Pave Lows were among the first aircraft into Iraq when they led Army AH-64 Apaches to destroy Iraqi early warning radars and opened a hole in enemy air defenses for the opening air armada. In addition to infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special forces teams throughout Iraq and Kuwait, Pave Lows provided search and rescue coverage for coalition air forces in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey and the Persian Gulf. An MH-53J made the first successful combat recovery of a downed pilot in Desert Storm. Following the war, MH-53J's were deployed to Northern Iraq to support Operation Provide Comfort, assisting displaced Kurds. Pave Lows were also used extensively during Operation Just Cause in Panama.
Primary mission is movement and vertical delivery of cargo and equipment.
Operated by six tactical squadrons, one training squadron, and one special mission squadron. Current procurement objective for support of active force requirements is 186 aircraft. Slated to replace the aging RH-53D in two Marine Corps Reserve squadrons. Pilot and copilot crashworthy seats have been incorporated. Improved troop seats, which allow for rapid cabin reconfiguration, will also be incorporated.