33rd RQS heads back to Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AB, Japan --  One of Kadena busiest units is on its way back to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 33rd Rescue Squadron will deploy this week to conduct combat search and rescue missions as U.S. and NATO forces continue to battle Taliban and other anti-Afghan insurgents. 

They will be supported during the deployment by members of the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 18th Operations Support Squadron, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, 18th Munitions Squadron and 18th Maintenance Operations Squadron. 

For the 33rd RQS, this deployment is a return to their primary mission of combat search and rescue. 

"We will not be supporting the Army in medical evacuation missions as in the past," said Capt. Jen Aupke, 33rd Rescue Squadron, B-flight commander. "We're going as a traditional combat search and rescue unit supporting all of the air assets flying out of Afghanistan, whether they are American or coalition forces." 

This deployment sends out "B-flight," comprised of four crews and three HH-60 Pave Hawks with Captain Aupke as the deployment commander. The Pave Hawks will be loaded onto a C-5 Galaxy for their fourth deployment in the past two years. 

"We have a pretty small force for the rescue community here, and the operations have increased in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Captain Aupke. "Amongst all assets in the Air Force we have taken more of a role in that area of responsibility." 

"We are also the only ones here in support of all PACAF and civilian rescue," she added.
While deployed, Captain Aupke and her team will be on alert 24 hours a day, able to respond within 15 to 30 minutes. The team can be called out day or night to rescue any coalition member. 

"We are well-trained to provide an all-weather personnel recovery team capable of saving downed or isolated personnel that are behind enemy lines," she said. 

Since 1998, the 33rd RQS has been credited with saving more than 400 civilian and military lives. More than 240 of these saves have occurred during contingency operations and include traditional combat search and rescue saves as well as Medevac operations.
Airman 1st Class John Springer, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, HH-60 crew chief, will have his first opportunity deploy with a squadron well-known for its accomplishments. 

"The main thing I see is just getting the mission done and knowing we're doing some good over there," said Airman Springer. He added that the deployment will be rewarding, knowing the helicopter he maintains will be used to save lives. He said he will take satisfaction knowing that the aircraft will be ready on the spot to fulfill any mission required.