Flying Rescue Helicopters in the U.S. Air Force | Interview with @jolly_pilot (Part 1 of 2)

[@Gunner40Five]

I am here today because an Air Force Jolly Green crew pulled my dad out of the jungle in Laos after he was shot down in 1966. Big salute to the Air Force rescue guys!

[@fazerainscat6483]

Gunner40Five Wow. That’s incredible to think about!

[@briancooper2112]

Thank your dad for his service!🇺🇸

[@HH60GDriver]

Epic! Amazing story.

[@gabrielvazquez1691]

Glad your dad and his crew made it.

[@JeepersCreepers2013]

Wow, was your dad MAC-V-SOG?

[@kevinwagers9015]

I always found it funny that many people in the Air Force didn't know we had helicopters.

[@ryanschaff123]

I don’t know anyone in the Air Force that ever thought we didn’t have helicopters. You would literally have to have some kind of AFSC that involved never seeing daylight ever. Seriously to be that stupid you would have to be in the army because they couldn’t pass the ASVAB.

[@TryckSpot]

lol it's an indicator they might not be the sharpest tool in the shed. It's called the Air Force, not the Jet Force afterall.

[@AngryBell206]

Well most squadrons are on the West Coast. And you can argue the east coast does as well. But you have to travel far up north (NY) or far down south (Flordia). As a Virginian, both are out of my reach for a reservist role.

[@mariacheebandidos7183]

@@ryanschaff123 15:05

[@Bugdriver49]

@@ryanschaff123 I knew the AF version of the Huey was a twin built in Canada and always thought of an AF "rescue chopper" as an aircraft crash emergeency helio called the "Huskie HH-43".....On the flight line you could always tell if there was an inbound, inflight emergency when that twin rotor Husky fired up and began to circle the field carrying a bucket of fire retardent.....but that's all.... USAF '69-'73

[@gregjames666]

I am a Canadian and I served in Afghanistan in 2010. Mad respect to those Apache Pilots and Gunners. Most of our air support came from an Apache. Respect to those High Flyers as well, I used to lay outside at night and see them circling over head. Nice to have air support on demand.

[@steveburton5825]

Thank you for your service Greg.

[@dennishayes65]

When I was on deployment in the U S Navy on a carrier, I was 1 of 2 that got a ride off the carrier on a Huey after my squadron finished the deployment. Nice ride !

[@sca54250]

Great video. Former USAF maintainer. Worked on HH60 with both Guard and Reserve from 2010-2016. 106th and 920th.

[@sca54250]

Can’t wait to watch video 2

[@gregorygaunt9353]

I probably know you.

[@aviator_z9188]

This is awesome. Had a chance to see the 920th do air refueling while sitting in the back of a C130. Absolutely outstanding work they do!

[@ronmoore5827]

I was a Huey Crew Chief 40 years ago. 19 years old flying around Germany, getting some stick time, man it was fun!

[@tommynikon2283]

Sembach and Ramstein Vet here.....

[@ronmoore5827]

@@tommynikon2283 Ansbach Army Airfield in greater downtown Katterbach. 1977-1980.

[@71Gilligan]

@@ronmoore5827 Greetings from Franconia👍. Thx for your service in the past.

[@dougmate2378]

Loved working on H-60's favorite platform to work on.

[@AmyAnnLand]

His enthusiasm is so endearing. What a great interview on both your parts. Thank you. This was so interesting as well as informational. No doubt you both are inspiring a lot of people.

[@AmyAnnLand]

@@connorhuchteman Not sure if I annoy you or you're implying something there, but I guess I should tell you this now: you're, uh, probably going to find me on other related channels too. I know this sounds crazy, but some of us folks have hobbies and interests so we enjoy discussing them.

[@dennishayes65]

My wife was born on Fort Rucker, Al. in Jan. 1952 ! Her dad was in the national guard during the Korean War !

[@SlowrideSteve]

My mom was from WHB, NY. The PJs boots hanging out of the door was a common sight in my childhood

[@steveburton5825]

I can't imagine that most Jolly Greens ever have to buy their own drinks in a war zone... loads of respect.

