RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: DoD’s premier CSAR exercise hosted at DM

Published May 30, 2023
By Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves
355th Wing Public Affairs

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --

The Department of Defense's premier combat search and rescue training exercise, RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1, operated from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., May 1-19, 2023.

“Future conflicts will be regional and global affairs, and the U.S. Air Force will be operating alongside its joint and multinational partners,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jeffery Budis, 414th Combat Training Squadron Detachment 1 commander. “RED FLAG-Rescue, at its core, is about building professional and technical expertise for all personnel recovery professionals that may be called upon to save lives.”

A mannequin lays on the ground while people in military uniforms stand in the distance. — RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: mass casualty event

U.S. Air Force Airmen act as ground security during a simulated mass casualty event as part of RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 at Playas Training Center, New Mexico, May 10, 2023. Ground security Airmen were tasked with ensuring the area was clear of simulated civilians to allow the pararescuemen to complete the mission successfully. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paige Weldon)

A man in a military uniform on top of a car that is on its side is handed a saw blade by another man. — RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: mass casualty event

Two U.S. Air Force pararescuemen work together to remove a mannequin from a car during a simulated mass casualty event as part of RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 at Playas Training Center, New Mexico, May 10, 2023. To remove the mannequin trapped inside the car, PJs had to cut out portions of the car and lift the mannequin out gently before fully being able to assess its injuries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paige Weldon)

Men in military unforms walk towards a car that is flipped over. — RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: mass casualty event

U.S. Air Force Airmen prepare for a simulated mass casualty event during RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 at Playas Training Center, New Mexico, May 10, 2023. For this portion of the exercise, PJs were required to assess a simulated car crash, lift and cut open two cars to extract three mannequins and exfil with two living victims after treating them for their injuries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paige Weldon)

Men in military uniforms carrying equipment board a helicopter, — RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: mass casualty event

U.S. Air Force pararescuemen board a U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom during RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 at Playas Training Center, New Mexico, May 10, 2023. This group of PJs exfilled on the Venom with their additional supplies that could not fit in the HH-60W Jolly Green II that had previously left carrying two patients from a mass casualty event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paige Weldon)

Men in military uniforms carry a simulated car crash victim on a stretcher towards a helicopter. — RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: mass casualty event

Two U.S. Air Force pararescuemen carry U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ty Hendrickson, Marine Air Control Squadron 1 Company Lima Meteorological and Oceanographic analyst forecaster, during a simulated mass casualty event as part of RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 at Playas Training Center, New Mexico, May 10, 2023. PJs assessed Hendrickson’s injuries sustained from the simulated car crash, treated them accordingly and carried him to an HH-60W Jolly Green II to exfil and complete the mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paige Weldon)

A man wearing a radio and camouflaged equipment stands in an open area. — RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: mass casualty event

A U.S. Air Force Airman prepares to aid an HH-60W Jolly Green II in landing in an austere environment during RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 at Playas Training Center, New Mexico, May 10, 2023. During this iteration of RF-R, Airmen from across the country, as well as Marines, Soldiers and Sailors worked together to complete multiple training exercises and build joint force relationships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paige Weldon)

As a tenant unit from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Detachment 1 of the 414th CTS designed an unrivaled combat rescue training exercise, which featured 41 combined forces, agencies and partnered allies, strengthening combat lethality and survivability.

“The overall mission of RED FLAG-Rescue is to create CSAR scenarios dedicated to the tactics, techniques and procedures of the joint and coalition community,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Smith, 414th CTS Det 1 director of operations. “We invited personnel from across the globe to practice doing personnel recovery in a joint environment.”

A man in a military uniform looks out the window of a helicopter. — RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: HH-60W Jolly Green II refueling

A U.S. Air Force special missions aviator, assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, scans out the gunner’s door of an HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter during RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 over Arizona, May 13, 2023. During this iteration of RF-R, Airmen from across the country, as well as Marines, Soldiers and Sailors worked together to complete multiple training exercises and build joint force relationships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paige Weldon)

A helicopter is air-to-air refueled. — RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: HH-60W Jolly Green II refueling

A U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter, assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, performs air-to-air refueling during RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 over Arizona, May 13, 2023. After the refueling, the HH-60s simulated navigating through a contested environment to rescue a victim. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paige Weldon)

A helicopter flies over the desert. — RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: HH-60W Jolly Green II refueling

A U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter, assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, flies during RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 over Arizona, May 13, 2023. These HH-60s worked together to simulate locating and recovering a down aviator from a contested environment and provide them with life-saving care. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paige Weldon)

A man in a military watches a helicopter fly over the desert. — RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: HH-60W Jolly Green II refueling

A U.S. Air Force Airman watches an HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter, assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, fly during RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 over Arizona, May 13, 2023. During this iteration of RF-R, Airmen from across the country, as well as Marines, Soldiers and Sailors worked together to complete multiple training exercises and build joint force relationships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paige Weldon)

A helicopter is air-to-air refueled by an aircraft. — RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: HH-60W Jolly Green II refueling

A U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter, assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, performs air-to-air refueling with an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft, assigned to Davis- Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., during RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 over Arizona, May 13, 2023. The HC-130J aerial refueled two HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters allowing them to rescue a simulated victim. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paige Weldon)

Active participants, such as the Colombian Air Force, who brought several A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, and Sikorsky UH-60L Arpía III attack helicopters, put their combat skills to the test in the exercise’s conventional warfare and contested operations.

