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PAVE LOW lands in Air Force Museum

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lauren Johnson
  • 1st SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Chief Master Sgt. John DeSalle and MH-53 PAVE LOW aircraft number 68-10357 have something in common: they both have roots in Ohio.

Chief DeSalle, a 20th Special Operations Squadron gunner, grew up in the state. The helicopter, known as 357, planted permanent roots in Dayton July 7 when it was inducted into the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

"It's important to us at the museum, because we have a charter," said retired Maj. Gen. Charles Metcalf, museum director, in an induction ceremony in the museum's Cold War Gallery. He referenced the museum motto: "We are the keeper of their stories."

"Visitors come and want to hear the story about each and every aircraft."

Number 357 has many stories to tell.

In 1970, it served as the command and control helicopter in the rescue attempt of American prisoners from the Son Tay prison camp in North Vietnam. For the mission, the crew of 357 received an Air Force Cross and four Silver Stars. Out of the five helicopters that participated, 357 is the only one not lost in combat.

After 38 years of service, 357 flew its final mission in Iraq March 28.

Sergeant DeSalle, who served on that mission, said it was bittersweet.

"I've been flying the PAVE LOW for 16 years," he said. "We're a six-man crew from crew brief to debrief, but it is this aircraft that really brings people together. It's awesome. I hate to see it go."

During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Donny Wurster, commander of the Air Force Special Operations Command and former MH-53 pilot, addressed the rich history of the entire PAVE LOW community.

"(357) is but one of a fleet of 72 of its kind that the Air Force owned and operated that have been flying for two-thirds of the history of the Air Force," he said. "The machines did not do the job themselves, but always they remained the enduring posture to respond to the nation's call when needed."

Lt. Col. Becker, 20th SOS commander, said the museum, which saw 1.3 million visitors last year, is a fitting resting place for the PAVE LOW.

"Inducting it here is a very appropriate way to end its career of important service to the Air Force and to the United States," he said. "It recognizes the 40-year combat legacy of the H-53."

The remaining MH-53s will be retired and the 20th SOS will be deactivated by Sept. 30. Some of the helicopter's mission sets will be taken over by the CV-22 Osprey.

"This is home for me," Colonel Becker said, "This aircraft, this squadron. I haven't thought a lot about the future, I'm just trying to cherish every moment of it."

For many of the squadron members, including Sergeant DeSalle, the museum provides a saving grace -- their mission immortalized, a chance to reflect on their shared history well into the future.

"September is going to be a tough month for us," he said, "but we have everything to come back to."