Major Kevin Rynbrandt, 23rd Wing chief of plans and programs, conducts a pre-brief at Moody Air Force Base before departure to Charleston, S.C.

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Airmen with the 23rd Wing of Moody Air Force Base arrived here Saturday to help those hit the hardest by Hurricane Florence. 

A convoy of pararescueman, survival specialists and boat teams, HC-130J Combat King IIs, HH-60G Pavehawks, aircrew and support personnel were on standby Sunday at Joint Base Charleston, S.C.

Moody’s 23d Wing along with the 920th Rescue Wing from Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., the 51st Combat Communication Squadron of Robins Air Force Base, Ga., and the Air Force Office of Test and Evaluation of Hurlburt Field Air Force Base, Fla., have been integrated and activated to form one expeditionary search and rescue unit, the 334th Air Expeditionary Group.

“The airmen of the 334th Air Expeditionary Group are mission ready and prepared to provide the necessary Air Force rescue and personnel recovery capabilities,” said Col. Jennifer Short, 23rd WG commander. “When called upon, the AEG airmen will respond at a moment’s notice to support potential recovery operations to help those impacted by Hurricane Florence.”

On Sunday, the 334th AEG began orientation flights for the Pavehawks. 

“That’s important because this provides a tactical picture of the area and resources available, familiarization with local air space regulations and preps us to respond to a rescue mission in 30 minutes or less when called,” said Capt. Jessica Colby, lead Air Force Hurricane Florence response public affairs officer.

While on the flights, the crews are on standby and ready to respond to a rescue mission should the need arise.

By pre-positioning, Colby said they will be able to respond faster and potentially save more lives should they be activated. 

“Right now, if we were still sitting back at Moody until tasked, we would have that full day of travel to get everything together, get here and start saving lives,” she said.

Florence, now downgraded to a tropical depression, continues to drop record rainfall as it makes a slow path across the Carolinas.