Over and over, nature catastrophes prove the importance of search and rescue forces in the world.
Not only in warzones help from these units is needed, but also after nature disasters or sometimes also in case of the rescue of individuals.
When walking along the vast flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, located in the Sonoran desert in Arizona, it’s hard to imagine that not at every spot in the world it is sunny weather almost all year long. These great conditions and the local environment makes this the perfect training location for the 563rd Rescue Group, that directs flying operations for the USAF’s only active duty rescue wing dedicated to Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR).
Flying their HH-60G Pave Hawk II’s and HC-130J Combat King II’s over the rough territory around the city of Tucson, the unit members train for the moment they are called to help people in need. Whether it is in the United States, Afghanistan or somewhere else on this planet.

An aritcle about the 563rd Rescue Group was published in the December 2014 issue of Full Stop Magazine.