[@johnamie6683]

I was an original member assigned to the 37th Aerospace & Rescue Squadron at DaNang, RVN in April of 1966. I was the sole Aerospace Ground Equipment Repairman assigned to the squadron at it's inception. The year I served this assignment was - with the exception of being a husband and father - the aspect of my life I am most rpoud. I appreciate this interview - it's great to see our traditions are well kept. Aim high.

[@ofdlttwo]

Thanks Mover! Something that Mike didn't touch on in this video is a particular mission they engage in. Firefighting in California. For the past 5 years I have personally flown with these guys on the Pave Hawk as an MHEM (Military Helicopter Manager). The 129th are part of a program with Cal Fire and when requested, respond and assist in wild fires. I have flown many different missions with the 129th. Water dropping and Medi-vac. It was a pleasure to work with them and they are true professionals.

[@TorToroPorco]

I love the look of the older choppers. A Loach with guns and rockets is just rad and Kiowas are just so sleek. Great seeing the MFDs in the Huey. There’s no other chopper with the same cool retro vibe going for it.

[@tbuff91]

As an advanced EMT I've always looked up to PJ's. No way in hell I could start an IO in the back of a helo let alone an IV.. Those guys are nuts. I can't imagine the comat rescue training that they do on top of their emergency medical training. It takes a special person to be a PJ.

[@56hueycobra]

C.W. Lemoine I Really Like the U.S.A.F. HH-60 Pave Hawk Helicopter 🚁 Sir & Thank You 🙏 Both For Your Service to Our Country Men 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@copflyer6569]

This interview with Jolly Pilot is now one of my personal favorites of all your videos mover. My previous comment mentioning our son who is a former Navy SH-60 B pilot and IP and your new upcoming series of Helo training is coming full circle for me. I am looking forward to your part 2 interview and all the rest of the Helo related videos. Two weeks ago, I binged watched the PJ’ s training videos and the Inside Combat Rescue episodes. Amazing group and what they have to go through. Thanks for making a great start to my day! (Bill from Slidell)

[@huffytoss]

I've been on Blackhawks for flight testing. We go up to 15,000 ft. pressure altitude for testing. The pilots don't like it and are usually taking pictures of the altimeter because they have never flown that high in a helicopter. The side windows are a poor design. They funnel all the cold air right into your crotch. My nuts were frozen. Even taping up the window doesn't help.

[@tirechasershouston5537]

7:23 If you pause it here and open up another window to play "Fortunate Son" then play both simultaneously , it enhances the interview 200%. Great interview.

[@mpetry912]

great diversion from the news, Mover. the combat SAR mission and the Jolly Green Giants were a special breed. thank you !

[@bokeshow]

I was a flight medic with Flatiron out at Rucker. If you PLed your aircraft....we got you. That unit has a pretty cool patch that a pilot we picked up traded me.

[@Brian-rp5cv]

Great interview! Thanks Mover and Jolly_pilot

[@cliffordex]

Wow, that's some great info and exposure. Can't wait for pt. 2 of this and especially videos of Mover flying helicopters on the channel!

[@scrntnjohn]

Awesome Video! Thank you both SO MUCH !!!!

[@ExtremeRecluse]

I had four Air Force officers in my army aviation training class. They were really cool and laid back. Fort Rucker is probably quite different then Air Force bases. Most of the army students were warrant officer candidates. We did not get promoted to warrant officer until we graduated with our wings. I love hearing about the riggers of Air Force flight in Army derived helicopters.

[@Digger-tw6hq]

Jolly Pilot was the spur of getting my rotary license.

[@HH60GDriver]

Awesome!

[@Digger-tw6hq]

@jolly_pilot Currently flying the MRH90 for Tasmania Fire service

[@larrysheppard42]

As a 2A5X1 we would place washers under the avionics bay cover plate. This would cause the pilots feet to get cold and they would then keep the heat cranked allowing the Guys in back to get some of that heat.

[@gregorygaunt9353]

Oh, the little tricks we played...

[@James_vs_gravity]

this has made my mind on going rotary over fixed! thanks guys

[@HH60GDriver]

Awesome! You'll love it!

