Over 3,064,780 active members

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Opening branch overview

Building the branch home surface

Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.

Overview

Members

Units

103rd RQS

U.S. Air Force•8 members

103rd RQS Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the 103rd RQS?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

103rd RQS

U.S. Air Force

The 103rd Rescue Squadron (103rd RQS) is a unit of the New York Air National Guard, based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York. Established in 2004, the squadron is part of the 106th Rescue Wing and specializes in personnel recovery, combat search and rescue (CSAR), and pararescue operations. The highly trained pararescuemen, known as "PJs," are tasked with rescuing downed aircrew and isolated personnel in both combat and peacetime scenarios. The 103rd RQS has deployed personnel worldwide in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and numerous humanitarian missions.

About 103rd RQS

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in World War II: The 103rd Rescue Squadron (103rd RQS) traces its lineage back to the 102nd Fighter Squadron, which was activated during World War II and served with distinction in the European Theater.
Air National Guard Component: The 103rd RQS is a unit of the New York Air National Guard, part of the 106th Rescue Wing, and is based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York.
Specialized Pararescue Unit: The squadron is composed primarily of Pararescuemen, or “PJs,” who are highly trained in combat search and rescue, medical evacuation, and recovery operations.
“That Others May Live” Motto: Members of the 103rd RQS uphold the Pararescue motto, “That Others May Live,” reflecting their dedication to saving lives under the most challenging conditions.
Role in Operation Enduring Freedom: The 103rd RQS has deployed personnel to Afghanistan and Iraq, participating in combat search and rescue missions and saving countless lives during the Global War on Terror.
Maritime Rescue Expertise: Given its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the 103rd RQS specializes in maritime rescue operations, including high-profile missions such as saving stranded fishermen and downed aviators.
Hurricane Katrina Response: In 2005, members of the 103rd RQS played a critical role in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, rescuing hundreds of civilians from flooded areas in New Orleans.
Training with NASA: The squadron supports NASA missions, providing astronaut recovery teams and training for spacecraft recovery operations, including practice for potential emergency landings.
Decorated Unit: The 103rd RQS and its members have received numerous awards and commendations for valor and distinguished service, including Air Force Crosses and Silver Stars.
Documented in Media: The exploits and heroism of the 103rd RQS were featured in the 2018 film “The Guardian” and the 2017 book “That Others May Live,” highlighting real-life rescue missions and the unit’s legacy.

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

103rd RQS

U.S. Air Force•8 members

103rd RQS Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the 103rd RQS?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

103rd RQS

U.S. Air Force

Unit members

Eric Coyne

U.S. Air Force · 2010 - 2013

Message View Profile

CELESTE HENRY-KEMPER

U.S. Air Force · 1985 - 2011

Message View Profile

David Keith

U.S. Air Force · 1996 - 2017

Message View Profile

Michael Borski

U.S. Air Force · 1959 - 1967

Message View Profile

View all members

Air Force photos

View all photos

About 103rd RQS

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in World War II: The 103rd Rescue Squadron (103rd RQS) traces its lineage back to the 102nd Fighter Squadron, which was activated during World War II and served with distinction in the European Theater.
Air National Guard Component: The 103rd RQS is a unit of the New York Air National Guard, part of the 106th Rescue Wing, and is based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York.
Specialized Pararescue Unit: The squadron is composed primarily of Pararescuemen, or “PJs,” who are highly trained in combat search and rescue, medical evacuation, and recovery operations.
“That Others May Live” Motto: Members of the 103rd RQS uphold the Pararescue motto, “That Others May Live,” reflecting their dedication to saving lives under the most challenging conditions.
Role in Operation Enduring Freedom: The 103rd RQS has deployed personnel to Afghanistan and Iraq, participating in combat search and rescue missions and saving countless lives during the Global War on Terror.
Maritime Rescue Expertise: Given its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the 103rd RQS specializes in maritime rescue operations, including high-profile missions such as saving stranded fishermen and downed aviators.
Hurricane Katrina Response: In 2005, members of the 103rd RQS played a critical role in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, rescuing hundreds of civilians from flooded areas in New Orleans.
Training with NASA: The squadron supports NASA missions, providing astronaut recovery teams and training for spacecraft recovery operations, including practice for potential emergency landings.
Decorated Unit: The 103rd RQS and its members have received numerous awards and commendations for valor and distinguished service, including Air Force Crosses and Silver Stars.
Documented in Media: The exploits and heroism of the 103rd RQS were featured in the 2018 film “The Guardian” and the 2017 book “That Others May Live,” highlighting real-life rescue missions and the unit’s legacy.