“Personnel recovery is a moral imperative,” said Budis. “It is the promise that we will always be there, no matter what, to bring that isolated person home.”

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: CSAR Photos

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cord Meyer, 48th Rescue Squadron pararescueman, checks the pulse of 1st Lt. Thomas Colvin, a simulated downed-pilot, over Arizona, May 13, 2023. Service members are taught Tactical Combat Casualty Care in order to provide lifesaving care to injured combatants while preventing additional casualties. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: CSAR Photos

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cord Meyer, 48th Rescue Squadron pararescueman, prepares a syringe over Arizona, May 13, 2023. A PJ’s primary function is as a personnel recovery specialist, with emergency medical capabilities in humanitarian and combat environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: CSAR Photos

U.S. Air Force pararescuemen simulate providing medical care to a simulated downed pilot during the RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 training exercise over Arizona, May 13, 2023. A PJ’s primary function is as a personnel recovery specialist, with emergency medical capabilities in humanitarian and combat environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: CSAR Photos

U.S. Air Force pararescuemen carry a simulated downed pilot toward a HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter in Arizona, May 13, 2023. The pararescuemen signaled to confirm permission to board the helicopter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: CSAR Photos

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Jorge Avila, 48th Rescue Squadron pararescue team leader, looks out of the door of a HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter over Arizona, May 13, 2023. The 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: CSAR Photos

A U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter, assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, refuels over Arizona, May 13, 2023. RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 gave joint service personnel an opportunity to build fundamental combat search and rescue skills to fight in contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

By spanning hundreds of miles across several cities and states, RF-R provided an advanced and realistic CSAR environment for all rescue warfighters, including U.S. Navy pilots, U.S. Marine Corps aerial gunners, U.S Army avionic mechanics and U.S. Air Force intelligence personnel.

“We owe it to all warfighters, joint and coalition, to provide the best training possible,” said Budis. “USAF rescue is the gold standard for CSAR, and there is no other exercise like this in the world.”

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y in CSAR Vul 5

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Zachary Franks, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 crew chief instructor, familiarizes a student with the weapons system on a UH-1Y Venom utility helicopter at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., May 13, 2023. The HMLA 775 was deployed to Davis-Monthan AFB for two weeks of Exercise RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y in CSAR Vul 5

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rei Kitamura, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 crew chief, flies to his RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 training exercise location across Arizona and New Mexico, May 13, 2023. Kitamura’s job includes being the helicopter’s maintainer, flyer, and machine gun operator. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y in CSAR Vul 5

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Elijah Morales, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 crew chief, counts ammunition during Exercise RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 at the Barry M. Goldwater Range, Gila Bend, Ariz., May 13, 2023. The red ti is the tracer round and provides a visual flight path of the projectiles during weapons employment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y in CSAR Vul 5

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Zachary Franks, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 crew chief instructor, shows Lance Cpl. Rei Kitamura, HMLA 775 crew chief, simulated opposition forces during the RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 training exercise over various places in Arizona and New Mexico, May 13, 2023. Morales trained with joint service and multinational partners while attending RF-R 23-1, and he learned communication skills, enhanced perspectives, and built relationships with coalition partners for future conflicts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y in CSAR Vul 5

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Elijah Morales, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 crew chief, looks back at his shots fired during the RED FLAG Rescue 23-1 training exercise over various places in Arizona and New Mexico, May 13, 2023. The exercise was stacked with simulated enemy structures, armored vehicles, and mock adversary personnel to develop aerial shooting skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves)

“Davis-Monthan Air Force Base provides us the training environment we need,” said Smith. “We are training so we can operate in any part of the world.”

By emphasizing mission planning and capability integration, RF-R successfully operated 10 missions in different areas of responsibility, such as the Playas Training and Research Center in New Mexico, the San Xavier Mine in Arizona and the Barry M. Goldwater Range in Arizona.

RED-FLAG Rescue 23-1: Pararescuemen San Xavier Mine training photos

U.S. Air Force pararescuemen remove rebar blocking their path during an exercise at the San Xavier Mine, Ariz., May 4, 2023. The pararescuemen participated in a simulated rescue situation at the mine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman William Finn V)

RED-FLAG Rescue 23-1: Pararescuemen San Xavier Mine training photos

U.S. Air Force pararescuemen enter the San Xavier Mine, Ariz., May 4, 2023. The pararescuemen traversed to the bottom of the mine to rescue simulated casualties during a training exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman William Finn V)

RED-FLAG Rescue 23-1: Pararescuemen San Xavier Mine training photos

A U.S. Air Force pararescueman uses a saw during an exercise at the San Xavier Mine, Ariz., May 4, 2023. The pararescueman was required to clear a path before entering the mine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman William Finn V)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: CSAR Mission 2

