USAF / 83d ERQS / HH-60G / Jolly Green Giant

83d Expeditionary Rescue Squadron

Bagram AB, Afghanistan

Desert Subdued Colour

c.2010

 

The unit operates as a Guardian Angel unit from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan & was activated c. June 2010. It is manned by rotational personnel from various USAF Squadrons.

Partly embroidered on twill with a merrowed edge, backed with hook & loop, with the Giant in Dexter.

Mackay 2011 Trophy winners

The crews of Pedro 83 flight who distinguished themselves in combat search & rescue operations on April 23, 2011 while assigned to the 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. On this date, Pedro 83 Flight executed the daring rescue of two United States Army pilots downed in enemy-controlled territory east of Bagram during infiltration, Pedro 84 was struck by enemy fire, severely injuring the flight engineer. As Pedro 84 returned to base for medical treatment Pedro 83 provided emergency close air support for pararescuemen on the ground, ultimately braving a hail of small arms fire to rescue a downed pilot. While low on fuel, damaged by enemy fire and battling multiple aircraft emergencies, Pedro 83 remained on scene until Pedro 84 returned with a reconstituted crew. Pedro 84 made two attempts to recover the second pilot & their isolated pararescueman team, who were surrounded by insurgents, but was repelled by heavy enemy fire. Although Pedro 84 had been hit more than ten times & two crewmembers received damage to their protective equipment, they remained overhead until Pedro 83 returned. Pedro 83 flight made three approaches into the besieged landing zone, but was forced to go around after exchanging fire with a fortified enemy within 100 meters. On the fourth attempt, Pedro 83 was able to land & evacuate an Army soldier critically wounded during ground recovery attempts while Pedro 84 hoisted the second pilot & pararescueman team successfully ending six hours of intense coalition rescue operations. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of the crews of Pedro 83 Flight reflect great credit upon themselves and the United States Air Force.

   Crew Members of Pedro 83
     Captain Joshua Hallada (Flight Lead)
     First Lieutenant Elliott Milliken (Co-Pilot)
     Senior Airman Michael Price (Flight Engineer)
     Senior Airman Justin Tite (Aerial Gunner)

   Crew Members of Pedro 84
     Major Philip Bryant (Mission Pilot)
     Captain Louis Nolting
     Technical Sergeant James Davis
     Technical Sergeant Heath Culbertson
     Technical Sergeant William Gonzalez

   Crew Members of Guardian Angel Team
     Major Jesse Peterson (Guardian Angel Team Commander)
     First Lieutenant Aaron Hunter (Combat Rescue Officer)
     Master Sergeant Matthew Schrader (Pararescueman)
     Technical Sergeant Joshua Vanderbrink
     Technical Sergeant Christopher Uriarte
     Technical Sergeant Shane Hargis
     Staff Sergeant Jason Ruiz
     Staff Sergeant Angel Santana
     Staff Sergeant Nathan Greene
     Staff Sergeant Zachary Kline
     Staff Sergeant William Cenna

83d Expeditionary Rescue Squadron

Bagram AB, Afghanistan

Desert Subdued Colour

c.2010

This is a picture of the 83d patch being worn by a crewman when on deployment.

(Picture courtesy of Dr. Jorge Insignares, Flt Surgeon 301st RQS)

This is a different version of the patch as this has a black border between the number and the Jolly Green Giant. 

Partly embroidered on twill with a merrowed edge, backed with hook & loop, with the Giant in Dexter.

A couple of Guardian Angels wait for a pick up from a HH-60G.

(USAF photo by Senior Airman Chris Willis)

If you have any additional information about this patch please contact me & I´ll get back to you.

Thanks👣