[Llarry]

The Air Force faced a problem in the post-Vietnam era. The HH-3E Jolly Green Giant combat search and rescue (CSAR) helicopters that had performed such heroic rescues during the war in Southeast Asia were war-weary and in need of replacement. As had the other services, the USAF looked at the H-60 as a nearly ideal solution.

The first step was the procurement of UH-60As and modifications to suit the rescue mission. More internal fuel and a refueling probe were added. The Army optional door-mounted 7.62mm machine guns were replaced with 12.7mm (.50 cal) machine guns.

Some 98 H-60s were modified for USAF use -- 16 of these were more elaborately equipped and used for SpecOps as MH-60Gs. The other 82 were used for CSAR and designated HH-60G. They entered service in the late 1980s.

By 2004, the USAF began looking for an improved replacement. In 2006, a CSAR version of the H-47 Chinook was selected but cancelled after competitor protests. There were several more attempts at replacing the HH/MH-60G but all were unsuccessful.

The Air Force ultimately deferred the search for a larger aircraft and in 2012 selected a UH-60M-based replacement. In 2019, that helicopter first flew as the HH-60W. The plan is for procurement of 112 HH-60Ws and they are now operational in a number of rescue squadrons. In a nod to the CSAR helicopters of the Vietnam era, the HH-60W are called "Jolly Green II".

As a footnote, the USAF test facility at Groom Lake, Nevada ("Area 51") also has 4 HH-60U "Ghost Hawks" -- based on the UH-60M -- assigned