[@mississippirebel1409]

Great interview! I've always been a helicopter guy growing up and still wish I would have tried to fly them. I ended up enlisting in the army and then got my commission (2000-2012). I always loved flying in Blackhawk helicopters because for some reason I could sleep like a baby, even on short trips in Iraq or Afghanistan lol. My dream aircraft to fly has always been the AH-64 Apache! Seeing those bad boys in action in Iraq is an awesome sight to behold! First off you will never know they are there unless they want you to know or until they blow something up lol.

[@gmlee1215]

There is a WHOLE "BATTLE UNIT" for the USAF. Look up PJs, CCT, TACP, and SR

[@CoalPoggers]

Well if you didn’t know, Mover comes from the Air Force

[@lat78610]

u forgot STS

[@Savage_Viking]

And JTAC, lots of respect for those that walk with the Army. Great guys and gals that hold their own. Put many of them through Airborne School.

[@maxwellclark6992]

Cheems Department HELL YEAH PEDROS

[@DANZo-_]

@@lat78610 STS stands for special tactics squadron, they are composed of PJ's, TACP, CW, and so forth. STS is not a afsc.

[@jorgejefferson8251]

I remember watching a documentary about search and rescue during the Vietnam war. It was the big Jolly Greens, and the "Sandies" were Skyraiders. They showed Para-rescue men being lowered down into think dense jungle. The communications inside the helicopter were between the Crew chief controlling the hoist and the Pilot. During one such transmission you hear the Crew chief saying "hold your hover, hold your hover. When both the Para-rescue man and the pilot were on board, the Crew chief yells to the copter pilot "Lets get the hell outta here!!".

[@gusm2752]

The documentary you guys mention Inside Combat Rescue , about PJs and combat rescue in Afghanistan is excellent. I bought the DVD set These guys are awesome. 👍🇺🇸

[@myfavoritemartian1]

A good friend of mine, (Now deceased,) was a Jolly pilot in the jungle war. His unit was "The Kingsmen". He mostly did rescue and cargo runs out to the carriers. Lots of stories about horse trading and getting in trouble. He was a rescue pilot at Luke AFB. after the war. He was the HH-53 that went down north/west of DM (Tucson) in the late 1980's. (De-laminated refurb main rotor). RIP Murph.... Left seat. Better vision. Dash board is shorter.

[@Lantuak]

"diseased"? was that a pun? i'm sorry for your loss but come on!

[@myfavoritemartian1]

@@Lantuak No, just not caught by spellcheck or me. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

[@gregorygaunt9353]

Call sign "Pony 1-2", was a H-3E out of the 71st SOS at Davis-Monthan AFB that crashed in March 1989. I retired last year from the successor of the 71st, the 943d RQG, maintenance side.

[@myfavoritemartian1]

@@gregorygaunt9353 My friend was Lt Col Lawrence M. Rolle

[@kyleking9417]

Missed this when it came out . Sweet content

[@ecossearthur]

Great unit way back in the day at RAF Alconbury England!

[@Teufelshund]

Cool video. Very informative. My dad was a Naval Aviator at the end of WW2 and into Korea. His primary type was the Douglas AD-4, but I did notice, after browsing through a couple of his log books, that he had some ours in a few different airframes, one being the PBY. Pretty cool. Love your channel. Semper Fi from a Navy brat and former Marine myself!

[@greygoat2277]

Great interview Mover!

[@daws_onthefly]

Jolly pilot is a beast!

[@truebluemiata]

Good stuff Mover! Keep it up.

[@tommynikon2283]

My dad flew SOS during Vietnam, in the Skyraider (USAF), working w/ the Jollies on CAS and extractions. He said next to air to ground, it was his favorite mission in 24years service.

[@HH60GDriver]

Those dudes were studs!

[@jdean2131]

Hey CW. Thanks for showcasing us. We are there to have your back. It’s a suicide mission but it doesn’t matter. “So Others May Live”. That’s what matters. Shit Hot! JD

[@HELIX2788]

Awesome, looking forward to part 2! I've been hoping for the Blackhawk to come to DCS or the Pavehawk but that'll probably be years from now

[@whizbam4920]

Oh man two worlds colliding in this video, been following you both for a hot minute.

