Breaking news
USAF relocates Guardian Angels Squadrons to Italy.
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World Defense & Security News - United States
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USAF relocates Guardian Angels Squadrons to Italy
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The United States Air Force has decided to relocate its 56th and 57th Rescue Squadrons. Both of them have been based at the RAF Lakenheath air base, home of the 48th Fighter Wing of the USAF. These squadrons and formations are part of the United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa. Their role is to provide combat search and rescue capabilities to downed aircraft pilots.
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 HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters are RAF Lakenheath base(Credit: USAFE) |
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From 2017, the two rescue squadrons will relocate to Aviano Air Base in Italy. It is expected to take between two to three years to be finalized. This decision was dictated by the need to establish an enduring Personnel Recovery location in Europe, which will be strategically positioned to respond immediately in Europe, Africa or even in Southwest Asia.
The 57th Squadron was set up at RAF Lakenheath in February 2015. It is comprised of 30 pararescumen. Due to their training, these people are considered weapon systems. However, the USAF has decided in early 2000s to separate the helicopters from the pararescuemen. For this reason it has placed the Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters under the 56th Squadron and the combat rescuers under the 57th Squadron. |
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