CAPABILITIES:
THA receives its resources from the Air National Guard’s 129th Rescue Wing. The HH-60G “Pavehawk” is an all terrain/all weather military helicopter specially equipped for special operations missions. This advanced helicopter is the U.S. Air Force version of the Army UH-60 Blackhawk. It is outfitted with Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) for thermal imaging, a triple-redundant navigation system using Global Positioning System (GPS), Inertial Navigation System (INS), and Doppler. It has law enforcement compatible communications (Wulfsburg C-5000), a rescue hoist, and a cargo sling external load capability. The Pavehawk has excellent loiter time (in excess of 4 hours). It has a large cabin, which accommodates large teams and bulky equipment.  THA offers various methods for remote insertion and extraction, such as hoisting and rappelling, and they provides training to law enforcement personnel on the use of these devices. THA aircrews are highly trained in both day and night operations, and all crew members are qualified in Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations.

Aerial Observation/ Reconnaissance: The HH-60G can be utilizes as a platform to observe drug cultivation sites, clandestine laboratories, production sites, and drug trafficking areas in both urban and rural environments. A LEO must be present or in direct contact to communicate or coordinate as required. The LEO’s station has a full FLIR panel, communication suite, and VHS recording capability. Use of NVGs and
thermal imaging with FLIR provides excellent support during hours of darkness in all terrain conditions.

Aerial Transportation: The Pavehawk can be used to transport law enforcement personnel and equipment, or agency seized contraband, in day or night conditions, due to the remote location or because speed or safety is operationally essential. HH-60G aircrews are highly trained in alternate insertion/extraction techniques (rappel and rescue hoist) and can perform these operations in both day and night environments. Alternate insertion/ extraction operations require the approval of both the LEAs and the California National Guard (CNG).

Medical Evacuation: The primary wartime mission of the HH-60G is combat search and rescue. The Pavehawk can provide the law enforcement community with excellent emergency medical evacuation capability. The Pavehawk can be used to support remote operations in rough terrain in the event that emergency medical evacuation should be required.

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:
Asset Availability: The CDTF does not own any of the HH-60G airframes and must request them from the 129th Rescue Wing. The limited number of aircraft, combined with the unit’s Search and Rescue and war fighting requirements, result in some what limited availability. However, blocks of time are allocated to counterdrug support missions based on LEA requests. Requests are supported on a first-come-first-served basis. Most missions can be supported in 72 hours or less of the original request. With the exception of emergency or rapidly developing situations, try to plan several weeks ahead to allow scheduling of personnel and aircraft. Aviation Unique Restraints: Helicopter “rotor wash” effects and noise signature must be considered if employing rotary wing assets in proximity to sensitive areas. Prior planning helps ensure aircraft availability. The CDTF recommends LEAs requests training focused on Helicopter Safety and Operations to include procedures and aircraft familiarity

 Aircraft/Regulatory Limitations: Ideal landing zones require an approach and departure flight path from the area of interest. Although helicopters are capable of vertical takeoff and landing, ideal landing sites have well cleared arrival and departure routes.