Kadena rescue squadron prepares for Afghanistan deployment
Pararescuemen from the 31st Rescue Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, assist a survivor to an HH-60 Pave Hawk, while another helicopter monitors the area for enemy movement during a training exercise at Kadena July 23. The 31st RQS trained with Kadena’s other rescue squadron, the 33rd RQS, which operates the helicopters, in preparation for the 33rd's upcoming deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan, to conduct combat search and rescue and medical rescue missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The squadron is heading back to Afghanistan after returning from a four-month deployment to Kandahar in May. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Garcia)