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]
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 |
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]
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.