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.