ABOUT 58th Air Rescue Squadron
- Origins in World War II: The 58th Air Rescue Squadron traces its lineage to World War II, originally activated as the 58th Air Rescue Squadron on 14 November 1952, though its rescue heritage is linked to earlier air rescue efforts.
- Korean War Contributions: While not directly involved in the Korean War, the formation of the 58th was part of the Air Force’s response to rescue challenges experienced during the conflict, emphasizing the need for dedicated search and rescue (SAR) units.
- Cold War Missions: During the Cold War, the squadron was stationed at Wheelus Air Base, Libya, providing rescue coverage for both military and civilian operations in the Mediterranean and North Africa.
- Space Program Support: The 58th Air Rescue Squadron supported NASA’s space missions, including standing by for potential astronaut recoveries during early spaceflights.
- Desert Storm Deployments: Members of the 58th participated in combat search and rescue missions during Operation Desert Storm, helping to locate and extract downed airmen in hostile environments.
- Transition to Pararescue: The squadron’s mission has evolved from traditional air rescue to include Pararescue (PJ) operations, incorporating highly trained personnel skilled in medical, survival, and combat operations.
- Stationed in Europe: The squadron has been based at several European locations, including Zaragoza Air Base, Spain, and Lakenheath, United Kingdom, supporting USAFE (United States Air Forces in Europe) operations.
- Humanitarian Missions: The 58th Air Rescue Squadron has played a significant role in humanitarian operations, such as responding to natural disasters and evacuating injured civilians from remote or hazardous locations.
- Distinguished Unit Awards: The squadron has received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for its exemplary performance and heroism in both combat and peacetime missions.
- Modern Era Reactivation: The 58th Air Rescue Squadron was reactivated at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, in 2002, where it continues its legacy of combat rescue and personnel recovery, training alongside USAF’s most advanced units.