106th Air Rescue Wing
"Readiness Strengthens Liberty."
The 106th Rescue Wing, New York Air National Guard.
Welcome to the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard, located at Francis S.Gabreski ANGB in Westhampton Beach, New York. The 106th RQW is one of only three rescue units in the Air National Guard and also the home of the ANG's oldest flying unit, the 102nd Rescue Squadron. Today, the mission of the 106th is to provide combat search and rescue (CSAR). In peacetime, the wing performs search and rescue on behalf of the State of New York and the Federal Government. The 106th RQW performs long range over-water missions using the aerial refueling capabilities of the HC-130s and the wing's newest helicopter, the Sikorsky HH-60G "Pave Hawk".
On June 14, 1975 the 106th was redesignated an Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group and assigned to Military Airlift Command. Its primary mission became one of saving lives and the mission change would have far reaching effects and a profound impact on the unit itself, Long island and the northeastern part of the United States. On October 1, 1989, the 106th was redesignated an Air Rescue Group. In the Fall of 1990, the 106th ARG turned in its well-worn HH-3s in exchange for brand new Sikorsky HH-60G "Pave Hawks". In 1993, the 106th Rescue Group was redesignated the 106th Rescue Wing, its current designation. In 2000, the 102nd Rescue Squadron, the wing's flying element, celebrated its 85th anniversary. The 102nd is the oldest flying unit in the Air National Guard and one of the oldest in the Air Force.
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