Irish Air Corps Sergeant Jason Lynch, a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape instructor, offers advice to U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Stephen Steiner, 354th Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot and simulated downed pilot, who was calling for rescue during a RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 training exercise at Playas Training Center, New Mexico, May 9, 2023. SERE experts from the U.S. and international military communities exchanged ideas and tactics, improving interoperability for combat rescue operations in the future. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: CSAR Mission 2

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Stephen Steiner, 354th Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot and simulated downed pilot, authenticates his identity to be rescued during a RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 training exercise at Playas Training Center, New Mexico, May 9, 2023. RED FLAG-Rescue is the Department of Defense’s premier combat search and rescue exercise, which is hosted twice a year at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: CSAR Mission 2

A U.S. Marine recovers a simulated victim to the safety of a UH-1Y Venom Huey utility helicopter during a RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 training exercise at Playas Training Center, New Mexico, May 9, 2023. The joint training environment allowed service members to showcase their professionalism, agility, and adaptability while serving with the highest level of integrity and commitment to their own service, the joint force and the U.S. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves)

Some of the missions included a downed pilot rescue, mass casualty evacuation, aerial refueling of aircraft, technical rescue extractions and aerial gunnery designed to train ways for members to outthink, outmaneuver and outfight near-peer competitors.

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y in CSAR Vul 5

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rei Kitamura, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 crew chief, monitors the area of responsibility over various places in Arizona, May 13, 2023. Kitamura provided weapons system support to the U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom utility helicopter pilots to supply airpower across a full spectrum of warfare. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y in CSAR Vul 5

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Blaze Belobrajdic, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 UH-1Y Venom utility helicopter pilot, conducts pre-flight checks at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., May 13, 2023. HMLA 775 is a Marine Reserve unit based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y in CSAR Vul 5

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rei Kitamura, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 crew chief, does hands-on training during Exercise RED FLAG Rescue 23-1 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., May 13, 2023. RF-R is the Department of Defense’s premier combat search and rescue exercise which is held twice a year at Davis-Monthan AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y in CSAR Vul 5

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Elijah Morales, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 crew chief, searches for mock enemies on the ground during Exercise RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 over various places in Arizona and New Mexico, May 13, 2023. Morales enhanced situational awareness for the UH-1Y Venom utility helicopter pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y in CSAR Vul 5

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Zachary Franks, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 crew chief instructor, buckles in U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Jessy Sawyer, 12th Airborne Command and Control Squadron air battle manager and simulated downed aviator, during the RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 training exercise over various places in Arizona, May 13, 2023. The HMLA 775 showcased their tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel (TRAP) skills to the joint service members and learned U.S. Air Force combat search and rescue techniques. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves)

A man in a military uniform provides care to a simulated car crash victim. — RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: mass casualty event

A U.S. Air Force pararescueman provides care to two victims of a simulated mass casualty event during RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1 at Playas Training Center, New Mexico, May 10, 2023. RF-R utilizes the Playas Training Center for its diverse locations. From abandoned neighborhoods to open expanses of desert, the center makes for the perfect location for the armed forces to train for a multitude of situations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paige Weldon)

Opposing threats in the exercises were played by the 819th Rapid Engineer Deployable, Heavy Operational Repair Squadron from Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana. The RED HORSE squadrons are known for their highly mobile civil engineering response forces for contingency and special operations support worldwide.

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: Refueling

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over Arizona, May 11, 2023. These aircraft participated in refueling operations as part of RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1, the Department of Defense’s premier combat search and rescue exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: Refueling

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II moves into position to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over Arizona, May 11, 2023. The A-10 is designed for close air support of ground forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: Refueling

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II prepares to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over Arizona, May 11, 2023. The Stratotanker can transfer up to 200,000 pounds of fuel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: Refueling

U.S. Air Force Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Stefanie Khodeir, 161st Air Refueling Wing boom operator, observes an approaching aircraft over Arizona, May 11, 2023. Boom operators, also known as in-flight refueling specialists, are tasked with safely transferring fuel from their aircraft to another during flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: Refueling

U.S. Air Force Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Stefanie Khodeir, 161st Air Refueling Wing boom operator, performs refueling checks over Arizona, May 11, 2023. Goldwater Air National Guard Base, Arizona, supported aircraft with refueling operations during RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1: Refueling

U.S. Air Force Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Stefanie Khodeir, 161st Air Refueling Wing boom operator, maneuvers the boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker over Arizona, May 11, 2023. The 161st ARW out of Goldwater Air National Guard Base, Arizona, conducts regular air refueling missions with their regional partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

By collaborating across a spectrum of military operations, this exercise strengthens communication skills, builds strong relationships, develops and trains key elements of airpower.

“It’s very critical that we have joint integration and the participation of coalition partners,” said Smith. “When we look at the future military operations, it’s important to understand how we can interoperate. That’s the core focus of RED FLAG-Rescue 23-1.”