36th Rescue Flight

• Formation and Mission: The 36th Rescue Flight (36th RQF) was activated on 1 May 1993 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, with the primary mission of search and rescue (SAR) for both military and civilian personnel. • Support to Survival Training: The unit is best known for its support of the U.S. Air Force’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) school, providing on-call helicopter rescue for students undergoing demanding training. • Aircraft: The 36th Rescue Flight operates the UH-1N Iroquois “Huey” helicopters, renowned for their versatility and reliability in rescue operations. • Numerous Lives Saved: Since its activation, the unit has performed hundreds of life-saving rescues for downed aircrew, injured hikers, and civilians in distress throughout the Pacific Northwest. • Heroism in 2007: In 2007, the 36th RQF was instrumental in the rescue of a group of climbers stranded on Mount Hood, Oregon, braving hazardous weather and terrain to extract survivors. • Joint Operations: The unit frequently collaborates with local law enforcement, fire departments, and other military branches during search and rescue missions, enhancing community and inter-service cooperation. • Distinguished Unit Awards: The 36th Rescue Flight has received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards in recognition of its exceptional performance and dedication to duty. • Notable Firsts: It was among the first Air Force units to implement night-vision goggle (NVG) operations for search and rescue, allowing for more effective rescues after dark. • Community Outreach: The unit participates in local events and educational programs, showcasing their equipment and sharing their mission with the public to foster positive civil-military relations. • Motto and Spirit: The 36th Rescue Flight embodies the motto “That Others May Live,” a creed shared by Air Force rescue personnel, highlighting their commitment to risking their own safety to save others.