An HH-60G rescue helicopter assigned to the 56th Rescue Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, England, had to make a precautionary landing near the base after a windshield wiper motor failed and filled the cockpit with smoke, according to base officials. The incident occurred on Nov. 6 during a routine training mission with six persons on board, states a Nov. 7 Lakenheath release. The pilot followed emergency procedures and landed the helicopter at Santon Downham, an area about five miles east of the base, with no injuries. A maintenance crew responded to the incident and fixed the helicopter within six hours, according to the release. The cause of the motor anomaly is under investigation.
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
