The U.S. Air Force confirmed that the 56th Rescue Generation Squadron received its final HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter at Aviano Air Base, completing the unit’s transition to the new platform.
According to a report by the website Defence Blog, a service update released this week revealed that the final aircraft was delivered to Aviano Air Base, Italy, where the 56th RGS provides maintenance and generation support for U.S. Air Force rescue operations across Europe.
The delivery formally concludes the squadron’s re-equipment process and brings its HH-60W fleet to full operational capability. The helicopter will replace the HH-60G Pave Hawk, which had been in service for decades.
According to the U.S. Air Force, the HH-60W Jolly Green II was designed to meet the demands of long-range missions and to operate in high-threat environments, supporting combat search and rescue, personnel recovery, and other special missions.
The HH-60W features updated avionics, extended fuel capacity, improved communications, and enhanced survivability systems compared to earlier variants.
These upgrades allow rescue crews to operate farther from base, remain on station longer, and coordinate more effectively with joint and allied forces in contested airspace.
The 56th RGS plays a central role in maintaining the readiness of rescue aircraft assigned to U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Meanwhile, Aviano Air Base serves as a key hub for U.S. air operations in southern Europe, supporting NATO missions, regional deterrence, and rapid response operations.
