MH-53 Pave Low featured a multitude of innovative systems, new engines and new rotors, which greatly increase the aircraft’s nighttime capabilities in all weather conditions. MH-53 was designed for long-range, low-altitude flights, and combat search and rescue, in an effort to support ground special forces on covert missions, extraction and resupply as needed – usually behind the enemy’s front lines. The U.S. Air Force’s MH-53J/M fleet was retired in September 2008.