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
Tap into Morristown -- Wed, 26 Nov 2025 Morristown Resident Logan Foley Promoted to Specialist in New York Army National Guard MORRISTOWN, NJ A local resident has earned a promotion within the New York Army National Guard, recognizing his leadership, professionalism, and potential for continued advancement. Logan... (more)
Times Union -- Tue, 25 Nov 2025 Duty Calls: New commander New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Andrew Prior assumed command of the historic 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment during a ceremony at Camp Smith Training Site in Cortlandt Manor. The... (more)
Rockland Times -- Sun, 23 Nov 2025 Recognizing the Accomplishments of Rocklands Bravest New York Air National Guard Promotion Air Force Major General Michael Bank, the commander of the New York Air National Guard, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Air... (more)