A pair a HH-60G Pave Hawks from the 55th Expeditionary Rescue squadron depart from a deployed location on a mission to support coalition troops. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Jay Humprey)
Crewmembers from the 55th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron prepare to land their HH-60G Pave Hawk at a deployed location. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Jay Humphrey)
Brief History: The 55th Air Rescue Squadron initially constituted on 17 October 1952 flying out of Greenland. The squadron eventually moved to Bermuda in 1960 supporting manned spaceflight recovery. In 1966 the squadron was redesignated as the 55th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron and moved to Eglin AFB in 1970. In March 1988, the squadron was again redesignated as 55th Special Operations Squadron and eventually moved to Hurlburt Field in 1993. The squadron was briefly deactivated in 1999 following actions in Serbia, but was once again reactivated on 14 March 2003 and redesignated as the 55th Rescue Squadron here at Davis-Monthan.
Slogan: "That others may live"
Mission (Mission Statement): Rapidly deploys highly survivable Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) forces to theater commanders. Employs HH-60G and Pararescue forces in hostile threat environments during day, night, and marginal weather conditions. Conducts military operations other than war including disaster relief, counter drug operations, and non-combatant or medical evacuation. Provides close-air support to assigned Pararecue and ground forces.
Vision Statement: The Personnel Recovery (PR) Vertical Lift force of choice, across the full spectrum of PR operations in support of Joint, Combined Service and Interagency operations.
Description: 90 assigned personnel and 9 HH-60G Pave Hawks
