Rescue wing commander visits group one last time

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Luke Johnson
  • 943rd Rescue Group Public Affairs
DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 920th Rescue Wing commander visited his geographically separated unit, the 943rd Rescue Group, for the last time to interact with Airmen here and to fly a combat-search-and-rescue helicopter training mission one last time over the desert and mountains surrounding Tucson.

As an Air Force Reserve pilot, Col. Robert Dunn has a long and distinguished military career here at Davis-Monthan AFB. He started off as an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot and was also part of the 71st Special Operations Squadron, 305th Rescue Squadron and finally served as an HH-60G Pave Hawk pilot and commander of the 943rd RQG.

"My best memories are going to be of the people," said Colonel Dunn. "Although the mission has been extraordinary by what we've done and where we've gone all over the world, it becomes a little routine after 20 years."

Colonel Dunn said while he'll never forget the camaraderie and relationships he built with the men and women within the 943rd, he'll also miss what lies outside the gates.

"They are such a fabulous community in their support of the military, and this is also some of the best flying in the world," said Colonel Dunn which he realized as he flew over the dry mountains terrain one last time.

During his final commander's call with the rescue group, he told the group Airmen to value the times they spend with their friends in the Air Force rescue mission.

"To all past, present and future Rescue Group Airmen, cherish the moments that you have with the folks that you work with," he said.

He also said he will always be impressed on how the active duty here has accepted the 943rd RQG as a full mission partner.

"(The 355th Fighter Wing) they treat us like one of their own and not just a part-time force, and that makes a huge difference for Reservists," said Colonel Dunn.

He will always be in awe of the commitment all Airmen in the 943rd RQG have to carrying out the Air Force Rescue mission.

"They love what they do and I can see it in their dedication to the mission, they go the extra mile to get the job done," he said. "The 943rd is the premier rescue unit in the world."

For more information about the 920th RQW, log on to the wing's Web site: www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil or follow them on Facebook.