As Jolly Green IIs are gradually inducted, more Pave Hawks become relics

On 5 May 2021, USAF Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk, serial number 87-26009 (construction number 701209), flew its retirement flight to become a permanent display item at the Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park (FL).

During its retirement flight, Maj. Gen. Chad P. Franks, the 15th Air Force commander, was a special guest. In 1999, Franks flew the very same Pave Hawk during Operation Allied Force, which resulted in rescuing a downed F-117A Nighthawk pilot Lt. Col. Darrell Patrick 'Dale' Zelko from Serbian territory.

While in the process of being preserved, this Pave Hawk represents the hard work and accomplishments of the men and women of the 55th Special Operations Squadron who took great care of '009' when it was flown in 1999.

The 55th SOS originated as the 55th Air Rescue Squadron in 1952. In 1966, it was re-designated as the 55th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron. HH-60G '009' began its operations in 1982 under the 55th ARRS, which later became the 55th Special Operations Squadron in 1988. While under the 55th SOS, the Pave Hawk was flown during operation Just Cause, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, Northern Watch, Allied Force and various other special operations missions.

While HH-60G 87-26009 will be preserved at Hurlburt Field, Pave Hawk 91-26356 has been preserved recently at Moody AFB (FL).

Photos: USAF