[@perniciousreaper4393]

Great interview. I was a 1A7 from '04-'09, initially on a -53 but most of my time on the Pave Hawk. You describing your experiences brought back a lot of good memories (and bad...it really is like being in a convection oven when you're out in the desert). It's the best kind of flying, couldn't agree more! Also, I echo your sentiments about refueling. It was the one thing that consistently slammed my butthole shut, especially over open ocean; worse when you're over the ocean and it's taking multiple stabs to take on fuel.

[@willhogan8434]

Currently an rotc cadet, there is now a direct route to helicopters as far as I know. They pushed it to our fiscal year as “helicopter next” and I think you go direct to Rucker now

[@jamesbromstead4949]

From my childhood in Panama City, I remember the lunch trips of all the Rucker pilots to PCB. I also remember the occasional farmer/rancher shooting at you guys for buzzing cattle. Blue Skies!

[@jclondonl6332]

I love this dudes videos never spected and interview of him on this channel amazing

[@HH60GDriver]

Thank you!

[@jclondonl6332]

@@HH60GDriver thank you sir! Your videos are a great inspiration for one of my biggest goals in life of one day becoming a CSAR pilot for my country, i cannot imagine something more fulfilling, please keep uploading more amazing videos!

[@JTLaser1]

I rode in a Jolly Green Giant twice while in the USAF. First to watch Voyager II launch, and the in the Philippine Islands when I was rushed to Clark to catch a C-141 Medflight to Travis for medical care. I thought everyone knew about our Rescue pilots!

[@JTLaser1]

My first assignment was at Patrick. Yeah, USAF Helicopters were always around me.

[@DarkSiiix]

I love this guy!! His videos are amazing and you can tell he is super passionate about being a pilot.

[@marks93cobra]

Can't wait for part 2!

[@ryansmithza]

This is a really interesting video, thanks 👍 I look forward to part 2!

[@AsadKhan-pq4do]

Great episode... Loved the professional way of conversation... #staysafe

[@richardm2661]

Enjoyed the video, very interesting !

[@dryzalmynelli9600]

Growing up I always wanted to be a search & rescue Helo pilot or close air support pilot... Then I learned my eyesight was my disqualification when the DMV told me I was blind for my first drivers license 😂 I suppose eyesight is a bit important when you're a few hundred meters AGL and you need to spot your buddies on the ground. Thanks for this interview Mover, looking forward to part 2!

[@jorgejefferson8251]

Very good and interesting interview. Both of you were very engaging. The cable documentary "Inside Combat Rescue" was a great series.

[@timhenson4184]

amazing that no one knew this. most search and rescue missions (especially) at higher altitudes is done by the Air Force.

[@floydlooney6837]

The ebook is on sale again, grabbing one.

[@2-Hands]

Worked on the MH-53J/M "PAVELOWS" at Depot, if asked to do it again "Get me some Tools, a Job Guide, and let's get to WORK"...

[@Wpns175]

That comment "lots of people in the Air Force don't know we have Helicopters..." Reminds me of when I talk to "non-ers" and they are like; "Wow, you work more than 8 hours?" Or they say: "You don't get to PT after 1530?" All flight line guys know about AF Helicopters. We just are just glad we are not them (well some I guess ARE glad they are them) cause their deployment schedule and the..."interesting destinations"...that they "get" to deploy to make them a less desirable airframe to work on. And the Sandy A-10's....Yea, we have done that in the AOR and it's a crazy mission. But our Hog drivers are ALL about CSAR, and the Sandy Mission. The Hog/Pedro combo is pretty good!

[@lynnecheermom]

Have been following Jolly_pilot's instagram page. Excellent content. Very entertaining and informative interview. Great videos! Thanks Mover.

