New Combat Rescue Helicopter to Replace Aging HH-60G Pave Hawks

The US Air Force officially celebrated the addition of two HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters to its Italian Aviano Air Base on January 10. These new combat rescue helicopters serve as replacements to the aged, yet respected HH-60G Pave Hawk.

“This moment, although exceptional, is not just about the arrival of the new aircraft; it’s about embracing the challenges of today,” expressed Brig. Gen. Tad Clark during the ceremony.

The Pave Hawk, a highly modified variant of the Blackhawk, has served the USAF since 1982. It has built a strong reputation in the last several decades, providing combat search and rescue coverage during Operation Desert Storm and emergency evacuation for Navy SEALs on the Kuwaiti Coast. The machines have also assisted in humanitarian missions, including international flood relief and Hurricane Katrina recovery.

Its rightful successor, the Sikorsky HH-60W Jolly Green II, took its first flight in May 2019. It was specifically designed for joint theater operations, with a widened core blade and 4,000 pounds less weight. This gives improved performance and more room for gear and passengers. The combat rescue helicopter also has updated avionics, threat detection, and countermeasure capabilities.

The 31st Fighter Wing at Italy’s Aviano Air Base took its last flight with the Golf model on December 18, kicking off its transition to the latest Whiskey variant. It received its first delivery of the Jolly Green II on December 13 and is slated to have a total of six by October 2025.

“Today marks the end of an iconic chapter in our Air Force history with the final active-duty HH-60G flight,” stated Col. Beau Diers, 31st Fighter Wing deputy commander. “Through its tour of duty, the HH-60G provided countless lifesaving rescue operations around the globe. As we transition to the HH-60W, we remember the G’s proud history while looking forward to an even brighter future with increased combat capabilities.”

FMI: www.aviano.af.mil