One-of-a-kind mission, serving a one-of-a-kind force

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jacob McCarthy
  • Nellis AFB Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  Throughout the Air Force's illustrious history, the self-sustained ability to provide recovery and assistance operations to downed aircrew and allies located behind enemy lines has always been an integral element in maintaining a superior air and space power.

The men and women of the 66th Rescue Squadron, which is a geographically-separated unit of Moody Air Force Base's 23rd Wing, make up a small piece of a larger picture with an even bigger mission. 

"(The Air Force) is the only component in Department of Defense that trains, equips and mans for combat search and rescue," said Lt. Col. Chad Franks, 66th Rescue Squadron commander.

The 66th RQS operates the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, providing a rescue platform for the Guardian Angel assets to get in and provide rescue wherever it is needed.

"Our main mission is to go deep into a battle space to rescue any downed servicemember; it doesn't matter what service they're in," said Colonel Franks. "In the midst of a combat operation, when one of our own goes down, we're the 9-1-1 call. We're out there saving lives, not just taking them. To me, that's an awesome mission to have."

While home at Nellis, the 66th RQS spends a majority of its time training and equipping personnel with the skills and tools necessary to deploy anywhere in the world at a moment's notice.

"Since Sept. 11, the 66th RQS has been involved in Operation Enduring Freedom. We were the first CSAR unit in Afghanistan," said Colonel Franks.

Currently the focus in theater for the 66th RQS has been shifting from OEF to more concentrated efforts toward Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Also inherent to the rescue mission is the ability to perform peacetime rescue missions as well, the colonel said. Just 18 months ago, the 66th RQS provided rescue support for a hiker that was stranded in Zion National Park.

The momentum of the mission lies in the power of the people behind it, and the 66th RQS has some of the best the Air Force has to offer.

The 66th RQS is empowered by approximately 90 highly-trained Airmen who are capable of meeting demanding deployment schedules, maintaining continuous upgrade training and supporting stateside rescue operations.

A mix of HH-60 pilots, gunners, flight engineers, aviation resource managers and intelligence Airmen provide the grease that makes the machine of the rescue squadron run fluidly.

Since 2003 in support of the Global War on Terror, members from the 66th RQS have made 83 saves and have been awarded 39 medals and decorations to include two Silver Stars, 22 Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars and 12 Air Medals as a result of their commitment to service.

"Coming into the rescue community, I was a little skeptical at first," said Colonel Franks "We've got A1Cs that have already been deployed in combat going on their second or third deployments," the colonel added. The combat experience of the 66th RQS's Airmen speaks for itself.

At present, the 66th RQS has Airmen located in forward deployed locations in support of the Global War on Terror. But despite the downsizing in personnel, Nellis still has a wide range of CSAR capabilities in reserve around the base.

"Keep in mind it's not just the 66th when it comes to helicopters. There are other CSAR assets here at Nellis contributing to the overall CSAR mission as well," said Colonel Franks.

Qualified CSAR Airmen at the H-60 Combined Test Force and the U.S. Air Force Weapons School have the aircraft and the ability to augment the 66th RQS's stateside search and rescue mission while its members are deployed.