106th Rescue Wing conducts ceremony marking arrival of Air Force's latest, high-tech rescue helicopter

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A new HH-60W helicopter at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, N.Y., on Sept. 12, 2024..

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NEW YORK (10/23/2024) (readMedia)-- The New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing will hold an event marking the arrival of the latest high-tech rescue helicopter at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base on Friday morning, October 25.

Members of the press are invited to cover the event, which will include a fly-by and opportunity to inspect the new aircraft, which will enhance the 106th Rescue Wing's capabilities.

WHO: Members of the 106th Rescue Wing

WHAT: A ceremony marking the fielding of the HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue helicopter to the wing's 101st Rescue Squadron. Reporters will have a chance to get an up close look at the aircraft and receive a briefing on the wing's mission. The first designated crew chief for one of the new helicopters will be announced. The 106th Rescue Wing is the first of the three Air Guard rescue wings to operate the new aircraft.

WHEN: 8 a.m., Friday, October 25 for briefing. Event starts at 09:30 a.m.

WHERE: Francis .S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, 150 Old Riverhead Road, Westhampton Beach, New York, 11978

Coverage Opportunities

Media will be able to obtain still and video images of the new helicopter in flight and on the ground. There will be a chance to "tour" the aircraft and interviews with106th Rescue Wing leaders and Airmen.

Reporters interested in covering this event must email Capt. Cheran Campbell at cheran.campbell@u.s.af.mil by noon on Thursday, October 24.

BACKGROUND:

The HH-60W Jolly Green II is replacing the HH-60G Pave Hawk combat rescue helicopter which the 106th Rescue Wing previously operated.

While the HH-60G and the HH-60W look the same on the outside-resembling a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter with a refueling probe on the front-there are significant differences in the two aircraft.

The HH-60W is designed from the ground up with integrated mission systems that improve situational awareness for aircrews conducting the combat search and rescue missions. The helicopters feature new multi-function displays to provide pilots with critical flight information.

Modifications to the HH-60W include:

• A digital radar warning receiver.

• A laser, missile, and hostile fire warning system.

• Integrated chaff and flares.

• Cabin and cockpit armor.

• Externally mounted 7.62 mm and .50 caliber weapons.

• LINK 16 military tactical data link network.

• Situational Awareness Data Link.

• Integrated cockpit and cabin displays.

• Advanced communications.

• Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast.

• Tactical moving map displays.

• Upturned IR-masking exhausts.

and efficient wide-chord rotor blades.

The new helicopters can operate at altitudes of up to 20,000 feet, as opposed to 14,000 feet for the HH-60G. The range of the HH-60W is 690 miles before refueling as opposed to, 579 miles for the older aircraft.

The HH-60W engines generate more thrust than the HH-60G and are designed to operate in bad weather conditions without losing efficiency.

The HH-60W is named Jolly Green II in honor of the Sikorsky HH-3E helicopter, which was nicknamed the Jolly Green Giant because of its size and paint scheme and was used to rescue pilots during the Vietnam War.

The 106th Rescue Wing operated these aircraft, which were finally retired from service in 1995.