55th ERQS transitions out, welcomes 66th ERQS Published Dec. 7, 2009 By Master Sgt. Jason House 55th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- The 55th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron welcomed a new unit and was transitioned to the 66th ERQS here Nov. 30. Lt. Col. Daniel Duffy reported in as the rescue squadron's new commander from Nellis AFB, Nev. The rescue squadron deploy highly survivable Combat Search and Rescue forces to theater combatant commands worldwide. They employ the HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter and the Guardian Angel Weapon System in hostile threat environments during day, night and marginal weather conditions. The squadron also conducts military operations other than war, including disaster relief, counter-drug operations, and non-combatant or medical evacuation missions and can provide close air support to friendly ground forces. The Airmen of the 55th ERQS assumed responsibility for personnel recovery and medical evacuations missions in Southern Afghanistan in early September 2009, relieving the 129th ERQS. The unit has been tasked more than 300 times to come rescue others when weather was too inhospitable for any other helicopter assets to fly. To date, they have executed more than 1,300 combat sorties, directly contributing to 230 lives saved and 510 medical assists. This sustained pace of combat operations is the highest in the HH-60G community's history. The 55th ERQS has even established a sure-fire way to win local national hearts and minds. When flying, the crews will occasionally drop soccer balls, toys and candy to children in the remote deserts and towns of Southern Afghanistan. Imagine the happiness of the children when new toys fall from the sky, delivered straight from the waving smiling Nighthawk rescue professionals flying overhead.