In early 1956, the Air Force Reserve broadened its mission by incorporating air rescue squadrons featuring the SA-16 Albatross fixed-wing aircraft. The Continental Air Command initiated the initial three Reserve Squadrons in August and October 1956, stationed at Miami, Long Beach, and Williams AFB, Arizona. The fourth squadron was established at Portland IAP, Oregon, in November 1957, followed by the last one at Selfridge AFB, Michigan, in February 1958. The 301st Air Rescue Squadron, established on March 9, 1956, was among the first to be activated in the Reserve on August 18, 1956, at Miami International Airport.
The squadron underwent training for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) capabilities, engaging in Search and Rescue (SAR) and medical evacuation missions predominantly over both land and water areas in Florida.
On January 24/25, 1957, the squadron executed the first reserve rescue. As reported by The San Bernardino Daily Sun, three airmen were successfully recovered from an inhabited island following a collision between two 19th BW B-47B Stratojets during an early evening refuelling mission near the Isle of Pines, off the Cuban coast.
The squadron underwent several reassignments: first to the 2585th Air Reserve Flying Training Centre on August 18, 1956, then to the 2586th Air Reserve Flying Training Centre on June 2, 1958, followed by the Fourteenth Air Force on June 25, 1960, and finally, the Third Air Force Reserve Region on July 15, 1960.
Subsequently, it relocated to Homestead AFB, FL, on August 1, 1960, initiating a lasting collaboration with NASA and the US space program. Notably, the squadron's official emblem features a Mercury capsule embroidered on the lower part of their patch, making it the sole rescue squadron in the USAF with a spacecraft on its emblem. Its initial missions supporting NASA included aiding the first Mercury launch, Mercury-Redstone 3 or Freedom 7, which propelled Alan Shepard into orbit for 15 minutes and 28 seconds on May 5, 1961.
Between October 20 and November 21, 1962, the USAF actively engaged in the Cuban Crisis by deploying HH-43, HC-54, and HU-16 aircraft to various bases in Florida. Throughout this month-long period, Air Rescue Service forces logged 935 hours of flight time in support of United States contingency operations in the Caribbean area. These efforts involved resources from the Eastern, Central, and Western ARCs, as well as the 54th, 55th, 41st, and 48th Air Rescue Squadrons, with reserve forces from the Squadron also taking part.
During the Dominican Republic crisis or April Revolution in April 1965, the squadron's Albatrosses played a crucial role in Operation POWER PACK. While the majority of the 3,500 evacuated US citizens were transported by ships, the unit contributed nearly 130 flight hours to evacuate Americans from the troubled island.
On January 18, 1966, it underwent a redesignation as the 301st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron and was subsequently reassigned to the Eastern Air Force Reserve Region on December 31, 1969.
In 1971, the unit adopted a composite squadron structure by incorporating ex-US Navy SH-34J Seabat helicopters into its inventory. Stripped of their Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) equipment to accommodate cargo cabins for crew and passengers, these helicopters were re-designated as HH-34J Choctaw. Serving as transitional aircraft during the Vietnam War and following the retirement of the HU-16 Albatross, the squadron faced challenges such as limited complements (never exceeding nine), delayed mission initiation, and occasional storage due to a lack of trained air or ground crews.
Eastern Flight 401
The 301st dispatched a HH-52 with
rescue teams to the crash site of Eastern 401, a TriStar which crashed shortly
before midnight on December 29, 1972, into the Florida Everglades. A total of
176 people were onboard the flight from JFK to Miami with 75 people surviving
the accident, with this being the first recorded accident of the TriStar.
Eventually, these HH-34Js were slated for replacement by HH-1Hs and HH-3Es, commencing in January 1974 after addressing issues related to parts procurement, training, and personnel requirements.
A HH-52J sits proudly in the Pearl Harbour Aviation Museum.
In 1970, a HU-16B from the 301st ARRS, accompanied by another Albatross, encountered a mishap over the Atlantic Ocean, sinking three miles west of Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico. The incident occurred during a practice take-off when the aircraft unexpectedly became airborne, settling back onto the water due to a massive swell. This caused the right float to shear off and led to the failure of the left engine mounts. The damaged Albatross rolled to the right and nosed into the water. Despite the rapid sinking, all six crew members were fortunately rescued within 15 minutes by the second Albatross.
Following this event, the squadron underwent a reassignment to the Western Air Force Reserve Region on January 1, 1972.
In 1973, the Squadron introduced the HH-1 into service, marking the phasing out of the SA-16s within the same year. The HH-1 played a dual role, not only serving operational needs but also providing support for the USAF Water Survival School at Homestead during training events in Biscayne Bay.
Crews perform over water operations. (US National Archives)
On July 4, 1973, the final Air Force Albatross, S/N 51-5282 of the 301st, took its last flight down the runway with Lt. Col. Charles Manning at the controls, accompanied by Maj. Paul Schaefer (CP) and TSgt. Ed Schindler (FM). Dubbed "Chuck's Challenge" in honor of the Colonel, the HU-16B embarked on its farewell mission, aiming to surpass the existing altitude record for amphibians set eleven years earlier by another Albatross. Successfully achieving the mission, it climbed to 32,881 feet, establishing a record that still stands today. The temperature plummeted to -25C, so cold the watch face of TSgt. Schindlers watch fell out! After landing off Watson Island in Biscayne Bay, the Albatross was taxied ashore and welcomed by Grumman officials, including Graver Loening, the original builder.
Two weeks later, Number 5282, a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, was flown to the Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, where it now rests in a place of honour.
