USAF Helicopter Rescue Squadron disbanded
On 1 June 2023, for the second time in the unit’s history, the 66th Rescue Squadron was inactivated during a ceremony at Nellis AFB (NV).
Having operated loaned HH-60G Pave Hawks and HH-60W Jolly Green IIs at Nellis, the 66th RQS was subordinated under the 355th Wing which itself is situated at Davis Monthan AFB (AZ). The 66th RQS inactivation opens up additional space at Nellis for a larger fighter presence, as it transitions to the Fifth Generation Centre of Excellence.
The 66th RQS was one of six USAF active-duty HH-60 combat rescue units. Their primary mission was to provide rapidly deployable, expeditionary and agile Combat Search And Rescue (CSAR) in response to contingency operations worldwide.
The 66th RQS also conducted peacetime search and rescue in support of the National Search and Rescue Plan and the Air Warfare Center and directly supported the HH-60 helicopter logistical and maintenance support requirements for the US Air Force Weapons School (USAFWS) and Air Combat Command-directed operational test missions. On 18 April 2021 Scramble Magazine first wrote about the completing of the HH-60W development testing.
The 66th RQS first took to the air as the 66th Air Rescue Squadron on 14 November 1952 at RAF Manston (UK). At that time, the squadron flew C-119 “Flying Boxcar” transporters, H-19 “Chickasaw” helicopters and SA-16 “Albatross” seaplanes. The 66th ARS was inactivated on 18 January 1958.
On 1 March 1991, the unit was re-activated as the 66 RQS, operating the HH-60G Pave Hawk. Over the next three decades, the squadron was deployed in support of various operations in the Middle East (Iraq) and South Asia (Afghanistan). For now, the (loaned) obsolete HH-60G Pave Hawks, which are assigned to the unit, are expected to be divested off by the end of the fiscal year. The intent is to capitalise on existing expertise and repurpose some of the active-duty Airmen and civilian personnel to support (loaned) HH-60W Jolly Green IIs at Nellis. This, while the remaining active-duty personnel will move on to new missions at other locations.
66th RQS motto: "Haec Ago Ut Alii Vivant" (This I Do That Others May Live)
Credit photo: USAF / Credit patch: www.aviatorgear.com