Lewis-Mcchord Crew Makes Antarctica Rescue Flight

Lewis-Mcchord Crew Makes Antarctica Rescue Flight
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
By: Adam Ashton

Staff writer Adam Ashton and The Associated Press contributed to this report

A Joint Base Lewis-McChord Air Force crew made a potentially life-saving trip to Antarctica on Monday to rescue a researcher who reportedly suffered a stroke on the icy continent in late August.

Master Sgt. Jake Chappelle of Lewis-McChord’s 446th Reserve Airlift Wing confirmed that a crew from the base south of Tacoma made the flight. The active-duty 62nd Airlift Wing also had airmen on the rescue. A storm delayed a flight attempt Saturday.

Renee-Nicole Douceur slept for the whole plane ride to New Zealand for medical treatment. She described the flight in an email after landing in Christchurch.