Page 5 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, April 15, 2022

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88th Test and Evaluation Squadron welcomes new HH-60Ws, kicks off IOT&E
by 1st Lt. Lindsey Heflin
Eglin AFB, Fla.
The last HH-60W Jolly Green II departed Duke Field, Fla., March 22, 2022, signaling the end of initial devel- opmental test with the 413th Flight Test Squadron and the beginning of sustain- ment Operational Test led by the 88th Test Evaluation Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
The 88th TES has been engaged with the Air Force’s newest combat rescue helicopter since the inception of the program, supporting developmental testing and enabling early operational evaluations to take place while the HH- 60Ws were stationed at Duke Field.
“The departure of the last HH-60W from Duke Field is a significant mile- stone for 413th FLTS and the entire Combat Rescue Helicopter program,” said Lt Col Andy Burns, 413th FLTS operations officer. “I am proud of the accomplishments and professionalism of the entire combined test team, and we couldn’t have accomplished any of it without our partners from Air Combat Command. While it is bitter-sweet to see the helicopter depart, I am really excited
Air Force photograph by Dave Shelikoff
An HH-60W Jolly Green II prepares to take off from Duke Field, Fla., heading to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., where it will replace the HH-60G Pave Hawk at the 88th Test and Evaluation Squadron, March 22, 2022. The 88th TES mission is to provide battlefield-ready solutions to maximize Combat Search and Rescue capabilities.
advantage of the aircraft’s capabilities. “One of the most important new ca- pabilities, and the thing that we will be developing the most Tactics, Techniques and Procedures towards, is the ability to integrate on a digital level in a way we previously have not,” said Lt Col Keith Craine, 88th TES commander. “It allows us to more effectively use the capabilities of other U.S. Air Force assets to collect information on isolated personnel and penetrate more heavily-defended areas.” The first OT event that the HH-60W will participate in is Black Flag, where the aircraft will be evaluated on its abil- ity to integrate with the Combat Air Force that it is tasked to support. The lessons learned and tactics developed in Black Flag will go a long way towards realizing the increased combat capabil-
ity offered by the HH-60W.
The 88th TES mission is to provide
battlefield-ready solutions to maximize Combat Search and Rescue capabilities for combatant commanders. They do this by developing tactics, techniques and procedures to most effectively em- ploy the guardian angel weapons system, HH-60G, HH-60W and the isolated personnel who need recovering.
to see the HH-60W program transition to the Combat Search and Rescue Com- bined Test Force for the next phase in its development.”
The first step for the 88th TES fol-
lowing the arrival of the HH-60W is to build proficiency in the airframe. By understanding the aircraft and its capabilities, the squadron will be able to develop tactics that take the most
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