Up until the start of June 2018, the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and associated equipment are expected to stay in Lakenheath.

By the end of June 2018, the 56th and 57th Rescue Squadrons’ HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters should have been transferred from RAF Lakenheath to Aviano Air Base (AB), Italy.

According to Staff Reports, 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, the move, which was first announced in November 2015, intends to provide a more strategically and economically advantageous site for the rescue squadrons. It is described in the article 56th, 57th RQS relocation underway.

HH-60G Pave Hawk

Over the next several months, the rescue squadrons will prepare to send their five HH-60G Pave Hawks, Guardian Angel ωɛλρσɳs Systems and nearly 350 personnel to their new duty station.

A small detachment at Aviano AB to ensure a smooth transition has been established by the squadrons.

HH-60G Pave Hawk

More personnel will begin transitioning in February 2018, with the main body movement occurring between April and early June. Additionally, as of this month, incoming RQS Airmen will go directly to Italy.

The HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and other equipment are projected to remain at Lakenheath until the beginning of June 2018, at which point they will travel to their new duty station.

The transfer, according to both RQS commanders, will situate the squadrons closer to the current theater of operations and open up additional training opportunities.

Lt. Col. Jose Cabrera, commander of the 57th RQS, said, “We are definitely going to miss RAF Lakenheath and everything that the local community has to offer.

HH-60G Pave Hawk

“On the other hand, we’re looking forward to the Aviano move because it will improve our ability to respond to contingencies in Northern Africa and in the European continent,” he said.

“So far this year, we conducted three separate training weeks in Italy working with our Italian counterparts,” Cabrera said. “These events enhanced our relationship with the host nation and increased our access to training ranges in Italy.”

HH-60G Pave Hawk

“We found ourselves already feeling at home amongst like-minded coalition training partners,” said Lt. Col. Patrick Dugan, 56th RQS commander. “This is a unique opportunity to build upon our 48th Fighter Wing legacy.”

Airmen from the 57th RQS recently participated in Ares Shadow at Aviano, Aug. 8-11, a 48th Fighter Wing-led personnel recovery exercise, which also involved Airmen from the 86th Airlift Wing, the 352nd Special Operations Wing, and members of the Italian armed forces.