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US Air Force's elite HH-60W helicopters execute daring Pacific rescue

A race against time in the Pacific: How cutting-edge helicopters and cross-border coordination saved a life. The HH-60W's combat-proven tech made the difference.

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2 min read
The image shows two military helicopters flying side by side over the ocean, with a hill in the...
The image shows two military helicopters flying side by side over the ocean, with a hill in the background. The helicopters have text and numbers on them, indicating they are part of the U.S. Navy.

US Air Force's elite HH-60W helicopters execute daring Pacific rescue

Mexico has authorised an emergency landing for four US Air Force aircraft to assist in a medical rescue operation. The mission aimed to evacuate a crew member in urgent need of care from a vessel located roughly 400 nautical miles west of Cabo San Lucas. The operation involved advanced rescue helicopters and support units from the US military.

The emergency landing was approved by Mexico's Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA). Two HC-130J Combat King II aerial refueling tankers and two HH-60W Jolly Green II rescue helicopters touched down in Mexico before proceeding to the rescue site. The crew member, aboard a ship far off the Baja California Sur coast, required immediate medical attention.

The HH-60W Jolly Green II is a specialised Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) helicopter. Designed for all-weather, day-and-night operations, it features a fully digital glass cockpit and improved performance in hot, high-altitude conditions. Its defensive systems include radar warning receivers, missile detection, and armoured protection for both cabin and cockpit. The helicopter also carries externally mounted machine guns and advanced communication tools like Link 16 and SADL data links.

Additional US Air Force units supported the mission. A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft provided close air support, while MQ-9 Reaper drones conducted reconnaissance. An E-3 Sentry AWACS monitored airspace control during the operation. The HH-60W, derived from the UH-60M Black Hawk, honours Vietnam War-era rescue helicopters like the HH-3 'Jolly Green Giant' and HH-53.

The HH-60W model offers key upgrades over its predecessor, the HH-60G Pave Hawk. It has double the internal fuel capacity, expanded cabin space, and efficient wide-chord rotor blades. The helicopter's capabilities extend beyond combat rescues to medical evacuations, disaster response, firefighting, and public service missions.

The rescue operation successfully deployed multiple US Air Force assets after Mexico granted emergency landing clearance. The crew member in distress was reached by helicopters equipped for long-range medical and combat support. The mission highlights the HH-60W Jolly Green II's role in critical response scenarios, both in military and humanitarian situations.

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