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Astronaut Rescue Training
Master Sgt. James Hannon (right), 177th Fighter Wing, lifts a mannequin out of a space shuttle orbiter mockup during training at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.

The 177th was one of two Air Guard units to be selected as alternative landing sites for the space shuttle in case the orbiter had to abort a mission during takeoff.

In all six 177th firefighters - Tech. Sgt. Joseph Tomasello, Staff Sft. Brian Alexander, Master Sgt. James Hannon and Tech. Sgts. Joseph Bannon and William Newcomb - attended the specialized rescue training at Patrick. Photo courtesy of Master Sgt. James Hannon 177th Fighter Wing Fire Department.