U.S. Air Force’s Final Active Duty Pave Hawk Mission Flown at Aviano Air Base, Unit Welcomes Jolly Green IIs Published Dec. 18, 2024 By U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Public Affairs Ramstein Air Base, Germany -- Airmen of the 56th Rescue Squadron and 56th Rescue Generation Squadron flew the final mission for the Air Force’s Active Duty HH-60G Pave Hawk at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Dec. 18. The Pave Hawk played a vital role for the 31st Fighter Wing in its delivery of rapidly-deployable, worldwide combat rescue and reaction forces. Its legacy includes missions that spanned humanitarian efforts, disaster response, and combat zones, embodying the rescue community’s commitment “That Others May Live.” “Today marks the end of an iconic chapter in our Air Force history with the final active-duty HH-60G flight,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Beau Diers, 31st Fighter Wing deputy commander. “Through its tour of duty, the HH-60G provided countless lifesaving rescue operations around the globe. As we transition to the HH-60W, we remember the G’s proud history while looking forward to an even brighter future with increased combat capabilities.” The HH-60W Jolly Green IIs are equipped with an improved avionics package and upgraded equipment. Aviano Air Base received its first HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters on Dec. 13 and is set to field its final tranche in October 2025.