The wing was formed in 1991 as the controlling element for the three autonomous rescue units and the two Special Operations units. Of these, two were redesignated or reassigned, with the wing being responsible for the 301st RQS 'FL' at Patrick AFB, FL with the HC-130N and HH-60G, 304th RQS 'PD' with the HC-130N/P and HH-60G at wing headquarters, and the 305th RQS 'DR' at Davis-Monthan AFB with the HH-60G.