HH-60H Rescue Hawk carrier support

The HH-60H borrowed useful features from the Coast Guard's HH-60J Jayhawk for a specialized Navy rescue role. Development moved quickly, from discussion in 1986 to first flight in 1988, deliveries in 1989, and initial operating capability in April 1990. The derivative required relatively little new work and reached service in time for Desert Storm. Rescue Hawk crews included a pilot, co-pilot, rescue crew chief, and either two door gunners or a rescue swimmer depending on the mission. A small purchase met the limited demand for this specialized capability while drawing on a much larger aircraft family. The helicopters initially served with US Naval Reserve squadrons before budget pressures moved them into anti-submarine squadrons. Carrier squadrons usually paired six SH-60Fs with a couple of H models, combining ASW and rescue support within the air group. After those units transitioned to the MH-60S, the H models moved to the reserve squadron HSC-85 for medevac and other support duties.