News>Rescue squadron returns home from concurrent deployments
Photos
Staff Sgt. Daniel Garrison receives a hug from his family, Sept. 15, 2011, at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. Approximately 60 members from the 56th Rescue Squadron and 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron returned home after back-to-back deployments lasting more than nine months in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector. Sergeant Garrison is a 56th Rescue Squadron aerial gunner. The 56th RQS is a combat-ready search and rescue squadron of HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters capable of executing all-weather search and rescue missions day or night in hostile environments in support of the United States and its allies. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Connor Estes)
Chole Adams, 3, helps her dad Capt. Gary Adams gather his belongings Sept. 15, 2011 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England.
Captain Adams is a 56th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk co-pilot. Approximately 60 members from the 56th Rescue Squadron and 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron returned home after back-to-back deployments lasting more than nine months in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector. The 56th RQS is a combat-ready search and rescue squadron of HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters capable of executing all-weather search and rescue missions day or night in hostile environments in support of the United States and its allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Connor Estes)
Families eagerly await the return of members of the 56th Rescue Squadron and 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Sept. 15, 2011, at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. About 60 members from the 56th RQS and 748th AMXS returned home after back-to-back deployments lasting more than nine months in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector. The 56th RQS is a combat-ready search and rescue squadron of HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters capable of executing all-weather search and rescue missions day or night in hostile environments in support of the United States and its allies. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Cory D. Payne)
Two HH-60G Pave Hawks prepare to land after returning from multiple deployments, Sept. 15, 2011, at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. Approximately 60 members from the 56th Rescue Squadron and 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron returned home after back-to-back deployments lasting more than nine months in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector. The 56th RQS is a combat-ready search and rescue squadron of HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters capable of executing all-weather search and rescue missions day or night in hostile environments in support of the United States and its allies. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Cory D. Payne)
by Tech. Sgt. Chris Stagner
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
9/19/2011 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England (AFNS) -- Approximately 60 members of the 56th Rescue Squadron returned here Sept. 15, after back-to-back deployments in support of two different operations that had them away from home for more than nine months.
Their deployments began with a three-month stretch in Afghanistan where they provided high-risk medical evacuation capabilities to U.S. and NATO forces involved in Operation Enduring Freedom. Eight days after their return, they deployed again for six months where they conducted personnel recovery operations in support of Operations Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector.
It was during this second deployment that the unit embarked aboard the USS Ponce and the United Kingdom's Royal Navy HMS Ocean.
"This really highlights the responsiveness, flexibility and versatility of our (RAF Lakenheath) rescue squadron," said Col. John Quintas, the 48th Fighter Wing commander. "In OEF they conducted med-evac operations in hazardous terrain and under hostile fire, saving the lives of 76 coalition partners. Just one week after returning, before we even had time to unpack, we were asked if we could be ready to conduct combat search and rescue in a completely different theater. Without hesitation the men and women responded and deployed again within days. The results have been phenomenal - 166 days of uninterrupted alert status - I simply couldn't be prouder."
The unit's success is the result of great teamwork between the operators and the maintainers of the 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
"The fact that we were able to sustain a continuous two-ship alert posture with just three aircraft is a result of superior maintainers," Quintas said. "Not only did they transition from an environment of blowing dust to blowing salt water, they operated for the first time ever aboard naval ships for extended periods of time and the result was a greater than 90-percent mission capable rate.
"This is indicative of the quality Airmen we have in the Liberty Wing and the great things they accomplish regularly. I cannot praise them enough."
That sentiment was shared by Royal Navy Capt. Andrew Betton, the HMS Ocean commanding officer.
"Their integration into the Ship and Air Group was never going to be easy (due to) the truncated timeline given for their deployment and the distances involved," said Betton. "Despite those challenges, (they) achieved this and more ... demonstrating flexibility and initiative to deliver this essential capability to theater."
The mutual support between the Royal Navy and the 56th RQS played a direct role in mission success.
"The effort and planning to embark the aircraft detachment on three different occasions was significant," the commanding officer said. "In doing so, it afforded HMS Ocean, with its embarked (attack helicopters), the flexibility to maneuver around the joint-operations area; and thus directly contributed to operational success."
With all the success of the 56th RQS during these deployments, the best part for the families was coming home.
"It's going to be nice to have dad back and in the routine," Sharon Ledbetter said of her husband, Tech. Sgt. Patrick Ledbetter, 56th RQS flight engineer.
"Plus," she said with a smile, "I've got a 'honey-do' list for him."
Comments
12/19/2011 4:41:35 PM ET Great work all great to see my old squadron still working hard and saving lives.
Gary Spitzer, Ely Cambridgeshire
9/20/2011 7:40:58 AM ET As always the 48th Wing delivers Great work you guys
Glynn Evans, Pakenham Bury St. Edmunds
9/16/2011 4:44:29 PM ET This country owes you bods a lot of cred. Thanks for the urgent support you gave to all in these ops. Most people will gather what they were and why you sprang into action without question on the 2nd mission. Congratulations to you and your Commanding Officer.
