Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley writes in a new CSAF’s Vector that “range and payload remain the soul of an air force, and the HH-47 exceeds our requirements in both areas.” Moseley was explaining the service’s selection of the Boeing HH-47 as the CSAR-X platform. He went on to explain that the Chinook-based airframe would “be capable of flying faster over longer ranges and higher altitudes, day or night, during adverse weather conditions, while carrying more personnel and specialized equipment than our legacy platform.” Moseley also highlighted the Air Force’s history in combat search and rescue, noting, “While other services do personnel recover, the Air Force is the only service with forces dedicated entirely to CSAR.”
Seven F-22 Raptor pilots have recently been awarded one of the military’s highest decorations for their actions during operations in the Middle East. Six of the pilots were decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.