Air Rescue Group of the 455 Tactical and Fighting Wing , R.O.C. (TAIWAN) Air Force.
A soaring seagull, a lifebuoy, and the blue sky constitute the emblem of the Air Rescue Group, clearly stating the mission of the Group, which is to “come to the rescue of the suffering who call out for help" and "save lives first. "
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Air Rescue Group, and as we look back on the Group's illustrious history, the fleet of aircrafts hovering over the Chiayi Air Force Base seems to recount the monumental chapters of feats and inspiration of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
The “Air Rescue Group” under the 455th Wing of the Air Force can be traced back to the Air Force's 10th Helicopter Detachment established in 1950. However, it was not until July 1954 when the unit was expanded as the Air Rescue Squadron and reassigned to the 4th Wing of the Air Force that it was officially given the important missions of search and rescue. On August 1, 1983, the Air Rescue Squadron was ordered to change the number to "Air Rescue Group" and was attached to the 4th Wing of the Air Force.
During this period, the Group used the C-47, PBY-5A, HU-16 amphibians, and H-5, H-13, H-19, and HH-1H helicopters to carry out various search and rescue missions with the two types of aircrafts.
In May 1987, S-70Cs were introduced and put into combat service, HU-16s were phased out in August, and in December of the same year, HH-1Hs were transferred to the Aviation and Special Forces Command (ROC Army). After the Typhoon Herb in August 1996, due to mission requirements, the “S-70C-6” all-weather search and rescue aircrafts were acquired to enhance the night and maritime search and rescue capabilities of the Army. In 1998, “S-70C-6” night search helicopters were brought in, and on July 1, 2012, EC-225s were commissioned and engaged in a number of search and rescue missions, effectively enhancing the combat search and rescue capabilities of the National Army.
The current S-70C-1/1A, S-70C-6, and EC-225 are the three types of aircraft that are being employed for various rescue missions, carrying on the tradition of "the merciful flying seagulls, coming to the rescue of the suffering who call out for help" to ensure the safety and lives of the people.
In the building of the Air Rescue Group, there is an ode to the seagulls: "No matter how high the mountains and hills are, no matter how dangerous, no matter how strong the waves are, no matter how relentless the winds are, take a look at my seagull brothers, soaring day and night, bravely stretching out their wings of friendship and love, dedicating themselves to the survival of those in a desperate situation with blessing from heaven.”
No matter how dangerous the natural environment is, no matter what happens to them, the “merciful flying seagulls” never stop flying for a moment, and never give up hope easily. Their figures, in their duties to "come to the rescue of the suffering who call out for help", will always lead the people in distress to survive against the desperate situation and find hope of rebirth!
Source: Cho,Yi-Li, a reporter for Military News Agency