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.
External links
- 31st Special Operations Squadron History
- The PAVE Cave (unofficial PAVE LOW website)
- USAF 31st Rescue Squadron History