| Unit Name: | 41st Rescue Squadron |
| Dates: | 1952–1960; 1961–1987; 1989–present |
| Type: | Helicopter |
| Role: | Search and rescue |
| Command Structure: | Air Combat Command |
| Garrison: | Moody Air Force Base |
| Motto: | That Others May Live |
| Battles: | Kosovo War War in Afghanistan[1] |
| Equipment: | HH-60W Jolly Green II |
| Decorations: | Air Force Meritorious Unit Award Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" DeviceAir Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Identification Symbol Label: | 41st Rescue Squadron emblem (approved 24 May 1954) |
The 41st Rescue Squadron is part of the 347th Rescue Group at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. It operates HH-60W Jolly Green II aircraft conducting search and rescue missions.
The 41st Rescue Squadron maintains combat-ready status as an HH-60W combat search and rescue (CSAR) squadron. This squadron specializes in combat rescue of downed aircrew behind enemy lines, using night vision goggles (NVG), low-level formation, air refueling, weapons employment, medevac, casevac, CAS (close air support) and survivor recovery. Air Force rescue is one of the few USAF assets that directly support combat units of all military branches, including allied combat units, through means other than munition drops, or intel. Members assigned to this squadron rapidly mobilize, deploy and employ to provide combat and peacetime search and rescue in support of U.S. national security interests. The 41st also supported launch operations for the NASA Space Shuttle when that program was active. During forward combat operations the 41st, like other USAF helicopter Rescue assets, assume an Alert posture. With an average response time of 4 minutes from call to airborne, the "Pedros" (deployed callsign) are considered by many to be the fastest rescue asset in the United States military inventory.[2]
The 41st has flown search and rescue missions from, 1952–1960, 1962–1987, and since 1989. It also recovered high-altitude atmospheric-sampling devices from, 1962–1987. Beginning in Mar 1989, the squadron has provided prelaunch security and safety surveillance of NASA launches and recovery or medical evacuation for Space Shuttle crewmembers.[1]
Activated on 14 November 1952
Discontinued and inactivated on 18 March 1960
Organized on 8 January 1962
Redesignated 41st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron on 8 January 1966
Inactivated on 30 September 1987
Redesignated 41st Air Rescue Squadron on 1 June 1989
Redesignated 41st Rescue Squadron on 1 February 1993[1]