The Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low series is a retired long-range special operations and combat search and rescue (CSAR) helicopter for the United States Air Force. The series was upgraded from the HH-53B/C, variants of the Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion. The HH-53 "Super Jolly Green Giant" was initially developed to replace the HH-3E "Jolly Green Giant". The U.S. Air Force's MH-53J/M fleet was retired in September 2008.

The US Air Force ordered 72 HH-53B and HH-53C variants for Search and Rescue units during the Vietnam War, and later developed the MH-53J Pave Low version for Special Operations missions.

The Pave Low's mission was low-level, long-range, undetected penetration into denied areas, day or night, in adverse weather, for infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces. Pave Lows often worked in conjunction with MC-130H Combat Talon for navigation, communications and combat support, and with MC-130P Combat Shadow for in-flight refueling.

The large green airframe of the HH-53B earned it the nickname "Super Jolly Green Giant". This name is a reference to the smaller HH-3E "Jolly Green Giant", a stretched variant of the H-3 Sea King, used in the Vietnam War for combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) operations.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a US Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon heavy lift helicopter that was assigned to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 "Vanguard", then deployed to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Pre-order! Ship Date: January 2025.

Dimensions:
Rotor Span: 10-inches
Length: 10-inches

Release Date: ?

Historical Account: "Vanguard" - Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 (HM-14) was a United States Navy helicopter squadron established in 1978 based at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Nicknamed the Vanguard and flying the MH-53E Sea Dragon, it comprised both active duty and reserve personnel. It was the sister squadron to HM-15, the Blackhawks, based at NS Norfolk.

HM-14 flew its last mission on December 8th, 2022, and was deactivated on March 30th, 2022. The squadron was officially disestablished in July 2023. Squadron responsibilities were transferred to HM-15 beginning in January 2023.

HM-14 was established at NAS, Norfolk, on May 12th, 1978, as the world's first fully self-contained Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) squadron. The squadron was outfitted with eight RH-53D aircraft from HM-12 and with Vietnam War legacy minesweeping equipment from AMCM Unit Alpha, including five Mk-105 sleds.