It’s not been determined when the Air Force will pursue a replacement for the HH-60 Combat Search and Rescue aircraft, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz told reporters Tuesday. “We prefer not to SLEP [perform a Service Life Extension Program on] the HH-60,” he said, but he couldn’t promise the new airplane will be in the budget soon. “We are committed to [recapitalizing] these machines and we’ll do that as rapidly as our topline … will allow.” He said the mission is one all the services count on the Air Force to perform, and it will be supported. USAF wants an “off the shelf” platform as the next CSAR aircraft, fitted with the specialized gear necessary for it to “go downtown,” Schwartz said.
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.