172nd Search and Rescue Squadron

The 172nd Search and Rescue Squadron is a unit of Starfleet Search and Rescue. It is commanded by Commander Salvador Davenport and is responsible for SAR operations in the Bajor sector.

Search and Rescue Overview
Just prior to the 24th Century Starfleet determined that dedicated Search and Rescue units would be beneficial to rescue spacefarers in distress and extract stranded personnel from non-permissive environments (read: behind enemy lines). The inspiration for such units and personnel came from a similar force of the of the 20th and 21st Centuries: USAF Pararescue

Just like the 20th and 21st Century Pararescuemen, SAR Operatives were to be proficient not only in emergency medical treatments and diagnosis, but also combat skills to defend their patients from hostile forces.

In terms of structure, a SAR Squadron draws its inspiration from a similar unit of the 20th Century :. There are three flights in a SAR Squadron:


 * Extraction flight - One company of security personnel that are also highly trained in emergency medical procedures and first responder treatments.
 * Evacuation flight - Highly trained surgeons and emergency physicians and various medical specialties.
 * Technical Support Flight - Maintenance personnel (engineers), small craft pilots, operations specialists, supply experts, transporter experts.

Each member of a SAR Squadron flight is required to be proficient in his primary area, and additionally must crosstrain in the area of another flight in the squadron. Owing to the fact that the units operate behind enemy lines on a routine basis, a premium is placed on combat lifesaving and combat training.

Selection and Training
Any Starfleet personnel may volunteer for the year and a half long selection process held on various parts of the Earth. Selection is a physically and mentally trying period with some selection periods not graduating a single being. SAR Class 06-2367, which USS Voyager Lieutenant Henry Kano was part of, started out with 117 sentients and graduated only 34.

172nd Rescue Squadron
The squadron was activated in 2329 and responsible for the border with Bajor and Cardassia. It was part of the 3rd Search and Rescue Wing.

The squadron sent an eight man detachment under the command of Lieutenant j.g. Henry Kano for the Chakotay mission against the Maquis in 2371.

As of 2371 the 172nd Chain of Command Consisted of:


 * Wing Commander: Captain Lars Sullivan
 * Squadron Commander: Commander Salvador Davenport
 * Executive Officer: Lieutenant Commander Sarah Cameron
 * Operations Officer: Lieutenant Commander T'Rusa
 * Command Master Chief: Master Chief Petty Officer Lon Hallam
 * Extraction Flight Commander: Lieutenant Commander David Glass
 * Evaluation Flight Commander: Doctor Leung Hu
 * Technical Support Flight Commander: Lieutenant Sarka

It was a player in the Dominion War, participating in numerous hazardous rescues and in numerous engagement with Jem'Hadar, Cardassian, and Breen forces. The squadron suffered many casualties during this time frame, of which Commander Davenport was one.