Unit Name: | 71st Rescue Squadron |
Dates: | 1952-1960; 1970-1991; 1991 – present |
Country: | United States |
Role: | Combat Search and Rescue |
Command Structure: | Air Combat Command 23d Wing 347th Rescue Group |
Garrison: | Moody Air Force Base |
Equipment: | HC-130J Combat King II |
Decorations: | Air Force Meritorious Unit Award Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
Identification Symbol Label: | 71st Rescue Squadron emblem (approved 8 June 1995)[1] |
The 71st Rescue Squadron is part of the 347th Rescue Group at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. It flies HC-130J Combat King II aircraft conducting search and rescue missions.
The 71st Rescue Squadron maintains combat-ready status Lockheed HC-130J Combat King II, combat search and rescue squadron. The squadron deploys expeditionary forces to execute personnel recovery operations worldwide to support theater commanders to advance national security interests. This mission requires the squadron to conduct low-level operations and air refueling using night vision goggles and airdrop pararescue personnel of other units for in support of combat personnel recovery.[2]
The 71st was first activated in November 1952 when Air Rescue Service expanded its existing air rescue squadrons to groups and expanded their flights to separate squadrons. It flew search, rescue and recovery missions out of Elmendorf Air Force Base from 1952 to 1960 and 1970–1991. It has flown aerial refueling missions for search and rescue operations since 1991.
The squadron has supported the combat search and rescue mission in Southwest Asia with aircraft and crews since 1992.[1] In August 2014, the 71st completed its last deployment with the HC-130P Combat King aircraft, which it has flown since 2003. This was the last deployment by an active duty squadron with the Combat King model. The squadron is now beginning to transition to the HC-130J Combat King II by September 2015.[3]
Activated on 14 November 1952
Discontinued and inactivated on 18 March 1960
Activated on 8 March 1970
Inactivated on 1 June 1991
Activated on 1 October 1991
Lockheed HC-130P Combat King, 2003-c. 2014[3]