HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) -- Tech. Sgt. Peter Kraines, 33, a 24th Special Operations Wing special tactics pararescueman, died from injuries sustained in a training incident while performing mountain rescue techniques in Boise, Idaho, Oct. 8. The incident is currently under investigation.
Kraines enlisted in the United States Air Force in March 2011. He immediately entered the two-year pararescue training program. Upon completion of the program, he was assigned to the 347th Rescue Group, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. In March 2017, Kraines was assessed and selected to join the ranks within special tactics and then assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
“This is a tragic loss to the special tactics community,” said Col. Matthew Allen, 24th SOW commander. “We are grateful for the support from our community and our (Air Force Special Operations Command) teammates. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates at this time.”
Kraines was a military static-line jumper, free fall jumper, an Air Force combat scuba diver and certified as an emergency medical technician. As a special tactics pararescueman, Kraines was specially trained and equipped for immediate deployment into combat operations to conduct combat search and rescue and personnel recovery operations.
His awards and decorations include an Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border, Small Arms Expert Ribbon, Air Force Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon and NATO Medal.