[@MajesticDemonLord]

There's a one hour speech by a former British ATC - David Gunson entitled 'What goes up, Might come down' - which is full of Aviation humor including a big dig at Helicopters and how the designers don't really know how they work which is why they have all sorts of Skids, Skis, floats and Wheels

[@IvanCruz-ys6by]

Good work👌🏼

[@Just_a_Plane_motorcycle_rider]

CSAR guys are worth their weight in gold, best insurance policy you can have going over the fence

[@FELiPES101]

Mover you keep making my decision more and more difficult as to what I should pursue. Haha I suppose it is a good thing that you are equally representing different aviation career fields.

[@abc-bm8pl]

jolly_pilot AND C.W. Lemoine? SHIT YEA

[@steved2623]

Nice interview, thanks.

[@PG-ei3ky]

Hey Mover a little story here. I went to US Army flight school in 1973. Primary was a Fort Wolters, TX and secondary at Ft. Rucker, AL. Anyway we had 2 sister classes one Officer and one Warrant Officer Candidate that flew together. The officer class was about 45% USAF Academy graduates which I thought was unusual. I asked an USAF academy grad why your going in to helicopters instead of jets? His answer was I can probably go jets after about 3 years in helicopters however going helicopter first I receive TDY pay for a whole year.

[@jeffbradley7435]

When I was stationed Patrick AFB, FL, way back in the 80’s, we had an active duty Jolly Green Giant pararesuce unit (HH-3E) stationed there to support (originally) the manned space programs (Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Space Shuttle and now SpaceX, plus of course Operation Dexert Storm (ODS) etc - which BTW back in 1996 they lost a few members of the unit due to a terrorist bombing of the KhobarTowers housing complex; which I was housed in during the ODS war several years before). As I now understand the unit is a Reserve unit using HH-60’s and HC-130’s. The HH-60 units provide a much needed support service that all US forces require, not only during peacetime, but during times of conflict and training.

[@chertovdermo3459]

Cv22 ospreys are so cool. You should do an interview with an osprey pilot

[@Rdgoosmicp]

Super interesting!

[@jeep146]

Worked on Hueys, Black Hawks, Pavehawks. RIP "Snowball".

[@bahbarino4479]

Really cool...thanks! 🇺🇸

[@indyjons321]

I wish the Army still flew the Huey for Primary training.

[@dumperspydiehoe298]

Great video moved. Keep up the good work

[@BeechSportBill]

Still several UH-1Ns in use in the Missile Fields...

[@dougsundseth6904]

Yeah, my dad did a tour as a combat crew commander in Minuteman 3. The roads in North Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana, especially the gravel back roads that go to the capsules, can be completely impassible in winter. Resupply and crew relief is sometimes only possible by air. Not to mention that you need a quick-reaction security capability for the silos.

[@MD-on9fi]

Was so jealous at Ft. Rucker during IERW, the Air Force students had UH-1's, I think H models. Us Army guys had the crappy TH67 as our trainer. Basically it was a beat up Bell Jet Ranger

[@gscott5778]

You missed one of the orginal roles of Helos in the Air Force - Fire Fighting. As an Air Force Brat - The first time we went to an Air Show circa 1962 (Armed Forces Day at George AFB) the HH43 Husky demo'd their fire fighting role - Old F-104 or F-100 carcass torched up right in front of the flightline display between the taxiways. In came the Husky and the fire crew walked into rescue the pilot (fake) as the Husky used rotor wash to beat the fire back. That was the strangest bird all silver with bright Yellow on the tail boom and that odd looking exhaust tube. The Husky was also one of my first models built (Of MANY) and it had real working inter-meshing rotors.

[@georgehasler142]

As a ex Huey Crew chief always fly safe

[@kblackav8or]

You should go interview your Navy brethren that fly SAR at NAS Whidbey. That is a renown unit that nobody has heard about. Specializes in mountain rescue in the pacific northwest in the worst nastiest icing and mountain flying in the Cascades since the early 1960s back in the Whale and Intruder days and now in the Growler days.

[@GeraldLaumeyer]

Thanks for the video really enjoyed it can't wait for part 2. What is his KZbin channel?

[@___axg96___63]

Love your stuff, C.W.! Do you know of any air traffic controllers that would be willing to interview about their process? I know it's a little different than usual

[@Peterax788]

Hey, Lemoine I like your videos a lot . Can you do a video on the intercept mission of F-15s in the Air Force One?

