The 33rd Rescue Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, train, plan and execute every day to ensure they have what it takes to help when someone’s life is on the line.

The 33rd Rescue Squadron is part of the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan. It operates Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk aircraft conducting search and rescue missions. The squadron was established when the 2nd Air Rescue Squadron was expanded to Group status in 1952.

Oct 31, 2016 · Kadena Air Base, Japan -- HH-60G Pave Hawk aircrews from the 33rd Rescue Squadron count on their maintainers for both their lives and the lives of those they rescue. Airmen of the 33rd Helicopter Maintenance Unit work day and night to ensure their aircraft are ready to launch at a moment’s notice for rescue operations.

Oct 26, 2016 · Before and after each mission, a 33rd RQS HH-60G is inspected by the 33rd HMU Airmen. They ensure the aircraft is always ready for flight, and they also address any issues or concerns that the...

Jul 6, 2016 · The 33rd HMU prepares the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter for the 33rd RQS to be able to rescue those in need no matter where they are. “There’s a bigger drive, a bigger ops tempo that they want,” said Staff Sgt. Stephen Moss, 33rd HMU crew chief.

Nov 4, 2011 · Thirty-three maintainers from the 33rd Helicopter Maintenance Unit at Kadena Air Base, Japan, escorted their helicopters to Osan Air Base, Korea, for Pacific Thunder -- an annual exercise that trains participating personnel and gauges their readiness in combat search and rescue task force tactics.

Mar 2, 2022 · U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ricky Vega, 33rd Helicopter Maintenance Unit crew chief, performs maintenance on a landing gear strut during an 18th Wing readiness exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 1, 2022.

33rd Rescue Squadron HH-60 Pave Hawks prepare to take off for a large force exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 22, 2022. The 33rd RQS maintains readiness for mobilization, deployment and employment of helicopters and rescue of U.S. and allied military members, and civilian personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cesar J. Navarro)

Oct 26, 2016 · KADENA AIR BASE, Japan – HH-60G Pave Hawk aircrews from the 33rd Rescue Squadron count on their maintainers for both their lives and the lives of those they rescue. …

Members of the 33rd Helicopter Maintenance Unit load an HH-60 Pave Hawk onto a C-17 Globemaster III, Jan. 26, 2016, at Kadena Air Base.