Apr 30, 2003
Release #: 0430036
Air Force Realigns Combat Search and Rescue Operations
WASHINGTON -- Gen. John P. Jumper, United States Air Force Chief of Staff, directed the transfer of administrative control for select active duty Air Force combat search and rescue (CSAR) assets from Air Combat Command (ACC) to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). PACAF/USAFE active duty units and PACAF gained Air Reserve Component units will remain separate from this action.
Guard and Reserve units, will remain under administrative control to their respective units until they have been mobilized, at which time they will become AFSOC units (except PACAF).
This change, scheduled for Oct. 1, is designed to enhance the efficiency of managing comparable missions, skills and personnel under a centralized command, thus increasing mission focus and effectiveness.
Assets affected by this realignment include HC-130 and HH-60 aircraft and most of the combat rescue officers/pararescuemen, in addition to the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. The Pacific Air Force Rescue Coordination Center will remain in PACAF. Less than 60 ACC headquarters personnel are directly affected by this change while approximately 9,000 Air Force personnel are indirectly affected with administrative changes in units of assignment. In addition, 122 new authorizations will be established consisting of: 91 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.; and 31 at Nellis AFB, Nev. Though previously announced adjustments in force structure will continue, no changes in aircraft basing will result from this action. Finally, this change will be completely transparent to the combatant commanders and designated Joint Force/Joint Force Air Component Commanders. They will continue to gain personnel recovery capability through the Joint Forces Air Component Commander in the same way they did before.
For more information, contact Lt. Col. Christy Nolta, (703) 695-9402, or Maj. Stephanie Holcombe, (703) 697-1941.
