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Reservists support shuttle launch

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  • Complied from several sources
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Reservists with the 313th Airlift Squadron from McChord delivered two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters from Davis-Mothan AFB, Ariz., to Patrick AFB, Fla., March 7-8 to support the upcoming Space Shuttle Discovery launch mission. 

The 313th AS aircrew was assisting members of the 943rd Rescue Group, who deployed March 7 to Patrick to support the launch mission. 

The Reserve rescue group deployed the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, nine maintainers and four pararescuemen to augment its parent unit, the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick AFB. 

The Space Shuttle Discovery was initially scheduled for liftoff March 11 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. However, the launch was put on hold after a leaking gaseous hydrogen vent line was detected, according to NASA officials. 

The Discovery crew lifted off March 15 to fly the S6 truss segment and install the final set of power-generating solar arrays to the International Space Station. The S6 truss will complete the backbone of the station and provide one-fourth of the total power needed to support a crew of six on the International Space Station. 

The Space Shuttle Discovery was scheduled to land March 28.