GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Westhampton Beach, N.Y. -- GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Westhampton Beach, N.Y. (Feb. 13, 2018) – Members of the 103rd Rescue Squadron of the 106th Rescue Wing met with the U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia Feb. 7, 2018, in Koper, Slovenia.
Ambassador Brent Hartley met with the pararescuemen and combat rescue officers who were involved with the rescue mission onboard the Motor Vessel Tamar, which began on April 24th, 2017.
“The team’s rescue of those injured on the MV Tamar was truly heroic, and your bravery and professionalism make me proud to represent our great nation here in Slovenia,” said Hartley. “Your team personifies the remarkable contributions we as Americans can make around the world.”
Airmen of the 103rd Rescue Squadron were training near Slovenia when they took time to visit Borut Škrbec, one of two sailors saved by the pararescue team after being severely injured by an explosion on the MV Tamar.
The explosion in the forward area of the cargo vessel killed two and injured the Slovenian Škrbec, and a Filipino shipmate.
Over several days, the pararescuemen administered advanced care for severe burns and injuries until the ship was close enough for the Portuguese Coastguard to medevac the injured to the Azores.
The rescue, which took place 1,500 miles east of Cape Cod Mass., is in the running for the Air Force “Rescue of the Year”.