55th Rescue Squadron
The 55th Rescue Squadron is an aviation unit of the United States Air Force. It operates the Sikorsky HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter and provides rapidly deployable combat search and rescue forces to theater commanders worldwide. 55th used to use the HH-60G Pave Hawk until switching to the HH-60W Jolly Green II. They tactically employ the HH-60W 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.
| 55th Rescue Squadron | |
|---|---|
An A-10 Thunderbolt II provides cover for a 55th HH-60 Pave Hawk during an exercise | |
| Active | 1952–1960; 1961–1999; 2003–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Search and Rescue |
| Part of | Air Combat Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Davis-Monthan Air Force Base |
| Nickname(s) | Night Hawks Night Wings (1984-1988) |
| Motto(s) | Haec Ago Ut Alii Vivant These Things We Do That Others May Live |
| Engagements | Desert Storm Kosovo War |
| Decorations | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Meritorious Unit Award Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Insignia | |
| 55th Rescue Squadron emblem (approved 12 December 1988) | |
| 55th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron emblem (approved 12 December 1984) | |
Since 2003, the squadron provided rapidly deployable combat search and rescue forces worldwide; and deployed aircraft and crews in response to national disasters, domestic search and rescue, and medical evacuation ("MEDEVAC") missions.