102nd Rescue Squadron
The 102nd Rescue Squadron (102 RQS) is a unit of the New York Air National Guard 106th Rescue Wing stationed at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, New York. The 102nd is equipped with the HC-130J Combat King II transport aircraft.
| 102nd Rescue Squadron | |
|---|---|
102nd Rescue Squadron HC-130 Hercules at Patrick AFB | |
| Active | 1915–1917; 1917–1919; 1921-1922; 1922–1944; 1947–1952; 1952–present |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | New York |
| Branch | Air National Guard |
| Type | Squadron |
| Role | Combat Rescue |
| Part of | New York Air National Guard |
| Garrison/HQ | Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, New York |
| Nickname(s) | Air National Guard's Oldest Unit |
| Motto(s) | That Others May Live |
| Equipment | HC-130J |
| Engagements | Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom |
| Decorations | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Commanders | |
| Commander | Lt Col Sean B. Garell |
| Notable commanders | George A. Vaughn Jr. |
| Insignia | |
| Unit patch | |
| Heritage patch | |
| Tail Code | LI |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Transport | HC-130J Combat King II |
The squadron is a descendant organization of the World War I 102nd Aero Squadron, established on 23 August 1917. Its origins begin however, on 30 April 1908 as the 1st Aero Company, a pre-World War I independent unit of the New York National Guard. After the war, the unit was reformed on 7 November 1921 as the 102nd Observation Squadron, and is one of the 29 original National Guard Observation Squadrons of the United States Army National Guard formed before World War II.
The 102nd Rescue Squadron is the oldest unit of the Air National Guard, with over a century of service to the state of New York and the United States.