About this Unit
The 36th Rescue Flight (36th RQF) is a United States Air Force unit that traces its origins to the 36th Air Rescue Squadron, activated in the early 1990s. Stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, the unit’s primary mission is to provide combat search and rescue (CSAR), as well as support for survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) training for aircrew. Utilizing UH-1N Iroquois helicopters, the 36th RQF conducts real-world rescue operations, including civilian search and rescue missions throughout the Pacific Northwest. Over the years, the unit has garnered recognition for its professionalism and dedication to saving lives in both peacetime and contingency operations.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Mission: The 36th Rescue Flight (36th RQF) was activated on 1 May 1993 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, with the primary mission of search and rescue (SAR) for both military and civilian personnel.
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Support to Survival Training: The unit is best known for its support of the U.S. Air Force’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) school, providing on-call helicopter rescue for students undergoing demanding training.
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Aircraft: The 36th Rescue Flight operates the UH-1N Iroquois “Huey” helicopters, renowned for their versatility and reliability in rescue operations.
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Numerous Lives Saved: Since its activation, the unit has performed hundreds of life-saving rescues for downed aircrew, injured hikers, and civilians in distress throughout the Pacific Northwest.
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Heroism in 2007: In 2007, the 36th RQF was instrumental in the rescue of a group of climbers stranded on Mount Hood, Oregon, braving hazardous weather and terrain to extract survivors.
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Joint Operations: The unit frequently collaborates with local law enforcement, fire departments, and other military branches during search and rescue missions, enhancing community and inter-service cooperation.
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Distinguished Unit Awards: The 36th Rescue Flight has received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards in recognition of its exceptional performance and dedication to duty.
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Notable Firsts: It was among the first Air Force units to implement night-vision goggle (NVG) operations for search and rescue, allowing for more effective rescues after dark.
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Community Outreach: The unit participates in local events and educational programs, showcasing their equipment and sharing their mission with the public to foster positive civil-military relations.
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Motto and Spirit: The 36th Rescue Flight embodies the motto “That Others May Live,” a creed shared by Air Force rescue personnel, highlighting their commitment to risking their own safety to save others.
