| Unit Name: | 56th Rescue Squadron |
| Dates: | 1952–1960; 1972–1975; 1988–present |
| Role: | Search and Rescue |
| Command Structure: | United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa |
| Garrison: | Aviano Air Base |
| Decorations: | Presidential Unit Citation (United States) Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm[1] |
| Identification Symbol Label: | 56th Rescue Squadron emblem (approved 31 March 1989) |
The 56th Rescue Squadron is part of the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy.[2] The squadron was previously assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, England. It operates HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters conducting search and rescue missions.
The 56th Rescue Squadron is a combat-ready search and rescue squadron of HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters capable of executing all-weather search and rescue missions day or night in hostile environments in support of USAFE, USEUCOM, and NATO operations. It employs a state-of-the-art communications and navigation system along with advanced search and rescue equipment. The squadron is capable of deploying to any theater of operations in the world.
The 56th flew search and rescue, and medical evacuation, in North Africa and southern Europe from, November 1952-March 1960.[1]
It flew combat missions in Southeast Asia from, 10 July 1972 – 15 August 1973, to include search and rescue, airborne mission control, and aerial refueling. The squadron continued to perform local search and rescue until February 1975.[1] On 1 April 1972 the 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron was inactivated and its aircraft and crews temporarily became part of Detachment 4 of the 3d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base. On 8 July 1972 the detachment was replaced by the 56th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron.
On 12 April 1975 the squadron's HC-130Ps supported Operation Eagle Pull, the evacuation of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.[3]
On 15 October 1975 the squadron was inactivated at Korat and its 4 remaining HC-130Ps joined the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron.[4]
It continued the search and rescue support mission for the Iceland Defense Force from, May 1988-September 2006,[1] after being redesigned from Detachment 14, 67th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, contributing to 958 saves and assists during the 45 year SAR mission in Iceland.[5]
On 10 January 1994, two HH-60G helicopters launched in support of the Iceland Coast Guard to rescue 6 remaining survivors of the MV Godinn that sank off the coast of Vodlavik, Iceland, during heavy seas. Both aircrews received the MacKay Trophy and 8th Air Force Historical Society Ira C. Eaker Outstanding Airmanship Award. Individual crew members received the Cheney Award, Aviator Valor Award and Jabarra Award. The squadron was recognized by the National Lifesaving Association of Iceland. [6]
In June-July 2003, a detachment of HH-60G helicopters and Pararescuemen extracted U.S. Embassy personnel and American Citizens from the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia during Operation Shining Express.
In 2011 a detachment of helicopters from the 56th deployed on board the .[7]
Activated on 14 November 1953
Discontinued and inactivated on 18 March 1960
Redesignated 56th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron on 10 July 1972
Inactivated on 15 October 1975
Redesignated 56th Air Rescue Squadron on 1 June 1989
Redesignated 56th Rescue Squadron on 1 February 1993.[1]