Dayton, Ohio The Grumman HU-16B Albatross in the Cold War Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (USAF photo/Jim Copes)
In 1974, the Squadron welcomed the HH-3, leading to the retirement of the older HH-34s in 1975.
On March 15, 1976, it underwent a reassignment to the 403rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery, subsequently evolving into the 403rd Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance Wing.
By 1979, the Squadron incorporated the HC-130 and transferred its HH-1s. This strategic move allowed the pairing of the HH-3 and HC-130, enhancing the squadron's capability to provide extended rescue coverage for the region.
In 1981, the 301st's collaboration with NASA entered a new phase as the US manned space program embraced the Space Shuttle era. The squadron played a pivotal role by providing primary or alternate rescue coverage for space shuttle launches.
On October 1, 1987, it experienced a reassignment to the 939th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group, later evolving into the 939 Air Rescue Wing, and eventually the 939 Rescue Wing.
The squadron underwent a redesignation as the 301st Air Rescue Squadron on April 1, 1990. In the following year, it welcomed the new HH-60G helicopters, operating them alongside the Hercules. This introduction allowed for the retirement of the aging HH-3s, marking a significant transition.
Whale Rescue
This story was taken from the 920th RQW and was a first for the USAF.
For the first time, two critically ill whales underwent rehabilitation and were successfully returned to the ocean, courtesy of efforts by the Miami Sea Aquarium and the 301st Rescue Squadron. These two short-finned pilot whales were among a pod of 15 that stranded themselves near Key West, Florida, on March 30, 1991. Marine biologists assessed that six could be saved and sought assistance from the 301st and the US Coast Guard to airlift them from the Sea Aquarium's medical facilities.
Although two adult whales perished shortly after their arrival at the aquarium, and two others were treated and released, two juvenile whales aged 5 to 7 required intensive care. As their conditions stabilized, the Sea Aquarium initiated plans for their return to their ocean habitat. Both whales gained 150 pounds each, bringing the aptly named "Sharkey's" weight to 700 pounds, while "Baby Schwarzkopf" weighed about 850 pounds.
On the early morning of April 28, the whales were loaded into specially built, foam-lined, steel-reinforced containers, which were then placed into a pair of HH-60G helicopters. The containers, with a length of 12 feet, extended 2 feet out of the Pavehawk's side doors. Meanwhile, an HC-130 aircraft was in the target area, searching for pods.
During the 90-minute ride, the Sea Aquarium trainers kept the whales sedated, moist, and cold with ice until they reached the release area. The first HH-60 descended to 5 feet, and the container was tilted, allowing the whale to gently slide out. The crew monitored the whale as it took off, but it circled back to the area 30 seconds later. The second Pavehawk released the second whale, with the crew witnessing two healthy whales swimming together.
The historic moment one of the whales was released. (920th RQW)
On February 1, 1992, the Squadron underwent a redesignation as the 301st Rescue Squadron. Later that year, on August 1, 1992, it experienced a reassignment to the 939th Operations Group.
Hurricane Andrew struck on August 24, 1992, causing the destruction of Homestead AFB. In the days preceding the hurricane, the 301st relocated to Patrick AFB and Tamiami Airport, remaining there until December. Despite losing their permanent home, over the next three weeks, the Squadron, with assistance from 939th Wing personnel and other Reserve and active-duty units, carried out numerous humanitarian missions and successfully rescued over 135 individuals.
In March 1993, the squadron continued its life-saving efforts by being credited with saving 93 lives during a one-day rescue operation in response to floods that devastated a retirement community on a Florida west coast island. The temporary stay at Patrick AFB became permanent in January 1993 when the USAF decided against returning to Homestead.
From September 1993 to 1994, members of the 301st deployed incrementally to Southwest Asia to support active-duty forces stationed there. On April 1, 1994, a new mission was added to the squadron as it assumed primary responsibility for surveillance of the Air Force’s Eastern Test Range during all space shuttle and unmanned missile launches.
The squadron continued its deployments, providing Search and Rescue (SAR) coverage worldwide, including missions to Keflavik, Iceland, during and after the Gulf War, as well as to the Gulf War area.
On April 15, 1997, it underwent a reassignment to the 920th Rescue Group.
In 1997, the squadron underwent a split, with its HC-130s joining the 39th RQS, leaving it to operate solely the Pavehawk. The 38th and 301st handled the flying elements, while the 308th RQS became the third element with the Pararescuemen (PJs).
Later, on April 1, 2003, it experienced another reassignment, this time to the 920th Operations Group.
The Squadron's notable achievements include its contributions to Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan during 2005, accomplishing 54 combat rescues, including the renowned Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, famously known as the "Lone Survivor." As part of the larger Wing, the Squadron mobilized to Iraq and Afghanistan from 2008 to 2010, flying 2,700 medical evacuation missions and saving 790 lives.
HH-60G Pavehawk assigned to the 301st RQS takes off from Tallil AB, Iraq, on an Operation IRQI FREEDOM mission. The Squadron painted their Pavehawks in an experimental camouflage scheme of sand, brown and green (USAF Photo)
The Rescue Wing has also played a crucial role in humanitarian relief efforts, participating in rescues such as saving over 200 people after Hurricane Floyd in 1999, extracting 1,043 individuals from New Orleans and the Gulf Coast following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, rescuing 17 lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike in Texas, and saving over 200 people after multiple avalanches struck the Salang Pass, the main route between northern Afghanistan and Kabul province. Additionally, as part of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, the Rescue Wing Airmen have been involved in successful search and rescues, as well as anti-pirate activities, during their ongoing deployments in 2014.
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