In 2002, the 305th Rescue Squadron was activated for one year under a partial mobilization order to participate in Operations Enduring Freedom and Southern Watch at Al Jaber Air Base in Kuwait. From April through July 2005 the squadron again deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom. During this time the squadron flew several rescue missions, including the recovery of Marcus Luttrell, the lone surviving SEAL team member engaged in Operation Red Wings in the mountains east of Bagram, Afghanistan. Upon its return to the United States in August, the unit deployed to Louisiana and Texas to assist in the rescue of thousands of people in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.