103d Rescue Squadron

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The 103rd Rescue Squadron (103 RQS) is a unit of the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing. It’s based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York. The squadron has no aircraft of its own. It is made up of Air Force pararescue specialists (PJs) who fly on aircraft from the 101st Rescue Squadron (HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters) and the 102d Rescue Squadron (HC-130J Combat King II transports), all part of the same wing. The three squadrons are under the 106th Operations Group.

The 103 RQS was established in 2004 by the Air Force Special Operations Command as part of a reorganization of the 106th Rescue Wing. This reorganization created separate squadrons for fixed-wing aviation, helicopters, and pararescue elements within the wing. The squadron includes pararescue and support personnel who work with the wing’s aircraft to conduct combat search and rescue missions.

For history prior to 2004, the lineage is tied to the 102nd Rescue Squadron. The unit’s motto is “We’re all mad... you know!” and it has been active from 2004 to the present. Country: United States; Allegiance: New York; Branch: Air National Guard; Type: Pararescue specialists; Role: Combat Search and Rescue.