[@mikeall7012]

When I was in Afghanistan, overtime I flew into Kandahar, we would park our Blackhawks near the HH60s. Of course we would strike up conversation and I would always jokingly ask where I sign up to transfer to the AF. Needless to say the 3 month deployments the AF do was a major driver behind the jealousy... especially when you see crews come and go several times over a 12 month combat deployment. Also flying 20 ft off the ground over the red desert was fun as hell. At 150 kias you feel like you are going a million miles an hour.

[@Defender78]

its interesting to know the USAF still flies UH-1 models - the TH-1H single engine trainer with the bog USAF stars 'n' bars logo on the tail, and the UH-1N dual engine version for the missile support duties. The latter is going to be replaceed by the Leo-Boeing AW139 in the next few years. Which UH-1 does Jolly Pilot drive?

[@ColoradoBirds]

He's in the guard

[@knightlife98]

I would hope so, they are the "Air" Force, after all.... Lol!!!

[@rabbi_dragon_slayer]

Somebody must be feelin the need for not-speed / hovering lately 😂

[@DickenCider]

not only does the Air Force have helicopters but the Army surprisingly has more boats than the Navy

[@optrdocksidebars7106]

Army has 118 boats. NSW alone has 700, so not quite.

[@JimNortonsAlcoholism]

@@optrdocksidebars7106 No, the army has 300 boats

[@optrdocksidebars7106]

Jim Norton's Alcoholism That information is from 2018. They’ve reduced their numbers since then. Not to mention if it was 300, the Navy still has way more boats than the Army.

[@toddr2265]

The Apache has A/C too

[@mxcollin95]

Damn that sounds like fun! Wish I would’ve known about the guard when I was younger. Probably would’ve went that way instead of corporate aviation.

[@IcthioVelocipede]

Maybe even more surprisingly, the USAF operates ships, too. Not many of them any more, but a few.

[@cy9152]

fun fact for the AF 60's, the paint scheme calls for a snoopy laying down, in black, on the bottom of the helicopter...at least the ones at Nellis did about 20 years ago lol

[@Cameroon110]

Good video as always brother stay safe out there I got your six brother

[@bionicsjw]

Several years ago I watched "Inside Combat Rescue" which focused more on the medics and then I read " Soot Like a Girl" about a female HH-60 Guard Pilot. I recommend both.

[@friendofenkidu3391]

In March 2020, Air Force Magazine had an article about the MH-139 (“Grey Wolf”), which replaces the 40-year old UH-1N Huey helicopter. The article says that the primary mission of the MH-139 is to patrol the sprawling missile fields of the Air Force Global Strike Command. It took a surprisingly long 12 years for the procurement to take place. Gen. John Hyten, who was commander of U.S. Strategic Command in 2017 (and is currently Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), told Congress back then, “It’s a helicopter, for gosh sakes. We’ve been building helicopters for decades. … I don’t understand why the heck it is so difficult.” One year later, Gen. Hyten was back at Congress and told them, “We’re going to get a new helicopter, if I’m going to die trying or kill somebody to do it.” The MH-139 was finally unveiled at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida last December.

[@gregorygaunt9353]

He forgot to mention the 305th RQS of the 943d RQG out of DM-AFB.

[@daffidavit]

One thing I could never stand would be to wear those wool aviation gloves without cutting off the fingertips. How in the heck can you push all the fine computer buttons in those heavy gloves? See time marker 5:38 .

[@HH60GDriver]

They're designed to work with gloves!

[@craigh1790]

You going to be doing a mailbag anytime soon? I sent you a question and I'm eager for the bragging rights, street cred and chicks that having my question answered on your youtube channel will bring.

[@AmyAnnLand]

I have no clue how you're not already 10/10 in each of those categories with a profile pic like that.

[@Ivan-fn7vv]

Amy Ann lol

[@flnthrn2]

How did your guest get the steering wheel from the Mach 5 ? -(8D

[@matthew1192]

I mean honestly, why would someone down thumb this video?

[@greggaunt1563]

I've known the AF had helo since 1976! How can this not be known?