WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. (AFNS) — The New York National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing officially marked the arrival of its new HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue fleet during a ceremony October 25 at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base.
The aircraft will replace the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters formerly flown by the wing. The new high-tech helicopters are more capable than the aircraft they replace.
“This is a momentous occasion which allows for us to reflect on where we are as an organization and where we are headed,” said Col. Shawn P. Fitzgerald, 106th Rescue Wing Commander.
The 106th Rescue Wing relied on the HH-60Gs when it responded to hurricanes and major storms during missions in Florida, Texas, and North and South Carolina.