Kadena Air Base hosts Rescue Fest 2015

A U.S. Air Force pararescueman with the 31st Rescue Squadron demonstrates cutting a car apart to retrieve any injured as part of Rescue Fest on Oct. 3, 2015, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Rescue Fest is a yearly event where the 31st and 33rd Rescue Squadrons demonstrate their capabilities. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Nicholas Emerick)

Kadena Air Base hosts Rescue Fest 2015

U.S. Air Force pararescuemen prepare to fast-rope from a helicopter Oct. 3, 2015, on Kadena Air Base, Japan. These Airmen demonstrate methods of retrieval during Rescue Fest, a yearly event that displays the capabilities of the 31st and 33rd Rescue Squadrons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nicholas Emerick)

Kadena Air Base hosts Rescue Fest 2015

A U.S. Air Force pararescueman fast-ropes from a helicopter Oct. 3, 2015 on Kadena Air Base, Japan. These Airmen demonstrate rescue capabilities of the 31st and 33rd Rescue Squadrons during Rescue Fest, a yearly event held to educate on rescue tactics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nicholas Emerick)

Kadena Air Base hosts Rescue Fest 2015

Published Oct. 7, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Emerick
18th Wing Public Affairs

October 7, 2015 -- The 31st and 33rd Rescue Squadrons hosted the fourth annual Rescue Fest Oct. 3. Rescue Fest allows the rescue squadrons to demonstrate their capabilities to Team Kadena and their family members.

The purpose of Rescue Fest is to educate the base community on the different scenarios the 31st and 33rd Rescue Squadron may find themselves in while supporting their Air Force mission, not only on Okinawa, but throughout the Pacific Air Command.

The event included activities for kids, such as static displays, an indoor rock climbing wall, a bounce house, rides in all-terrain vehicles and face painting. As well as demonstrations for Survival, Escape, Resist and Evade, vehicle extrication, high angle rope and fast rope rescue, and hoists and ladder with a HH-60 Pave Hawk.

"It's a pretty amazing feeling to go and help people and to actually do a job that makes a difference," said Staff Sgt. Dylan Crawford, a pararescue specialist with the 31st Rescue Squadron.

Participants included pararescue and SERE specialists, as well as volunteers. Both SERE and pararescue discussed their career fields and were open for questions before and after their demonstrations.

"I think this one (this year's rescue fest) was really successful at giving some insight to what we do," said Maj. Matthew McGuinness, commander of the 31st rescue squadron.

Members of the 31st and 33rd Rescue Squadrons do not just assist military efforts or service members; they also promote interoperability throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region by providing assistance and humanitarian aid to U.S. partners and allies. Missions range from assisting locals on Okinawa to major relief efforts in countries such as Nepal to assist with the earthquake recovery tasks.

"Wherever someone is hurt or needs help, that's where we go," said Crawford.