71st Rescue Squadron explained

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.

Mission

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]

History

Alaskan operations

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.

Reactivation in the Southeast

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]

Lineage

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

Assignments

Stations

Aircraft

Lockheed HC-130P Combat King, 2003-c. 2014[3]

Awards and campaigns

See also

References

Bibliography

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Factsheet 71 Rescue Squadron. Bailey. Carl E.. 27 March 2015. Air Force Historical Research Agency . dead . 18 September 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150927112103/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=12080 . 27 September 2015 .
  2. Web site: Factsheet 347th Rescue Group. 1 December 2015. 23d Wing Public Affairs. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160112034250/http://www.moody.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3442 . 12 January 2016. 19 September 2017.
  3. Web site: HC-130P completes final deployment. Callaghan. A1C Ryan. 8 June 2014. 23d Wing Public Affairs. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140812214622/http://www.acc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123420425&source=GovD . 12 August 2014. 19 September 2017.