106th Rescue Wing
The 106th Rescue Wing (106th RQW) is a unit of the New York Air National Guard, stationed at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, New York. If activated to federal service, the Wing is gained by the United States Air Force Air Combat Command.
| 106th Rescue Wing | |
|---|---|
106th Rescue Wing HC-130 refuelling an HH-60 Pave Hawk over Long Island, New York | |
| Active | 1943–1945; 1947–1952; 1952–present |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | New York |
| Branch | Air National Guard |
| Type | Wing |
| Role | Combat Search and Rescue |
| Size | About 1,000 |
| Part of | New York Air National Guard |
| Garrison/HQ | Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, New York |
| Motto(s) | That others may live |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Col. Shawn P. Fitzgerald |
| Insignia | |
| 106th Rescue Wing emblems | |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Helicopter | HH-60G Pave Hawk |
| Transport | HC-130J Combat King II |
The Wing's Operations Group consists of three squadrons: the 101st Rescue Squadron, which uses the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter; the 102d Rescue Squadron, which uses the HC-130J Combat King II airplane; and the 103d Rescue Squadron, which is made up of Air Force Pararescuemen (PJs) that use both aircraft. The 102d Rescue Squadron is a descendant organization of the World War I 102d Aero Squadron, established on 23 August 1917. It was reformed on 4 November 1922, as the 102d 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 squadron has a history going back to 30 April 1908, and is the oldest unit of the New York Air National Guard.
The group itself traces its history to the 394th Bombardment Group, which flew Martin B-26 Marauders in the European theatre of World War II.