War-torn Rescue helicopter returns home after four years

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Luke Johnson
  • 943rd Rescue Group Public Affairs
DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Dusty, beat up and war torn, an Air Force rescue helicopter which bears the number 224 on its tail, finally arrived back home to the 943rd Rescue Group here after serving proudly in an assortment of combat search and rescue deployments.

As soon as the HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter touched the ground after being pulled off of a C-17 Globemaster III transport plane, it was greeted by members of the 943rd Maintenance Squadron. They quickly moved the aircraft to the group's hangar to be serviced, inspected and returned to flight status.

"Finally after four years we've got the aircraft back. A lot of guy's who saw her off are still in this unit," said Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Hauck, 943rd MXS superintendent. "It's really significant to have it back after four years of being loaned out to our active duty counterparts because they needed additional airframes."

According to Chief Hauck, the aircraft will first undergo a variety of safety inspections to ensure the aircraft is dependable for an assortment of missions the group may be called upon to perform.

"We will spend three to four weeks just getting our eyes in every nook and cranny, especially in the critical areas to ensure it's a safe aircraft to fly," said the chief.

The aircraft will come with detailed maintenance records of maintenance it underwent over the last four years to help get the aircraft back into service.

"It was kind of a surreal moment seeing the aircraft for the first time," said Maj. Michael Williams, 934rd MXS commander. "We knew the helicopter was going to be really beat up, but we also have the best maintainers in the Air Force to get it back into top condition."

The goal is to have the helicopter ready for flight in a month to assist in getting air crew personnel trained and ready for future deployments.

"It will not be in pristine condition; it will be in flight safety shape. Cosmetically it will not look that good," said Major Williams. "It definitely has been used."
During its time away from the 943rd RQG, the aircraft provided support for numerous combat support missions.

"Very few people may know that the helicopter was used in the initial stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom by Airmen from the 920th Rescue Group. It also spent time deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom," said Major Williams.

To learn more about the 920th RQW, log on to the wing's Web site:www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.