HH-60W Jolly Green IIs Replace Older HH-60G Pave Hawks

The 106th Rescue Wing from the New York National Guard (NYNG) has formally welcomed the HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters to its search and rescue fleet. They were introduced during a ceremony on October 25 at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base.

The new choppers will replace the wing’s HH-60G Pave Hawks. These are a highly adapted variation of the Army’s Black Hawk helicopter, featuring an automatic flight control system, night vision goggles, forward-looking infrared system, color weather radar, and an engine and rotor blade anti-ice system. Despite being in service since 1982, the HH-60G is still far ahead of the curve.

The 106th wing heavily relied on the Pave Hawks for hurricane response and relief missions throughout Florida, Texas, and North and South Carolina. They were also utilized during the Persian Gulf War as well as in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“Its contributions have cemented its reputation as a workhorse of the U.S. Air Force rescue community,” expressed Capt. Nic Arosemena, a 101st Rescue Squadron aviator.

The “whiskey” upgrade to the HH-60G plays a major role in fleet modernization. This is crucial to maintaining combat readiness, especially as new competition surfaces. While the two choppers are relatively similar on the outside, there are several internal differences.

The HH-60W can carry twice as much fuel as the Golf and has cockpit and cabin armor, advanced defensive systems, new navigation tools, improved hot weather and high-altitude performance, and a larger cabin. The transition will require months of hands-on training by both maintenance personnel and flight crew members.

During HH-60W’s debut celebration, 106th Rescue Wing leadership named Tech. Sgt. Michael Tessar the first official crew chief designated to the chopper.

“As advancements in military aircraft technology continue, so, too, will the skills of myself and my fellow maintainers and aircrew,” commented Tessar. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Air National Guard, especially within the 106th, where we are at the forefront of these innovations and ready to meet all challenges that lie ahead.”

The ceremony also featured a fly-by of the HH-60W conducted by its first certified flight crew: Lt. Col. James Liston and Staff Sgt. Joe Devito.

FMI: www.106rqw.ang.af.mil