The Air Force’s vaunted combat search and rescue forces wouldn’t get very far without the constant behind-the-scenes work of the HH-60 Pave Hawk maintainers. The Red Tail Flyer reports that even though they are few in number, the airmen of the 64th Expeditionary Helicopter Maintenance Unit in Southwest Asia perform vital checks of each aircraft every 72 hours, breaking the helos down into six section to inspect. The unit’s helicopters fly a total of 250 hours a month, which TSgt. Michael Montagno, says, “does wear on the airframe, and things such as cracks and body damage must be fixed on a regular basis.”
President Donald Trump signed legislation reopening the federal government late Nov. 12, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The move sets the stage for tens of thousands of defense civilians to return to work and guarantees troops will be paid in a few days’ time.
