USAF Recieves first two HH-60W "Jolly Green II" Helicopters

The US Air Force's first pair of Sikorsky HH-60W "Jolly Green II" combat rescue helicopters arrived at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia on November 5.

Pilots from the 41st Rescue Squadron flew the helicopters from Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky Training Academy to Moody AFB on November 6.

The new model is critical to personnel recovery missions. It's equipped with a wide range of capabilities for combat search and rescue operations in diverse environments.

The first two Jolly Green IIs prepare to land at Moody AFB in Georgia (Photo Courtesy USAF)

An enhanced version of the US Army's UH-60M Black Hawk, the new variant comes with technologies to protect against surface-to-air missiles, including digital radar warning receivers, laser warning system and a missile and hostile fire warning system.

The Jolly Green II also has additional fuel tanks to extend its combat radius and ensure safe and successful rescue missions for all U.S. military services.

Even its name, Jolly Green II, is a tribute to the pilots who pioneered aerial combat rescue. These Vietnam-War-era crews flew HH-3E Jolly Green and HH-53 Super Jolly Green, who earned the nicknames from the impression their blades left in rice paddies and grass fields after lifting off.

The HH-60W will gradually replace the HH-60G Pave Hawk that has flown for more than 26 years, though some are pushing for a quicker transition. Many of the predecessor aircraft have been in use far past their expected life span.

Fixing aging aircraft with obsolete parts is becoming increasingly difficult for military services. The USAF trusts select suppliers like AeroBase Group and BuyAircraftParts.com to supply some of these parts, as they can secure hard-to-find parts.

An HH60W Jolly Green II taxis at Moody AFB in Georgia (Photo Courtesy USAF)

For now, the USAF will continue to fly the HH-60G until the transition to Jolly Green II is complete.

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