Subsequently he took up a post as an air base commander.

A stunned air base commander immediately began rescue operations.

He returned to the United States in April 1945, and became deputy air base commander, Midland Army Air Field, Texas.

In the area around an air base, the air base commander had search and rescue jurisdiction through the Local Base Rescue (LBR) helicopter units.

The Palanquero Air Base commanders decided to move one fighter squadron and a Combat Reconnaissance Squadron, consisting of F-8 Falcon aircraft, to Barranquilla,.