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How does the retirement of the HH-60G Pave Hawk affect the Air National Guard?

Air National Guard transitions rescue duties to newer HH-60W Jolly Green II The retirement of the HH-60G Pave Hawk, a helicopter previously utilized for combat search and rescue, requires the Air National Guard to transition its operational duties. California's Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing participated in the final flight of the Pave Hawk. These units are now moving to the HH-60W Jolly Green II, a more advanced combat rescue helicopter that boasts a service ceiling of 20,000 feet and a range of 690 miles.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Oct 7
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The facts so far

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  • The HH-60G Pave Hawk made its final flight on September 10, 2026.slashgear.com
  • The Pave Hawk was utilized for combat search and rescue (CSAR) in Iraq and Afghanistan.slashgear.com
  • The final flight of the Pave Hawk was for California's Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing.slashgear.com
  • The HH-60W Jolly Green II has a service ceiling of 20,000 feet and a range of 690 miles.slashgear.com

Why it matters

The ability of the Air National Guard to conduct combat search and rescue is critical for military operations, ensuring personnel can be recovered from dangerous areas. The transition from the Pave Hawk to the Jolly Green II represents a modernization effort, providing units with a newer, more capable platform for these life-saving missions.

This shift is part of a broader trend in military aviation where older, long-serving assets are replaced by more advanced technology. The HH-60W Jolly Green II features integrated mission systems, including a digital radar warning receiver and hostile fire warning system, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of CSAR operations.

What we don't know yet

  • What is the full timeline for the Air National Guard's transition to the HH-60W Jolly Green II?
  • How does the operational capability of the HH-60W Jolly Green II compare to the Pave Hawk in specific combat scenarios?

What would change this answer

The HH-60W Jolly Green II experiences operational delays or technical issuesThe transition timeline could be extended, potentially leaving units reliant on older or less capable backup assets.
The Air National Guard retains the HH-60G Pave Hawk for specialized, non-CSAR missionsThe retirement's impact on the overall fleet size and operational readiness might be lessened.

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  • About Refueling Wing

    How will the Air National Guard ensure adequate refueling support for the longer-range missions conducted by the HH-60W Jolly Green II?

  • About Low Earth Orbit Constellations

    Given the integration of advanced mission systems, how might the use of Low Earth Orbit Constellations affect the real-time coordination of CSAR operations?

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The full eventHH-60G Pave Hawk Helicopter Retires After Decades of Service Everything aboutAir National Guard

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