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303rd Rescue Squadron ( USAF AFRC)" Dumbo Air Force" |
We are currently working on the 303rd Rescue Squadron history page.
If you have any information/photographs on the history or past deployments of this unit, please send us an E-mail at units@f-16.net.
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| 303 RQS - Portland IAP, Oregon " Dumbo Air Force" ( USAF AFRC) | ||||
| Status: |
Disbanded
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| Version: | HC-130P | |||
| Role: | Search and Rescue | |||
| Tailband: | N/A | |||
| Motto: | SERVIENS UT SERVET | |||
| Badge: | N/A | |||
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C-130s from 1972 till 2003 at Portland IAP, Oregon originally as the 303rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. Flew a stint in the airlift role as the 303rd Tactical Airlift Squadron in 1985 and re-designated 303rd Airlift Squadron in 1992. Back to the rescue role in 1997 as the 303rd Rescue Squadron. Disbanded in 2003 but later reactivated with the KC-135.
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C-130 Airframe Inventory
- All 303 RQS - Portland IAP, Oregon C-130s in our C-130 Aircraft Database (past and current aircraft)
- Current 303 RQS - Portland IAP, Oregon C-130s in our C-130 Aircraft Database
I was a loadmaster at the 303rd from 1978-1984. During that time I participated in at least 3 live rescue missions. The one I recall the most was the recovery of a down NAVY pilot off the coast of San Diego.Im not sure of the year, but I believe it was 81, or 82.
We had just dropped the PJ'S off at wolfskill. They jumped out of my door. My A/C, Colonel Bud Weidman heard some radio chatter about a search for a down pilot. He informed them we could find him as that was our mission. The female in charge"BEAVER" said "No thanks, this is a NAVY mission". Bud said " I'm going to back door that B****" He called Scott A.F.base , rescue H.Q. got permission to join the search. He asked me to turn on the tracker. We were a minimum crew, so I told Bud No R.O. JJ's not here and I don't know how to operate the tracker. He said "Roger just turn it on, and tell what heading the needle is pointing". So I did. The NAVY had been looking for this guy for 4 hours. We flew right to him in about 15 minutes. From March AFB to San Diego is about 60 miles. Anyway the whole navy showed up with a helicopter wheels in the water to pick up our lost pilot. Bud Weidman, was the best pilot in the squadron, and a great person.
Over and out.
ZOOMER
SSGT Roger A. Serna
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