The last three MH-53M Pave Low helicopters flew out of Kirtland AFB, N.M., headed for the Boneyard at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., on Monday. The Albuquerque Tribune reports that it was an emotional departure for members of the now-deactivated 551st Special Operations Squadron, which trained Pave Low aircrews. And, earlier this month, Air Force Education Command completed its last Pave Low maintenance course at Ft. Eustis, Va. This last class of five airmen is expected to work on the MH-53 for about a year, and then most will transition to the new CV-22 tiltrotor.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
