The 304th trained for combat search and rescue ( CSAR ) capability from its inception . The 304th was activated in the Reserves on 16 November 1957 at Portland IAP . In 1961 , Pararescuemen ( PJs ) were added to the unit . Since then , the 304th has been training , equipping and employing Combat Rescue Officers , PJs , and support personnel worldwide in support of U.S. national security interests . It performed search , rescue , and medical evacuation missions primarily in the Northwestern United States , including over 100 missions immediately following the Mt. St. Helens volcanic eruption in May 1980 . The unit responded to the crash of United Flight 173 in 1978 . It maintained helicopter air refueling capability from 1985 to 1997 and deployed to provide SAR coverage worldwide , including Keflavík , Iceland , during and after the Gulf War and to the Persian Gulf region from 1990-2003 . Since 2001 , personnel from the 304th RQS have deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom
volcanic eruption
1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens
304th Rescue Squadron