It employs a state-of-the-art communications and navigation system along with advanced search and rescue equipment.

The 56th flew search and rescue, and medical evacuation, in North Africa and southern Europe from, November 1952-March 1960.

On 12 April 1975, the squadron's HC-130Ps supported Operation Eagle Pull, the evacuation of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Both aircrews received the MacKay Trophy and 8th Air Force Historical Society Ira C. Eaker Outstanding Airmanship Award.

[7] This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency