Air Force combat search and rescue joins AFSOC team

  • Published
  • By Lt. Gen. Paul Hester
  • Air Force Special Operations Command commander
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFPN) --  On Oct. 1, the Air Force Special Operations Command patch will adorn the uniforms of nearly 7,000 additional airmen as we welcome Air Force combat search and rescue forces to the AFSOC family.

With the addition of CSAR units based in the continental United States, we welcome a team of selfless professionals dedicated to a credo “That Others May Live.”

Air commandos have long worked side-by-side with many of these professionals in peacetime and combat operations. HH-60 Pave Hawk crews have flown our special tactics teams into battle, while HC-130 Hercules have provided the fuel to get them there. The pararescuemen and combat rescue officers have worked seamlessly with our special operators in direct actions and exercise scenarios.

This history of teamwork is one of the powerful reasons behind the realignment. Our forces use similar weapon systems, training and operating concepts to conduct personnel recovery missions. Placing these important missions under one organization will help us better care for our missions and the proud airmen that make them happen.

Although only CSAR units based in the continental United States will realign, our objective is to improve the mission, training, equipment and career opportunities for the entire Air Force CSAR community. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance Air Force CSAR capabilities.

From an aircrew perspective, when you punch out over “bad guy territory,” you keep your faith in God and country, and the training these guys possess.

I remember reading a story about Hammer 34, the F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot shot down over Kosovo during Operation Allied Force. He said the biggest morale boost for pilots downed in enemy territory was knowing that someone was going to rescue them. He remembers shortly after being pulled inside the MH-60 Pave Hawk, the pararescueman on the mission shouted over the comm system for the pilot to take off, “PC (precious cargo) is on board.”

We need to continue to look for ways to enhance our capabilities and strengthen our people so that we meet our mission and bring home the "precious cargo," our fellow airmen, we are chartered to serve. This realignment brings together like forces, equipment and training opportunities for a more effective and efficient personnel recovery program.

During the next few months, as the AFSOC family assimilates new members, we will have a few growing pains -- a natural result of any change. For bearings, I ask each of you to pause and reflect on the AFSOC patch on your uniform.

The winged dagger which graces the center of the patch reflects this command’s commitment to military preparedness, and the swift and silent mobilization of forces. The yellow hilt of the dagger symbolizes the excellence of our people. These valuable principles, readiness and excellence, should be the cadence of our march forward together, as one team. These qualities have been at the heart of our success to date in the global war on terrorism and will form the foundation for our success as we continue to serve America and her airmen in the years ahead.

To our Air Force CSAR teammates: Welcome to the family. We are proud to have you aboard!