The South Korean and U.S. Air Forces are conducting training to master special mission procedures for rescuing allied personnel stranded during war or operations. On Wednesday, the ROK Special Air Force Rescue Team (SART/6th Wing) announced that they have been conducting the Joint Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Task Force Exercise in the Uljin area of North Gyeongsang Province from November 11 to 22.
CSAR task forces are organized to rescue and extract pilots isolated in hostile territories during wartime. These task forces consist of various forces, including fighter jets, helicopters, and air rescue personnel. This training involved South Korean and U.S. air rescue personnel, the 6th Squadron’s HH-60, HH-47, HH-32 search and rescue helicopters, and U.S. Air Force A-10 attack aircraft. The A-10s were responsible for mission command.
The exercise simulated real-world conditions. After a friendly pilot became isolated deep behind enemy lines, the CSAR task force initiated a rescue attempt. During the operation, U.S. A-10s identified ground threats. The 6th Wing’s rescue helicopters performed evasive maneuvers under A-10 direction, while the Thunderbolts suppressed the threats through precision strikes.
Meanwhile, the stranded pilot contacted a special rescue tactics team and moved toward the designated meeting point. Simultaneously, they exchanged signals with the helicopters, which successfully located them.
The extraction phase commenced immediately. With A-10 cover fire, the rescue helicopter and pararescue team approached the isolated pilot. After a quick medical assessment and treatment, the PJs secured the pilot and boarded the helicopter. The exercise concluded with the safe exfiltration of all personnel from hostile territory.
Colonel Na Jeong Heum, commander of the 6th Squadron, stated, “We are enhancing our CSAR operation capabilities based on trust that we will rescue personnel anytime and anywhere. By conducting realistic training scenarios under the solid ROK-U.S. alliance, we will ensure unwavering readiness for various situations.”
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