347th Rescue Group | |
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Emblem of the 347th Rescue Group
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Active | 1942–1946 1947–1950 1991–present |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Air Force |
Part of | 23d Wing |
Garrison/HQ | Moody AFB, Georgia |
Engagements |
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Decorations |
DUC PUC AFOUA w/ V Device PPUC |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders |
Victor E. Renuart Jr. |
The United States Air Force's 347th Rescue Group is an active combat search and rescue unit assigned to the 23d Wing at Moody AFB, Georgia.
The 347th Rescue Group directs flying and maintenance of the one of two USAF active-duty Groups dedicated to Combat Search and Rescue. Responsible for training/readiness of 1,100 personnel, including a pararescue squadron, two flying squadrons (Lockheed HC-130/HH-60 Pave Hawk), and an operations support squadron. Deploys worldwide in support of National Command Authority taskings.
Constituted as the 347th Fighter Group on 29 September 1942. Activated in New Caledonia on 3 October 1942. Detachments of the group, which was assigned to Thirteenth Air Force in January 1943, were sent to Guadalcanal, where they used Bell P-39 and P-400 Airacobra aircraft to fly protective patrols, support ground forces, and attack Japanese shipping.
Operational squadrons of the 347th FG were the 67th, 68th, 70th and 339th Fighter Squadrons.
When the Allied campaign to recover the central and northern Solomon Islands began in February 1943, the detachments, still operating from Guadalcanal and using Lockheed P-38 Lightnings and P-39 Airacobras, escorted bombers and attacked enemy bases on New Georgia, the Russell Islands and Bougainville.