563rd Rescue Group (AFSOC) The 563rd Rescue Group directs flying operations for the USAF's only active duty rescue wing dedicated to CSAR. The group is responsible for training, readiness, and maintenance of one HC-130 squadron and two HH-60 squadrons, two pararescue squadrons, two maintenance squadrons, and an operations support squadron operating from two geographically separated operating locations. 563rd Operations Support SquadronThe 563rd Operations Support Squadron supports all aspects of the training and employment of the 563rd Rescue Group's seven combat-ready HC-130, HH-60, pararescue and maintenance squadrons totaling 1,125 military and civilian personnel. It provides all operational support functions including weapons and tactics, current operations, intelligence, training, life support, mobility, and flying hour program management. As a worldwide deployable unit, it also is responsible for implementing contingency and theater war plans. 79th Rescue SquadronThe 79th Rescue Squadron operates the HC-130P/E "Hercules" and provides rapidly deployable combat search and rescue forces to theater commanders worldwide. It conducts helicopter air refueling, airdrop and airland of pararescue personnel and/or equipment in support of combat personnel recovery. Its crews are capable of landings on short, unimproved, runways and low-level operations during day or night with night vision goggles. 48th Rescue SquadronThe 48th Rescue Squadron trains, equips and employs combat-ready pararescuemen, combat rescue officers and supporting personnel worldwide in support of U.S. national security interests. It provides survivor contact, treatment and extraction during combat rescue operations, uses various fixed and rotary wing insertion and extraction assets. It employs by any means available to provide combat and humanitarian search, rescue and medical assistance in all environments. 55th Rescue SquadronThe 55th Rescue Squadron operates the HH-60G "Pavehawk" and provides rapidly deployable combat search and rescue forces to theater commanders worldwide. They tactically employ the HH-60G helicopter and its crew in hostile environments to recover downed aircrew and isolated personnel during day, night or marginal weather conditions. The squadron also conducts military operations other than war including; civil search and rescue, disaster relief, international aid, emergency medical evacuation and counter-drug activities. 563rd Maintenance SquadronThe 563rd Maintenance Squadron maintains, services, and inspects eight HH-60G "Pave Hawk" and six HC-130P/E "Hercules" aircraft. It also plans, schedules, and directs both scheduled and unscheduled preventative maintenance to maintain mission ready status. The squadron performs all launch and recovery operations. It rapidly generates, mobilizes, deploys, and employs forces to provide combat and peacetime search and rescue operations in support of U.S. national security interests.