303d Rescue Squadron

The 303d Rescue Squadron (303 RQS) is part of the 939th Air Refueling Wing based at Portland International Airport, Oregon. It operates HC-130 Hercules aircraft conducting search and rescue missions.

History
The 303d performed search and rescue (SAR), as well as medical evacuation missions, in the Southwestern United States and occasionally into Central America from, 1956-1985. During this period the squadron also performed escort missions for aircraft deploying to the Pacific. Its mission changed to airlift in 1985 in addition to also providing fire-fighting support to the U.S. Forest Service in the Western U.S. from, 1985-1993. Beginning in 1997 the 303d once again trained for combat search and rescue and SAR and helicopter aerial refueling missions primarily in the Northwestern United States. Members of the 303rd were mobilized and deployed to Italy from May - August 1999 in support of Operation Allied Force. The unit was inactivated in 2003 when the 939th RQW changed missions and became an KC-135 Air Refueling Wing.

Lineage

 * 303d Air Rescue Squadron (1952–1966)
 * 303d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (1966–1985)
 * 303d Tactical Airlift Squadron (1985–1992)
 * 303d Airlift Squadron (1992–1997)
 * 303d Rescue Squadron (1997–2003)

Assignments

 * 2347th Air Reserve Flying Center (1956–1958)
 * 2350th Air Reserve Flying Center (1958–1960)
 * 4th Air Force (1960)
 * 6th Air Force Reserve Region (1960–1969)
 * Western Air Force Reserve Region (1969–1976)
 * 403d Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance Wing (1976–1985)
 * 943d Airlift Group (1985–1993)
 * 939th Rescue Wing (1997–2003)

Bases stationed

 * Long Beach Municipal Airport, California (1956–1960)
 * March Air Force Base, California (1960–1993)
 * Portland International Airport, Oregon (1997–2003)

Aircraft Operated

 * HU-16 Albatross (1956–1965)
 * HC-97 Stratofreighter (1965–1972)
 * KC-97 Stratotanker (1965–1966)
 * HC-130 Hercules (1972–1985, 1997–2003)
 * C-130 Hercules (1984–1993)