33d Rescue Squadron | |
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33d Rescue Squadron Patch
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Active | 14 November 1952 – 18 March 1960 18 June 1961 – 1 October 1970 1 July 1971 – 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 |
Motto(s) | That Others May Live |
Decorations |
Navy MUC AFMUA AFOUA RVGC w/ Palm |
The 33d Rescue Squadron (33 RQS) is part of the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan. It operates HH-60 Pave Hawk aircraft conducting search and rescue missions.
The 33d has performed search, rescue, and recovery missions from 1952–1960, 1961–1970, and since 1971. The squadron flew missions in support of the Vietnam War from 1965–1967. The 33d supported operations following the seizure of the USS Pueblo by North Korea between 29 January and 16 September 1968 and aided search efforts and salvage operations from September–October 1983, after a Soviet fighter aircraft shot down South Korean airliner KAL 007.
Operation Enduring Freedom- Multiple deployments from 2005–present