USAF museum gets combat veteran Pave Hawk

Combat rescue helicopter arrives at Wright-Patterson AFB for permanent display

The HH-60G turns above Wright-Patterson AFB prior to touching down for the final time.
The HH-60G turns above Wright-Patterson AFB prior to touching down for the final time. USAF

The latest exhibit to join the National Museum of the US Air Force in its 50th anniversary year is a Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk, serial 92-26463. The combat rescue helicopter arrived at the museum’s Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, home on 16 August.

Serial 92-26463 is prepared for shut-down.
Serial 92-26463 is prepared for shut-down. USAF

This example of the Pave Hawk led an April 2004 mission to rescue five US Army soldiers whose helicopter had crashed during a sandstorm near Kharbut, Iraq. Its crew was awarded the Mackay Trophy for the most meritorious flight of the year by a US Air Force crew. The helicopter was flown to the museum on 16 August, having formerly been on the strength of the 66th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron at Nellis AFB, Nevada.

The 66th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron crew that delivered the Pave Hawk to the museum.
The 66th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron crew that delivered the Pave Hawk to the museum. USAF