Rescue Squadron returns from successful deployment Published June 8, 2010 By Senior Airman David Dobrydney 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The 56th Rescue Squadron returned here June 6 following a 90-day deployment to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. "It was a tremendous success," said Lt. Col. John Galik, 56th RQS director of operations. During the deployment, the squadron flew more than 500 sorties, amassing nearly 500 combat hours and helping 150 people in need. "These numbers represent a 250 percent increase in operations tempo from the same period last year," said Lt. Col. Mark Ahrens, 56th RQS assistant director of operations. Included among the squadron's successes, with more than 120 missions, was the location of a civilian aircraft that crashed in the Salang Pass in May, allowing recovery by Afghan officials. Besides working closely with the Afghan authorities, serving in a joint and coalition environment proved beneficial for the 56th RQS Airmen. "We had a solid relationship with our Army brothers," said Colonel Galik, mentioning one instance where Army maintainers helped ensure a quick turn around for one 56th RQS helicopter, returning it to the flightline in just over 24 hours. While the Airmen of the 56th RQS are glad to be home again, they are still very proud of the role they played. "We have young troops out there dealing with heat, combat, everything," said Tech. Sgt. Robert Bucci, 56th RQS A-Flight NCO in charge. "We take pride in our ability to get them out and to better care [for their injuries]." Colonel Ahrens drove home the effectiveness of the 56th RQS saying, "in 17 years, I haven't seen a better ops or maintenance team."