HH-60W reaches initial operational capability

Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, declared the HH-60W Jolly Green II has reached initial operational capability on Oct. 4.

The declaration means that the U.S. Air Force now possesses sufficient HH-60Ws, logistics requirements and trained Airmen to support a 30-day deployment to any independent location with a package of four aircraft.

"It's an exciting day for Combat Rescue as we bring a new platform and its upgraded capabilities into operation," said Maj. Gen. David Lyons, ACC director of operations. "This declaration is the culmination of years of hard work and vision. Current and future combat environments require us to maneuver further and faster than ever before, and the capabilities provided by the Jolly Green II supports the platform's viability for our Air Force Personnel Recovery core function for as long as possible."

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron perform a combat search and rescue demonstration at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 9, 2022. The 23rd Maintenance Group and 347th Rescue Group have successfully postured the HH-60W Jolly Green II capabilities for maximum combat readiness and full integration in rescue operations alongside the HC-130J Combat King II aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmine M. Barnes) — Airmen assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron perform a combat search and rescue demonstration at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Sept. 9, 2022. The 23rd Maintenance Group and 347th Rescue Group have successfully postured the HH-60W Jolly Green II capabilities for maximum combat readiness and full integration in rescue operations alongside the HC-130J Combat King II aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmine M. Barnes)

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