MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The 23d Wing hosted the unveiling ceremony of the new HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopter Jan. 22-23, 2021, here.
"We get to formally accept a piece of equipment that ushers in a new era of the incredible mission that is combat rescue,” said Maj. Gen. Chad P. Franks, 15th Air Force commander.
Franks spoke about the various improvements in the Jolly Green II’s defenses, performance, avionics, weapons, and cybersecurity that make it a next-generation piece of war-fighting hardware. Franks also expressed great confidence in the Airmen of the 23d Wing during his remarks at the ceremony.
"I acknowledge that we are here to celebrate this incredible new aircraft, but let us not forget the words of General George S. Patton when he said, 'wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men and women,'" said Franks. “Our rescue Airmen have an unshakable spirit, remain forever dedicated to the mission, and most importantly, to each other.”
The 347th Rescue Group received the first Jolly Green II helicopters last November for developmental testing and is tasked with ensuring the platform is mission-ready by the summer of 2022.
“These Airmen own the development of all tactics, techniques, Air Force Instructions, syllabi, and concepts of deployment and integration for the new platform before declaring the Jolly Green II ready for initial operational capability,” said Col. Dan Walls, 23d Wing commander. “The task at hand is great, and will be met by the talented Airmen of the 23d Wing and supported by our community partners here in Valdosta, confirming Moody Air Force Base’s legacy as the home of combat rescue.”
Walls closed his remarks by expressing his faith in team Moody’s ability to complete their undertaking with the Jolly Green II.
"Today, we have the most ready and capable combat rescue team in the world,” said Walls. “The HH-60W Jolly Green II is now joining that team."
The Jolly Green II will replace its predecessor, the HH-60G Pave Hawk.