The 33rd Rescue Squadron, based at Kadena Air Base, traces its lineage back to World War II, where it originally flew air-sea rescue missions across the Pacific. Over the decades, the squadron evolved alongside rescue doctrine, transitioning through multiple aircraft and conflicts. From Korea and Vietnam to modern combat operations. Today, the 33rd RQS flies the HH-60W Jolly Green II, executing combat search and rescue missions to recover isolated personnel in hostile environments, living up to the enduring motto: