| Unit Name: | 31st Rescue Squadron |
| Dates: | 1952–1960; 1963–1975; 1981–2001; 2003–present |
| Role: | Search and Rescue |
| Command Structure: | Pacific Air Forces |
| Garrison: | Kadena Air Base |
| Decorations: | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Philippine Presidential Unit Citation[1] |
| Identification Symbol Label: | 31st Rescue Squadron emblem (approved 15 September 1993) |
The 31st Rescue Squadron is part of the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan. It trains, equips and employs combat-ready pararescue specialists.
The 31st Rescue Squadron was constituted as the 31st Air Rescue Squadron on 17 October 1952. They made combat rescues in Southeast Asia, 1965–1966 and also operated the Joint Rescue Coordination Center for Thirteenth Air Force, Apr 1967 – July 1975. They took part in disaster relief missions in the Philippines between 16–31 July 1990. As a USAF Special Operations Squadron the 31st was forward deployed at Osan Air Base, Korea from 1992–2001, while its headquarters at the 353d Special Operations Group was stationed at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. Inactivated for a couple of years, in 2003 the squadron was redesignated the 31st Rescue Squadron under the 18th Wing and stationed at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan.
Activated on 14 November 1952
Discontinued on 18 September 1960
Redesignated 31st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron on 8 January 1966
Inactivated on 1 July 1975
Redesignated 31st Special Operations Squadron on 6 April 1989
Inactivated on 31 August 2001
Activated on 31 July 2003[1]