USAF 304th RQS / Sasquatch Patch

USAF 304th Rescue Squadron / Sasquatch / The Search Continues Patch

Lineage. Constituted 304 Air Rescue Squadron on 24 Oct 1957. Activated in the Reserve on 16 Nov 1957. Redesignated: 304 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron on 18 Jan 1966; 304 Air Rescue Squadron on 1 Apr 1990; 304 Rescue Squadron on 1 Feb 1992.

Assignments. 2343 Air Reserve Flying Center, 16 Nov 1957; 2346 Air Reserve Flying Center, 1 Dec 1957; 2345 Air Reserve Flying Center, 8 Apr 1958; Fourth Air Force, 8 Apr 1960; Sixth Air Force Reserve Region, 1 Sep 1960; Western Air Force Reserve Region, 31 Dec 1969; 403 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery (later, 403 Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance) Wing, 15 Mar 1976; 939 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group (later, 939 Air Rescue Wing; 939 Rescue Wing), 8 Apr 1985; 939 Operations Group, 1 Aug 1992-.

Stations. Portland Intl Aprt (later, ANGB), OR, 16 Nov 1957-.

Aircraft. SA(later, HU)-16, 1958-1971; HH-34, 1971-1976; HH-1, 1976-1991; UH-1, 1979-1987; HC-130, 1985-1997; HH-3, 1986-1992; CH-3, 1987-1992; MH-60, 1991-1992; UH-60, 1991-1993; HH-60, 1992-.

Operations. Trained for combat search and rescue capability. Performed search, rescue, and medical evacuation missions primarily in the northwestern United States, including over 100 missions immediately following the Mt. St. Helens (Washington) volcanic eruption in May 1980. Maintained helicopter air refueling capability, 1985-1997. Deployed crews to provide SAR coverage worldwide, including to Kevlavik, Iceland, during and after the Gulf War and to the Gulf War area, 1993-. Provided assistance to Florida and its sister squadron (301 Rescue Squadron) following Hurricane Andrew in August 1992. Occasionally provided support for space shuttle launches and to the USAF Fighter Weapons School.

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