JUNE 25, 2026 – The 56th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron arrived at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 10, setting a milestone by deploying their HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters and establishing a critical rotary-wing rescue capability in East Africa to support regional response efforts.
The deployment as part of the 406th Air Expeditionary Wing, U.S. Air Forces Africa, highlights the wing’s enduring priorities of defending and sustaining the base while maximizing crisis readiness. Operating across a wide area of responsibility, the efforts of the support and operations teams demonstrated the wing’s commitment to unity of effort.
“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.”
With the Jolly Green IIs now on station, the rescue squadron will integrate directly with the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron and the Joint Personnel Recovery Center. This capability in the region provides an elevated level of rapid-response defense and recovery, ensuring joint and partner forces operating in high-threat environments have dedicated rescue assets ready at a moment’s notice.
“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.”
According to Gokey, managing a squadron for deployment requires real-time coordination with all parties involved. Airmen assigned to the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, alongside personnel assigned to the 726th Expeditionary Mission Support Squadron, worked to receive and offload the incoming airmen and helicopters.
“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,” said Air Force Col. Kris Aikens, 449th AEG commander. “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.”
The deployment embodies the “African-led, U.S.-enabled” focus of the Africom mission on the continent, strengthening the foundational security infrastructure necessary to support regional partners.
Through values-based leadership and relentless determination, the “boss wing” continues to deliver unrivaled combat capability, protecting both personnel and the mission across Africa.
“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,” Gokey said.
By Air Force Master Sgt. Carlin Leslie
406th Air Expeditionary Wing