Episode 052 - The USAF Search and Rescue Task Force

Episode 052 – The USAF Search and Rescue Task Force

Drawing from our conversation and the provided transcript excerpts, Episode 52 of Military Tales offers an in-depth look at the USAF Search and Rescue (SAR) Task Force in Southeast Asia, focusing specifically on the aircraft and the firsthand experiences of the crews who flew them. This installment delves into the vital roles of the iconic A-1 Skyraider (“Sandy”), detailing its use from the early days under a pretense of pilot training to providing critical low-altitude support for rescues, and the HC-130 King Bird (“King”), which served as the indispensable Airborne Mission Commander and provided crucial aerial refueling for the Jolly Green helicopters. Hear accounts of the integrated nature of these complex missions, involving Sandys, Kings, Jollys, and other support aircraft, and the profound personal impact felt by crews who recovered downed comrades, a result described as having a “lifelong impact” and providing powerful motivation. From navigating early challenges and evolving tactics to participating in notable events like the “great Easter egg hunt of 1972,” this episode shares the stories of bravery and dedication that shaped modern personnel recovery doctrine.

More information on Episode 052 – The USAF Search and Rescue Task Force

Episode 52 of Military Tales delves into the specifics of the USAF Search and Rescue (SAR) Task Force in Southeast Asia, focusing on the aircraft, the missions, and the experiences of the crews who carried out these vital operations. Building on the previous episode’s overview, this installment brings forward the firsthand accounts of participants, specifically highlighting the roles of the A-1 Skyraider (Sandy) and the HC-130 King Bird (King).

The episode touches upon the early days of US involvement, even before a dedicated combat SAR system was fully established. Initially, operations in South Vietnam involved aircraft like the A-1, flown under a “cover story” of pilot training rather than overt combat support, often relying on nearby Army helicopters for pickups. The decision to deploy older aircraft like the A-1E was influenced by attempts to adhere to the Geneva Convention’s prohibition on introducing modern weapons. However, as the conflict escalated and the US commitment changed in mid-1965, this pretense was dropped, and aircraft like the A-1 became central to combat operations and the emerging SAR effort.

The presentation describes the evolution of the SAR system, highlighting how operations became increasingly complex and integrated over time. The A-1 Skyraider (“Sandy”) quickly became a crucial asset, known for its ability to provide low-altitude support for helicopters attempting rescues. The first combat SAR mission described in the episode involved A-1s supporting an HH-43 Pedro near Hanoi after striking SAM sites. Over time, the SAR forces built up, learning lessons often “the hard way”. This included moving units like the 60th Fighter Squadron (using A-1s) to Udorn and later NKP (Nakhon Phanom, often called “Naked Fanny”).

A key component of the SAR task force was the HC-130 King Bird (“King”). Derived from the C-130, these aircraft were multi-tasking but in combat SAR primarily served as the Airborne Mission Commander (AMC) post and provided aerial refueling for the Jolly Green helicopters. The speaker emphasizes that the HC-130 crews, often young captains, were responsible for organizing complex rescues involving various assets, viewing their role more as “Airborne Mission Coordinators”. The HC-130s were critical for extending the range and loiter time of the helicopters, sometimes flying deep into enemy territory. Training for HC-130 AMCs involved a three-month process to reach combat-ready status.

The episode touches on the integrated nature of SAR missions, which involved a variety of aircraft and crews from different services and organizations:

Sandy A-1s: Providing fixed-wing support, suppression of enemy fire, and coordination.
Jolly Green Helicopters (HH-43 Pedro, CH-3, HH-3E, HH-53): The primary recovery vehicle, evolving over the war. Early attempts with aircraft like the CH-3 were challenging.
HC-130 King Birds: Command and control, aerial refueling.
Other US aircraft: Various fighters (F-100, F-105, A-4, A-7) and Navy S-3s involved in the initial incidents or providing support.
Air America: A civilian company that also played a vital role in rescues, especially in places like Laos.

Specific challenging missions and events are referenced, including disastrous early attempts, rescues under heavy ground fire, missions requiring coordination across vast distances and difficult terrain, and complex events involving multiple survivors, like the “great Easter egg hunt of 1972” where multiple Jollys picked up 15 survivors. The presenters highlight the dedication and bravery required for these missions.

Beyond the technical and tactical aspects, the speakers convey the profound personal impact of rescue missions. Rescuing a downed comrade had a “lifelong impact” on both the rescued individual and their families, and this result provided a powerful, almost “narcotic” motivation for the crews. The participants express deep respect and admiration for the heroism displayed by all involved, viewing those they supported or flew with as “heroes”. The episode underscores that the lessons learned and the doctrine developed in Southeast Asia, built on the sacrifices and experiences shared, laid the foundation for modern Personnel Recovery.