
In June 2014, Sikorsky won USAF contract to supply 113 next generation Combat Rescue Helicopters (CRH) to replace the HH-60G Pave Hawk. In November that year was designated as HH-60W. First flight took place on May 2019.
In July 2019, the 413th Flight Test Squadron was the first unit to fly the new helicopter. Six HH-60W are going to conduct the developmental test program at Duke Field, FL.
In August 2019, the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB activate new Detachment to prepare the unit to receive the new helicopter in 2020.
Two first operational HH-60W were delivered to 41st RQS at Moody AFB, GA in November 2020.
In October 2022, with 24 HH-60W already delivered, USAF declared the Initial Operational Capability (IOC).
The initial plan for 113 HH-60Ws was cut to 85 ( including 10 test aircraft ) in 2023 but Congress added 10 more aircraft in 2024 and four more in 2025, for a total of 89 production helicopters.
In January 2024, PACAF received its first helicopters at Kadena AFB, Japan.
In June 2024, New York Rescue Wing received its first HH-60W
In December 2024, Aviano 56 RQS welcomed its first helicopter
In January 2025, California 129th Rescue Wing recived first two units.
The 2026 budget disclosed the decision to divert up to 26 HH-60Ws to replace the Washington D.C. VIP VH-1N fleet at the 1st Helicopter Squadron instead of buying new MH-139 helicopters. It seems, in a twist, the HH-60W's 'stripped' configuration for this role effectively mirrors the HH-60U proposal it had previously passed over.
In July 2019, the 413th Flight Test Squadron was the first unit to fly the new helicopter. Six HH-60W are going to conduct the developmental test program at Duke Field, FL.
In August 2019, the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB activate new Detachment to prepare the unit to receive the new helicopter in 2020.
Two first operational HH-60W were delivered to 41st RQS at Moody AFB, GA in November 2020.
In October 2022, with 24 HH-60W already delivered, USAF declared the Initial Operational Capability (IOC).
The initial plan for 113 HH-60Ws was cut to 85 ( including 10 test aircraft ) in 2023 but Congress added 10 more aircraft in 2024 and four more in 2025, for a total of 89 production helicopters.
In January 2024, PACAF received its first helicopters at Kadena AFB, Japan.
In June 2024, New York Rescue Wing received its first HH-60W
In December 2024, Aviano 56 RQS welcomed its first helicopter
In January 2025, California 129th Rescue Wing recived first two units.
The 2026 budget disclosed the decision to divert up to 26 HH-60Ws to replace the Washington D.C. VIP VH-1N fleet at the 1st Helicopter Squadron instead of buying new MH-139 helicopters. It seems, in a twist, the HH-60W's 'stripped' configuration for this role effectively mirrors the HH-60U proposal it had previously passed over.
Units |
| Years | Units | Base |
|---|---|---|
| 2025- | 56th RQS | |
| 2025- | 129th RQS | Moffett Field |
| 2025- | 301st RQS | Patrick AFB |
| 2024- | 33 RQS | |
| 2024- | 101 RQS | Francis S. Gabreski |
| 2024- | 210th RQS | Elmendorf AFB Eielson AFB |
| 2023- | 55 RQS | Davis-Monthan AFB |
| 2022- | 66th RQS | Nellis AFB |
| 2021- | 512th RQS | Kirtland AFB |
| 2020- | 41st RQS | Moody AFB |
| 2019/21 | 413 FLTS | Eglin AFB Duke Field |
|
