106th Rescue Wing

106th Rescue Wing
United States Air Force · Public domain · source
Unit name	106th Rescue Wing
Dates	1943–present
Country	United States
Branch	Air National Guard
Type	Combat search and rescue
Command structure	First Air Force; Air Combat Command
Garrison	Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, New York
Motto	"That Others May Live"
Battles	World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve
Decorations	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Aircraft helicopter	HH-60G Pave Hawk
Aircraft transport	HC-130J Combat King II

106th Rescue Wing. It is a unit of the New York Air National Guard stationed at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York. The wing operates the HH-60G Pave Hawk and HC-130J Combat King II aircraft, performing global combat search and rescue and personnel recovery missions. Its motto, "That Others May Live," underscores its primary humanitarian and combat rescue mission.

History

The unit was originally constituted in 1943 as the 106th Observation Squadron, serving during World War II. It was later redesignated the 106th Bombardment Squadron and flew missions in the Korean War and Vietnam War. Transitioning to rescue operations, it was redesignated the 106th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group in 1975. The unit has since been involved in numerous major operations, including Operation Desert Storm, where it performed combat search and rescue, and later deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Its personnel have also supported domestic disaster relief efforts, such as after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy.

Organization

The wing is operationally-gained by Air Combat Command and falls under the First Air Force for homeland defense missions. Its subordinate groups include the 106th Operations Group, which oversees all flying squadrons, and the 106th Maintenance Group. Key flying squadrons are the 101st Rescue Squadron and the 102nd Rescue Squadron, which fly the HH-60G Pave Hawk, and the 103rd Rescue Squadron, which operates the HC-130J Combat King II. The wing also includes the 106th Mission Support Group and the 106th Medical Group, providing essential combat support and medical services.

Missions and operations

The primary mission is worldwide combat search and rescue and personnel recovery for U.S. and allied forces, often conducted in hostile environments. Its pararescuemen, or PJs, are trained in advanced trauma medicine, survival, and tactical recovery. The wing has conducted numerous high-profile rescues, including saving sailors during the 1991 Perfect Storm and recovering downed pilots in Bosnia and Kosovo. It maintains a constant alert posture for domestic civil search and rescue missions across the Northeastern United States, often working with the United States Coast Guard and Civil Air Patrol.

Aircraft

The wing's primary aircraft are the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, a highly modified version of the UH-60 Black Hawk equipped for long-range rescue, and the HC-130J Combat King II, a fixed-wing aircraft used for long-range surveillance, air refueling of helicopters, and pararescue team deployment. The HC-130J replaced older HC-130P/N models, providing enhanced capabilities. These aircraft are maintained and operated to execute the full spectrum of rescue missions, from overwater hoist operations to clandestine personnel recovery in combat zones.

Heraldry

The wing's emblem features a shield with a white cross on a blue field, symbolizing its rescue mission, superimposed over a stylized globe denoting worldwide operations. The unit's official motto, "That Others May Live," is displayed on a scroll beneath the shield. This motto is shared with the United States Air Force Pararescue community and embodies the core ethos of the rescue mission. The heritage of the unit is also reflected in historical insignia from its prior designations as an observation and bombardment squadron.

Category:Military units and formations of the New York Air National Guard Category:Search and rescue organizations in the United States Category:Military units and formations established in 1943