Air Force HH-60Ws Rescue Five Navy Personnel
Two U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters successfully rescued five Navy personnel after an MH-60S Seahawk made a hard landing in mountainous terrain during a high-altitude training flight.
The U.S. Air Force dispatched two HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters from Nellis Air Force Base to rescue five Navy personnel after an MH-60S Seahawk made a hard landing near Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California.
## Aircraft Ready In Less Than 30 Minutes
The 88th Test and Evaluation Squadron received notification of the hard landing at about 11:30 a.m. and recalled personnel for the rescue. The 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepared two HH-60Ws in less than 30 minutes despite encountering a circuit-breaker problem on one helicopter. Aircrews departed Nellis at 1 p.m. and located the Navy personnel about two hours later.
According to Capt. John Howe, an 88th TES combat rescue officer, the key to a smooth execution of the rescue mission lies in the preparation. He stated that the combination of preestablished operating procedures, keeping equipment staged and ready for use, and hasty mission planning prior to departure, makes the process effective and expeditious.
## All Five Returned To China Lake
Pararescue personnel assessed the Navy crew after reaching the landing zone and determined that no one was injured. The HH-60W crews repositioned to a closer landing area after considering the helicopter power margins and terrain. All five Navy personnel were extracted by 3:50 p.m. and returned to their unit at China Lake.
Lt. Col. Kenneth “Buddy” Wilkins, 88th TES commander and rescue flight lead, described the mission as routine, stating that the team has trained for such situations and has executed similar missions numerous times. He expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the mission and the ability to help those in need.
