About this Unit
The 48th Air Rescue Squadron (48 ARS) was originally constituted as the 48th Air Rescue Squadron in 1952 and activated at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Its primary mission was to conduct search and rescue (SAR) operations, providing life-saving support for both military and civilian personnel. Throughout its history, the unit was equipped with various rescue aircraft and helicopters, adapting to evolving mission requirements. The squadron was inactivated in 1960, but its legacy continues through the broader tradition of USAF rescue operations.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: The 48th Air Rescue Squadron (48 ARS) traces its lineage to the 48th Air Rescue Squadron, first activated during World War II in 1943 as part of the U.S. Army Air Forces.
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Primary Mission: The squadron's core mission has been combat search and rescue (CSAR), providing lifesaving extraction of downed aircrew and personnel in hostile and non-hostile environments.
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Korean War Service: The 48th played a crucial role in the Korean War, conducting daring rescues of American and allied pilots shot down behind enemy lines, often under heavy fire.
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Aircraft Used: Over its history, the 48 ARS has operated a variety of aircraft, including the SB-17 “Dumbo,” the HH-43 Huskie, and later the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter.
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Notable Rescue: In 1952, a 48th squadron crew famously rescued an F-86 pilot from deep behind enemy lines in Korea, earning them a Silver Star for valor.
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Cold War Operations: During the Cold War, the squadron supported peacetime and contingency search and rescue operations, including missions tied to the Strategic Air Command and space launches.
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Humanitarian Missions: The 48th ARS has been involved in numerous humanitarian operations, including disaster relief and medical evacuations following natural disasters both in the U.S. and abroad.
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Modern Era Reactivation: The squadron was reactivated in 2002 as the 48th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, reflecting its ongoing importance in modern U.S. Air Force operations.
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Pararescue Specialists: The 48th is renowned for its highly trained pararescue jumpers (PJs), who are expert medics and combatants, capable of operating in any environment to save lives.
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Motto and Ethos: The squadron’s motto, “These Things We Do, That Others May Live,” encapsulates the unit’s selfless dedication to rescuing those in peril, often at great personal risk.
