Back in 2009, economists were thinking about the alphabet more than a rescue plane, or boat for that matter.

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The crew of a Coast Guard search-and-rescue plane watched as the Cessna made what appeared to be a soft landing, Edwards said.

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CNN's Gary Tuchman, accompanying airmen aboard an Air Force HC-130 search-and-rescue and refueling plane flying over Iraq, filed this report.

CNN: Refueling 500 feet over Iraq 'keeps you on your toes'

They are the pararescue jumpers, or PJs, who jump out of the plane during rescue missions.

CNN: Refueling 500 feet over Iraq 'keeps you on your toes'

Mr. Slater was the JetBlue flight attendant whose version of "Take This Job and Shove It" in 2010 was to inflate the rescue slide on his plane and grab a six pack to go.

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Officers now provide critical life safety functions during plane incidents, from firefighting and passenger rescue to basic medical support and assisting in water rescues.

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Irish rescue helicopters also took part in the operation as well as a spotter plane.

BBC: Hunt for five missing crew of sunken Swanland halts

Venezuela said it was sending a military plane with food, medicine and drinking water, as well as a team of 50 rescue workers.

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