106th Rescue Wing

106th Rescue Wing
United States Air Force · Public domain · source
Unit name	106th Rescue Wing
Caption	Emblem of the 106th Rescue Wing
Country	United States
Branch	Air National Guard
Type	Air Rescue
Role	Search and Rescue
Garrison	Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base

106th Rescue Wing The 106th Rescue Wing is an Air National Guard unit based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base that conducts personnel recovery, aeromedical evacuation, and humanitarian assistance. It supports Department of the Air Force taskings, coordinates with United States Air Force commands, and integrates with state emergency management, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and local law enforcement for domestic operations. The wing traces its lineage through redesignations and mission shifts involving fighter, reconnaissance, and rescue roles tied to Cold War, post–Cold War, and Global War on Terror commitments.

Mission and Role

The wing’s primary mission is personnel recovery and combat search and rescue, linking to Air Combat Command taskings, coordination with Air Force Special Operations Command, and interoperability with United States Northern Command for homeland defense. Its secondary missions include aeromedical evacuation for United States Transportation Command missions, aerospace rescue for National Guard Bureau state emergency taskings, and support to United States Southern Command and United States Central Command contingencies. The unit provides trained pararescue specialists who integrate with Joint Task Force elements, USAF rescue squadrons, and allied rescue organizations during multinational exercises such as Red Flag and Rim of the Pacific Exercise.

History

Originally established in the mid-20th century as a fighter and reconnaissance unit, the wing experienced multiple redesignations, reflecting broader USAF and Air National Guard realignments during the Cold War. During the Cuban Missile Crisis and NATO alerts, members mobilized under directives linked to Strategic Air Command and regional defense coordination with North American Aerospace Defense Command. In the post–Vietnam era the unit transitioned roles amid reorganizations associated with Total Force policy and later converted to an air rescue mission following strategic reviews influenced by operations in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. The wing’s rescue mission expanded during the Global War on Terror, supporting overseas deployments and domestic disaster responses to events like Hurricane Sandy and coordination with Federal Emergency Management Agency recovery efforts.

Organizational Structure

The wing comprises operations, maintenance, mission support, and medical groups aligned under an Air National Guard wing structure comparable to other rescue wings. Subordinate units include rescue squadrons with pararescue jumpers, communications flights that interface with Air Mobility Command networks, and logistics elements that coordinate with National Guard Bureau supply chains. The wing works closely with state-level entities such as the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs for homeland response, and its command relationships interact with Northeast Air Defense Sector and regional joint force headquarters during contingencies.

Aircraft and Equipment

The wing operates rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft configured for long-range personnel recovery, aeromedical evacuation, and survival equipment delivery. Platforms historically associated with the unit and similar rescue units include the HC-130 Hercules for aerial refueling and search, and the HH-60 Pave Hawk for tactical recovery, while adjunct support uses specialized rescue hoists, litters, and survival radios interoperable with Combat Search and Rescue systems. Maintenance and avionics shops support mission avionics linked to Global Positioning System, night-vision integration, and linkage to Joint Tactical Radio System standards for interoperability with joint and coalition forces.

Operations and Deployments

The wing has conducted domestic disaster response, overseas combat search and rescue operations, and humanitarian airlift in coordination with United States Southern Command, United States Central Command, and joint task forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. It has participated in multinational exercises such as Saber Strike and Atlantic Resolve that enhance integration with NATO partners including United Kingdom, Canada, and Netherlands rescue elements. The wing’s deployments have included personnel recovery missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, aeromedical evacuations under Air Mobility Command taskings, and state emergency responses for events coordinated with FEMA and state governors.

Notable Personnel and Awards

Personnel from the wing have received recognitions aligned with USAF and National Guard honors, including awards comparable to the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Commendation Medal, and state-level commendations from governors and the National Guard Bureau. Distinguished cadre have served in joint billets with U.S. Special Operations Command and senior staff positions within Air Combat Command. The wing’s personnel have also contributed to joint doctrine and rescue tactics published by organizations such as Air Force Doctrine Center and have been cited in after-action reports for operations supporting Hurricane Katrina and other major disaster responses.

Category:Air National Guard wings of the United States Category:Rescue wings of the United States Air Force