06/09/2020
Pedro 66
On Wednesday, June 9, 2010, two Air Force Combat Search and Rescue Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters (call signs "Pedro 66" and "Pedro 67") flew their mission to rescue a critically injured British Marine near Forward Operating Base Jackson in the Sangin district, Helmand province, in southern Afghanistan.
Upon arriving at the scene, both helicopters immediately came under enemy fire. "Pedro 67" landed to recover the wounded Marine, while "Pedro 66" (assigned to the 55th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona) remained in the air to provide cover.
While still airborne, "Pedro 66" was hit by an enemy launched rocket-propelled gr***de, critically damaging the tail rotor. Prior to the aircraft's uncontrollable spin and subsequent crash, Captain Wisniewski was able to guide the aircraft away from the Landing Zone, friendly troops and civilian houses on the ground, avoiding probable additional loss of life. Immediately, Royal Marines of the 40 Commando's Charlie Company along with Pedro 67, risking their own lives, rushed to rescue the survivors and secure the scene.
Today, let each of us take a moment to remember the five Fallen Heroes and the families they left behind.
Capt David Wisniewski, Pilot
1Lt Joel Gentz, CRO
TSgt Michael Flores, PJ
SSgt David Smith, FE
SrA Benjamin White, PJ
Note: Master Sergeant Christopher Aguilera (Aerial Gunner) and Captain Anthony Simone (Co-Pilot) survived with serious injuries. They have both retired from the Air Force and are continuing to fight the odds of healing with their tremendous grit and incredible support of their families.
Thank you to our friends at the Pararescue Association for articulating this summary.
