56th Rescue Squadron launches first flight from Lakenheath

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ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England (AFPN) --  The 56th Rescue Squadron launched its first flight out of RAF Lakenheath today at noon.

"We are very excited to get our local flying started," said Lt. Col. Thomas Greetan, 56th RQS commander. "It's a tribute to all the various groups and squadrons within the wing who have played a significant part in bringing the squadron to its current operational capability since we arrived and maintaining our alert up at Iceland."

The 56th RQS and 56th Aircraft Maintenance Unit relocated here from Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, last month. The squadron provides North Atlantic theater rescue, combat rescue and reaction force response services for the 48th Fighter Wing and combatant commanders.

To complete this mission, the 56th RQS uses HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters which increase the 48th FW's ability to meet the nation's warfighting mission, Colonel Greetan said.

The HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters are combat search and rescue, infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces in day, night or marginal weather conditions. The HH-60G Pave Hawk provides the capability of independent rescue operations in combat areas up to and including medium-threat environments.

Currently there are about 75 maintainers and operators who moved with the unit to RAF Lakenheath in June. About 200 Airmen and their families are expected to be assigned to the 56th RQS and 56th AMU over the next year.