31st Rescue Squadron

31d Rescue Squadron

31st Rescue Squadron Patch
Active 1952 - 1960
1963 - 1975
1981 - Present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
Type Search and Rescue
Part of Pacific Air Forces
5th Air Force
18th Wing
18th Operations Group
Garrison/HQ Kadena Air Base

The 31st Rescue Squadron (31 RQS) is part of the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan. It trains, equips and employs combat-ready pararescue specialists.

History

31st Special Operations Squadron was constituted as the 31st Air Rescue Squadron on 17 October 1952. They made combat rescues in Southeast Asia, 1965–1966 and also operated the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) for Thirteenth Air Force, Apr 1967-July 1975. They took part in Disaster relief missions in the Philippines between 16–31 July 1990. As a USAF Special Operations Squadron (SOS) the 31st was forward deployed at Osan AB, Korea from 1992-2001, while its headquarters at the 353rd SOG was stationed at Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan. Inactivated for a couple of years, in 2003 the squadron was redesignated the 31st Rescue Squadron under the 18th Wing and stationed at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan.

A 31st ARRS HH-3E retrieving a Firebee drone, 1984.

External links


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