03/21/2026
36 years. 6,000 flight hours. A legacy of rescue. 🚁
This month, LtCol Paul Anderson closed an extraordinary career as the longest-flying helicopter pilot in Air Force history across Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve. Flying the HH-60G Pave Hawk and HH-60W Jolly Green II, he logged more than 6,000 hours answering the call—deploying to combat zones, rescuing the wounded, and saving lives during disasters like Hurricane Katrina.
From landing on rooftops in flooded New Orleans to combat search and rescue missions overseas, his record wasn’t built chasing hours—it was built by never saying no when someone needed help.
Thank you, Lt. Col. Anderson, for decades of courage, humility, and service. The Rescue community—and the countless lives you touched—will carry your legacy forward.
🔗: https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-air-force/2026/03/13/after-36-years-rescue-pilot-ends-service-with-record-breaking-flying-hours/
📸: USAF