Air Rescue Wing Naha Detachment (JASDF)

Air Rescue Wing Naha Detachment
那覇救難隊
Country	Japan
Branch	Japan Air Self-Defense Force
Part of	Air Rescue Wing
Garrison/HQ	Naha Air Base
Motto(s)	That others may live
Aircraft flown
UH-60J, U-125A

The Air Rescue Wing Naha Detachment (那覇救難隊 (naha-kyūnan-tai)) is a unit of the Air Rescue Wing of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. It is also known as the Naha Air Rescue Squadron. Responsible for airborne search and rescue, it is based at Naha Air Base in Okinawa Prefecture.[1] It is equipped with UH-60J and U-125A aircraft.[2]

History

On May 28, 2013 an F-15C of the US Air Force's 44th Fighter Squadron crashed into the ocean off Okinawa. The pilot ejected and was rescued by the detachment.[3][4][5]

On June 11, 2018 the detachment rescued the pilot of another US F-15C from the 44th Fighter Squadron based at Kadena Air Base that ejected over the sea off Okinawa.[6][7]

Tail markings

Detachment UH-60J aircraft do not have special markings. JASDF aircraft usually have unit markings on their tail, but U-125A aircraft of the Air Rescue Wing have a marking on their fuselage, usually with a sticker below showing which base they are assigned to.

Aircraft operated

• UH-60J
• U-125A

References

1. Thompson, Paul JASDF - Order of Battle July 1, 2017 J-HangarSpace Retrieved October 28, 2017
2. "Air Rescue Wing History". mod.go.jp. Retrieved October 28, 2017. (in Japanese)
3. LaGrone, Sam (May 28, 2018). "Okinawa F-15 Crashes, Pilot Safe". news.usni.org. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
4. Roth, Betty (May 28, 2013). "US Air Force Pilot Survives F-15 Crash Off Okinaw". Retrieved June 15, 2018.
5. "Officials release report on F-15 accident near Kadena AB". af.mil. January 22, 2014. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
6. Tan, Michelle (June 11, 2018). "Kadena Air Base F-15 crashes off Okinawa". Retrieved June 11, 2018.
7. Rogoway, Tyler (June 10, 2018). "A USAF F-15C Eagle Crashed Off Okinawa, Pilot Rescued Alive After Ejection". thedrive.com. The Drive. Retrieved June 11, 2018.