EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Pararescuemen and survival, evasion, resistance and escape (SERE) specialists from the 353rd Combat Training Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, joined up with the Alaska National Guard's 210th and 212th Rescue Squadrons to hold multiple exercises to safely locate and recover isolated personnel during RED FLAG-Alaska 15-3.

The first exercise, an immediate shoot-down scenario, took place Aug. 12 with an inject stating a pilot was shot down.

Establishing communications with the downed pilot and determining his location are critical first steps in the recovery process, which was the main exercise objective.

Once positive identification is made, mission planning for the recovery can begin. "We need to make sure we are talking to who we think we are talking to before sending in a recovery team," explained Staff Sgt. Levi Wood, a SERE specialist with the 353rd Combat Training Squadron.

The exercise scenario concluded once communications were successfully established with the downed pilot.

A pre-planned personnel recovery exercise was then held Aug. 13. This training was separate from the Aug. 12 exercise and focused on the actual recovery of two pilots, which is a critical area of training.

"The training benefit is being able to sit-down and plan a mission that's focused on the recovery of isolated personnel," Wood said. "In this scenario, mission planning was done yesterday and the whole mission is to come out and pick these guys up."

Aircraft and personnel supporting the recovery were sent in to take out targets and secure the area before rescue assets arrive. Once the area was deemed safe, a rescue aircraft and personnel were sent in to establish communications with the downed pilots and relocate them to safety.

The rescue team has one goal no matter what type of transportation is available. "We need to secure the area, pick up the survivor and bring them home to safety," Wood explained.