Originally Posted by SASless
Why the Hawks instead I wonder?
Unless my information is wrong, those are the only ones used for CSAR in USAF right now, so they're the only helicopters in USAF disposal that have in-flight refueling capability. I don't know of any helicopters from 160th SOAR (MH-47 and MH-60K) in Europe right now, and if any US Marines unit with CH-53Es, or US Navy group with MH-53Es is around either, and those are the only one's capable of in-flight refueling that could help here.
I don't know if the RAF Merlins are cleared for this type of flying yet, and if so - if they're equipped for rescue ops.
So only the MH-60G Pave Hawks of 56th Rescue Squadron can do it there.
If I'm correct, Americans use either a combination of USCG cutters and helicopters with HIFR capability, or National Guard using USAF in-flight refueling capable aircrafts for reaching such distances. That kind of "deep water" missions apears to be still left out on the Islands.