The Pave Low program modified 'Super Jollies' for operating clandestine, low-level missions in any weather, day or night. The aircraft at the NMUSAF was assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Special Operations Squadron and its last flight was a combat mission in Iraq in March 2008. During its 38-year career, this helicopter participated in many important missions including the intended 1970 rescue of American POWs thought to be held in a prison near Hanoi, North Vietnam, although It transpired that the prisoners had been moved out some time previously. The MH-53s were retired by AFSOC in 2008