The Air Force’s newest combat rescue helicopters have arrived at Camp Lemonnier, marking a major milestone for U.S. military readiness in Africa and adding a new, powerful layer of support for troops and partners operating in challenging environments.
The 56th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron arrived at the strategic base in Djibouti on June 10, 2026, marking the first time the HH-60W Jolly Green II has operated in East Africa. This move comes as part of the 406th Air Expeditionary Wing under U.S. Air Forces Africa, underscoring a continued focus on strengthening crisis response and personnel recovery in the region.
Officials describe the deployment as a major achievement that reflects extensive coordination and preparation. “Deploying the 56th Rescue Squadron to Camp Lemonnier required an incredible amount of teamwork and coordination across the 31st Fighter Wing, Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Africa Command staffs,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Jonathan Gokey, squadron commander. “This deployment is a major milestone, marking our first since transitioning from the battle-proven HH-60G Pave Hawk to the advanced capabilities of the HH-60W Jolly Green II.”
The Jolly Green II represents a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, with enhanced range, survivability, and mission systems designed for high-threat combat rescue. Now on station alongside the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, these aircraft will integrate with the Joint Personnel Recovery Center to provide dedicated, rapid-response assets. This presence is expected to significantly improve the ability to support joint forces and regional partners facing unpredictable security challenges.
“Having dedicated rescue air assets in theater greatly increased our team’s ability to quickly and efficiently save lives,” said Air Force Capt. Jason Hill, 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron commander. “The interoperability we have with our rescue brethren greatly increases our capability to support Africom’s objectives.”
Support teams worked tirelessly to make the arrival seamless. Airmen from the 449th Air Expeditionary Group and the 726th Expeditionary Mission Support Squadron handled the offload and integration, often through the night. Air Force Col. Kris Aikens, 449th AEG commander, praised their efforts. “The rapid offload and integration of the 56th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron team is a testament to the agility and professionalism of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group airmen who worked through the night to make this happen,” he said. “Adding the HH-60W Jolly Green as an advanced personnel recovery asset to the 449th AEG will enhance our crisis response posture, giving East Africa an unmatched capability for the United States and our partners throughout the theater.”
This deployment aligns closely with U.S. The move is in line with Africa Command’s focus on African-led efforts enabled by American capabilities. Having these advanced helicopters in a critical hub raises the baseline infrastructure needed for effective response across a large area of responsibility. It also sends a strong message of commitment to protect personnel and support stability efforts in an area where threats can materialize quickly.
Lt. Col. Gokey highlighted the human element behind the success. “Getting our maintainers, aircrew, support and aircraft into theater, ready to execute the personnel recovery mission on day one, is a direct testament to the dedication, adaptability and tireless preparation of our airmen,” he said.
As operations continue to evolve in East Africa, the arrival of the Jolly Green II helicopters adds a proven and modern edge to the rescue mission. This development not only bolsters immediate capabilities but also contributes to longer-term deterrence and partnership-building in one of the world’s most strategically important areas. For service members and allies on the ground, it means knowing that dedicated rescue forces stand ready when seconds count.
An Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II is offloaded from a 439th Airlift Wing C-5 Super Galaxy on the flight line at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 10, 2026. © Air Force Master Sgt. Carlin Leslie