MH-53M Pave Low IV

The MH-53M Pave Low IV was a modified MH-53J equipped with the Interactive Defensive Avionics System/Multi-Mission Advanced Tactical Terminal, which enhanced the Pave Low’s defensive capabilities by providing instant access to the total battlefield situation, improving detection avoidance, and allowing crews to avoid and defeat threats and replan enroute if needed. The Sikorsky HH-53 “Super Jolly Green Giant” was a USAF version of the CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter for long-range search and rescue, and the USAF received its first HH-53 in 1968. This helicopter series served in the Vietnam War, the Apollo Space Program, numerous rescue and recovery missions, and several operations including Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Iraqi Freedom. This MH-53M, serial number 73-1652, was last assigned to the 16th Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and was flown to its final resting place on 5 September 2008. It had been assigned to the 55th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Eglin AFB from June 1976 to July 1980, and during its time there it was part of the recovery team sent to Jonestown, Guyana, to recover the 903 American bodies in the Jim Jones incident. The helicopter was flown for 34 years before being retired from service, and the MH-53J/M fleet was retired in September 2008.

Florida · United States