more)
Daily Gazette -- Wed, 04 Feb 2026 New York Air National Guard Promotions LATHAM Air Force Major General Gary Charlton, the commander of the New York Air National Guard, announced the recent promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition... (more)