MORE BaTSAR RESCUES

MY LIFE ON PLANET EARTH

MORE BaTSAR RESCUES

Blake Rescued AGAIN!

Lieutenant Arthur C. Blake again runs into trouble during a launch. On February 22nd, Blake was sheduled for a solo mission with the purpose of monitoring wind conditions for two squadrons which were scheduled to be launched later that afternoon. Upon release, a gust of wind took Blake and his balloon against the roof facia of the Mission Control Center Building whereupon his balloon burst. The swirling winds took him out away from the building, then deposited him near the edge of the building on the driveway.

BaTSAR reacted quickly and the K-9 Unit was the first to reach the scene. Blake was rescued and his mission papers and balloon remnants were recovered. Blake was taken to Flight Operations for observation while the balloon remnants were taken to Mission Control.

Recall that Ltnt. Blake was previously involved in a launch incident on February 14th where his balloon hit power lines and burst requiring a BaTSAR rescue. Blake's fellow Troopers have affectionaltely tagged him with the moniker "Bad-Luck Blake."

An investigation concerning wind conditions and its relation to Trooper launch location has been undertaken. Initial findings point out that Mission Control has been somewhat nonchalant in determining launch locations based on wind direction in relation to ground structures. A committee of top echelon leaders of both Flight Operations and Mission Control has been appointed to iniate more stringent procedures during future launches.

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SARGENT BILL R. GREGORY RESCUED!

Sargent Bill R. Gregory was launched with a squadron of 15 Troopers during night operations on Saturday June 25, 2005 at 9:47PM. Shortly after launch, Mission Control noted that Trooper Gregory was ascending at an alarmingly low rate compared to the rest of the Squadron. As Mission Control monitored the flight, calculations predicted that Trooper Gregory would not clear a line of trees located approximately 50 yards north of the launch site. BaTSAR was scrambled in the event that a rescue became necessary.

At 9:48PM, Mission Control confirmed that Gregory had impacted the tree line and was stuck in upper branches at an altitude of approximately 20 feet. Mission Control consulted with BaTSAR and it was agreed that Gregory was in no immediate danger and there was a possibility that he could free himself and continue his mission. No further action was taken and at 9:55PM monitoring operations were suspended.

On the morning of June 27th, observations by Mission Control revealed Gregory stuck fast in the tree. He appeared to be in good condition although his double balloon rig was somewhat deflated.

BaTSAR was notified and arrived on the scene. Rescue operations commenced shortly after arrival.

Because of Gregory's elevation in the tree, BaTSAR determined that a combination of techniques would be required for the rescue. BaTSAR personnel skilled in arboreal ascent techniques began climbing up the tree towards Gregory's position.

After climbing into the tree, the hook pole device was passed up and the retrieval process began. Gregory was snagged by BaTSAR personnel and slowly he was pulled out of the branches.

After rescue, Gregory was delivered to Flight Operations personnel who monitored his condition and it was determined that he was in good shape and good spirits. Gregory was placed immediately back on the active duty roster and is looking forward to his next mission. Congratulations and huge thank yous are extended to BaTSAR for another flawless rescue.