The Air Force has increased the size of its deployment of combat search and rescue forces in Iraq, making the 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron the largest CSAR outfit since the Vietnam War, reports the Red Tail Flyer. The squadron is larger than rescue squadrons in the US. Recently the 64th ERQS added five additional HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, nearly tripling the unit’s aircraft. The number of aircrew, pararescue jumpers, and combat rescue officers has grown as well to sustain a 24/7 operation. Their mission also expanded to cover not just downed aircrews but also special operations missions.
Less than a day after arriving in the Middle East, F-15E Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. defended Israel from an Iranian attack in April 2024. DUDE flight, four F-15Es from the 335th Fighter Squadron, downed two dozen Iranian drones in roughly 45 minutes.