79th Rescue Squadron
| 79th Rescue Squadron | |
|---|---|
79th Rescue Squadron HC-130J and HC-130P near the Grand Canyon | |
| Active | 1952–1960; 1961–1972; 1993–1998; 2003–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Combat Search and Rescue |
| Part of | Air Combat Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Davis-Monthan Air Force Base |
| Engagements | War in Afghanistan Global War on Terrorism |
| Decorations | Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Air Force Meritorious Unit Award Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Insignia | |
| 79th Rescue Squadron emblem (approved 23 July 1968) | |
The 79th Rescue Squadron is a United States Air Force combat search and rescue unit of the 563rd Rescue Group, 355th Wing, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.
It operates the Lockheed HC-130J "Combat King II" variant of the C-130 "Hercules" and provides rapidly deployable combat search and rescue forces to theater commanders worldwide. It conducts helicopter air refueling, airdrop, and airland of pararescue personnel and/or equipment in support of combat personnel recovery. Its crews are capable of landings on short, unimproved, runways and low-level operations during day or night with night vision goggles.