Kirtland AFB Bids Farewell to the HH-60G Pave Hawk Published Dec. 3, 2024 By Brittanie Teston 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- A chapter of Air Force history will close on Dec. 3 as the 58 Special Operations Wing hosts a retirement ceremony for the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, marking the end of its distinguished service in training aviators in combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations. The Pave Hawk, a workhorse for personnel recovery missions, has been a key asset for decades, supporting operations worldwide. Its replacement, the HH-60W Jolly Green II, brings advanced capabilities that address the evolving challenges of modern combat environments. The transition began in 2020 when the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland received its first HH-60W, making it one of the first Air Force units to adopt the upgraded aircraft. The shift to the HH-60W aligns with the Air Force’s plan to fully replace the aging Pave Hawk fleet by 2029, ensuring that personnel recovery operations are conducted with the most up-to-date and capable aircraft available. Today we retire our last HH-60G Pave Hawk aircraft, but not it’s legacy or mission. 58 SOW Airmen will continue training future aviators in the CSAR mission with the newer HH-60W Jolly Green II, employing cutting edge technology and new tactics to rescue those in need from the most dangerous and unforgiving of environments,” said Col. Jason Allen, commander of the 58th Special Operations Wing. The HH-60W, also known as the Jolly Green II, offers improved avionics, enhanced survivability features, and increased fuel capacity, enabling extended range and mission effectiveness. These upgrades reflect a focus on protecting both aircrews and those they are rescuing in hostile environments. The retirement ceremony included remarks from Allen and Lt. Col. Andrew Simpson, 512th Rescue Squadron instructor pilot, as well as an opportunity to view the departing HH-60G. The 512th Rescue Squadron then launched the helicopter’s last flight out, marking its final departure from Kirtland. “It’s a big deal, a lot of these guys have deployed on these aircrafts,” said Simpson. “It’s bittersweet seeing them go to the boneyard.” The Pave Hawk’s legacy includes missions that spanned humanitarian efforts, disaster response, and combat zones, embodying the Air Force’s commitment to “That Others May Live.” As the Jolly Green II takes its place, the Air Force continues to prioritize innovation and readiness for tomorrow’s challenges.