Air Force rescue squadron deploys HH-60W Jolly Green II to East Africa

The U.S. Air Force has deployed HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters to East Africa for the first time, establishing a new rotary-wing rescue capability at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, in a move aimed at strengthening crisis response across the region. The 56th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron arrived June 10, marking a milestone for the unit as it begins operations with the service’s newest combat rescue helicopter.

The deployment brings a dedicated combat search-and-rescue presence to the U.S. Navy installation that hosts Combined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa, expanding options for personnel recovery, medical evacuation and rapid-response missions in a high-threat operating environment. The 56th ERQS will work alongside the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron and the Joint Personnel Recovery Center to provide around-the-clock coverage for U.S. and partner forces.

“Deploying the 56th Rescue Squadron to Camp Lemonnier required an incredible amount of teamwork and coordination across the 31st Fighter Wing, AFAFRICA, and AFRICOM staffs,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Gokey, 56th ERQS commander. “This deployment is a major milestone, marking our first since transitioning from the battle-proven HH-60G Pave Hawk to the advanced capabilities of the HH-60W Jolly Green II.”

Airmen from the 449th Air Expeditionary Group and the 726th Expeditionary Mission Support Squadron handled the reception and offload of personnel and aircraft, enabling the helicopters to begin integrating into theater operations shortly after arrival. “The rapid offload and integration of the 56th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron team is a testament to the agility and professionalism of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group Airmen who worked through the night to make this happen,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Kris Aikens, 449th AEG commander. “Adding the HH-60W Jolly Green as an advanced personnel recovery asset to the 449th AEG will enhance our crisis response posture, giving East Africa an unmatched capability for the United States and our partners throughout the theater.”

The HH-60W, built to replace the HH-60G, features greater range and survivability, upgraded defensive systems, advanced sensors and communications, and increased fuel capacity—capabilities tailored for combat search-and-rescue missions in contested airspace. Its addition in Djibouti aligns with U.S. Africa Command’s emphasis on enabling regional partners while sustaining U.S. readiness to respond to crises including contingencies, noncombatant evacuations and humanitarian emergencies.

“Having dedicated rescue air assets in theater greatly increased our team’s ability to quickly and efficiently save lives,” said Capt. Jason Hill, 82nd ERQS commander. “The interoperability we have with our rescue brethren greatly increases our capability to support AFRICOM’s objectives.”

Camp Lemonnier is the United States’ only permanent military base in Africa and a key hub for operations spanning the Horn of Africa, the Gulf of Aden and the western Indian Ocean. The addition of a resident HH-60W detachment is intended to shorten response times and tighten coordination among aircrews, pararescue specialists and command-and-control elements already in place.

The deployment also reflects broader priorities within the 406th Air Expeditionary Wing to bolster base defense and maintain a high state of crisis readiness across a wide and complex operating area, according to Air Force officials.

“Getting our maintainers, aircrew, support and aircraft into theater, ready to execute the personnel recovery mission on day one, is a direct testament to the dedication, adaptability and tireless preparation of our Airmen,” concluded Gokey.