HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters involved in first real-world casualty evacuation operation

The combined force consists of HC-130J recovery aircraft and Guardian Angels from the 347th Rescue Group, as well as the HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters in their first real-world casualty evacuation operation in the African area of responsibility (AOR).

Alert crews were activated during the pre-dawn hours and picked up the two injured people quickly, with the team in and out of the area without incident. They then immediately headed to the nearest medical facility for trauma surgery while the paramedics performed their own emergency medical care in the aircraft’s cabin to stabilize the patients.

The HC-130Js were then called to move the more seriously injured patient to another location for further treatment. Both lives were saved.

Capt Abby Norwood of the 303rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron said: “Everyone responded with complete professionalism, doing exactly what we train to do. We couldn’t have done it without the whole team.”

The HH-60W can shorten the time required to rescue isolated or injured individuals by bringing the team directly to the location. Therefore, critical resources are preserved and the morale, cohesion and fighting capability of joint and friendly forces are maintained.

On 4 October 2022, Gen Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, declared the HH-60W Jolly Green II has reached initial operational capability. The US Air Force (USAF) therefore now has sufficient HH-60Ws, logistics requirements and trained airmen to support 30-day deployment to any location with a package of four aircraft.