New York Air National Guard 106th Rescue Wing receives first new HH-60W Jolly Green II

From Gabreski Air Base, Senior Airman Sarah McKernan reported on the arrival of the new helicopter. The first new aircraft of this type marks the beginning of a new era as the 106th begins its transition from the HH-60G Pave Hawk to the latest rescue helicopter, said Colonel Shawn Fitzgerald, the 106th Rescue Wing Commander. “We are very excited all around and I am so happy to be a part of it and see it happen,” Fitzgerald said.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Forbes, the 101st Rescue Squadron Commander, the current ‘Golf’ models have served the wing since 1990.

The crew that brought the aircraft from Moody Air Force Base in Georgia to Gabreski included two HH-60W instructor pilots, a special missions aviator, and two HH-60 crew chiefs from the 106th Rescue Wing.

“It’s awesome being a part of the team to bring our first ‘Whiskey’ home; knowing that it’s the first of a new era for the wing is exciting,” said Master Sergeant Jordan Butler, an HH-60 Crew Chief. “It’s difficult to go from something that you’ve worked on for 12 years, but a lot of the aircraft is similar, so learning the subtleties and nuances is going to be challenging but I’m excited to begin the transition,” Butler added.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work on the new airframe,” said Senior Airman Ryan Brandon, an HH-60 Crew Chief. “I’m looking forward to the upcoming challenges as we learn to work and maintain these aircraft.”

Forbes explained that the HH-60W features improved turn performance, increased hover-at-altitude capabilities, larger cabin space, and an internal fuel system.

“From a pilot’s perspective, the biggest difference is the avionics package,” said Forbes. “You’re going from a federated cockpit to a fully integrated cockpit. There are a lot of upgrades that make us more survivable in major combat operations,” he added.

The upgraded avionics suite on the HH-60W includes an integrated mission system with a fully integrated cockpit and cabin displays, which reduces aircrew workload and improves effectiveness during missions. Modifications also include externally mounted weapons for increased cabin space as well as improved cabin and cockpit armor.

The aircraft is also equipped with over-the-horizon tactical data receivers that enable the helicopter to receive near real-time mission and threat update information, enhancing mission effectiveness, Forbes explained. “It’s an exciting time to be at the unit and get to see and work with the newest available combat search and rescue helicopter,” Forbes added.

The 106th will be fully transitioned to the new model by June 2025, when the base is due to receive its sixth HH-60W.

The 106th Rescue Wing, based at the Gabreski Air Base in Westhampton Beach, New York, operates and maintains the HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft, and the HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopter. The 106th Rescue Wing is home to a special warfare squadron with pararescuemen and combat rescue officers, specializing in rescue and recovery, on domestic and overseas operations.

The US Air Force deployed a Jolly Green II to Japan earlier this year to aid with rescue missions at sea.

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