The squadron has been plagued by aviation accidents in recent years. Twelve USAF Airmen were killed when two HH-60G Pavehawk helicopters, call signs Jolly 38 and Jolly 39, were involved in a mid-air collision on 3 September 1998 over the Nevada Test and Training Range during a routine night training exercise.[2] An investigation of the crash cited inadequate training, and constant combat deployments without adequate rest, as contributing factors.[3]
The unit was in Afghanistan in the summer of 2010. Media reported four aircrew deaths in June when a Pave Hawk helicopter was shot down during a rescue mission on 9 June.[4]Flight engineer David Smith was lost on impact. On 2 July a fifth death was added to the list of four when Captain David Wisniewski died from injuries received in the 9 June crash. Captain Wisniewski is credited with saving more than 240 soldiers during his seven tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, 40 of which were saved in his final rescue mission in June. The only two survivors Captain Anthony Simone and Master Sergeant Christopher Aguilera are still in recovery as of 25 September 2010.[5]
The squadron was inactivated on 1 June 2023 during a ceremony at Nellis AFB.[6]
Mission in early 2020s
The primary mission of the 66th Rescue Squadron was worldwide combat rescue in support of combat air forces. The 66 RQS was one of six Air Force active-duty HH-60 combat rescue units, geared for worldwide deployment.[7]
The squadron's secondary mission was to rescue downed personnel in the Nellis Range Complex and backup rescue for civilian agencies in the local area and the greater Southwestern United States.[7]
Depending on the mission, a typical rescue crew might have included a pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, aerial gunner and two pararescuemen. These Pararescue Jumpers, or "PJs," are qualified as combat paramedics, scuba divers, parachutists, mountain climbers and survivalists.[7]
The unit provided rapidly deployable combat search and rescue (CSAR) forces to Unified combatant commands and conducts peacetime search and rescue in support of the National Search and Rescue Plan and the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center.[7]
The 66th also directly supports HH-60G logistical and maintenance support requirements for the U.S. Air Force Weapons School and Air Combat Command-directed operational test missions.[7]
9th Air Rescue Group, 14 November 1952 – 18 January 1958 (attached to United States Air Forces in Europe until 15 November 1953, Third Air Force until 1 August 1954, United States Air Forces in Europe until c. 18 January 1958)
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