For the first time in U.S. Air Force history, A French helicopter pilot recently joined the 41st Rescue Squadron here as part of a three-year exchange officer program.

Capt. Guillaume Vernet, who flew the SA 330 Puma before the exchange program,  is assigned to the 41st RQS as a pilot.

In France, Vernet belonged to the Escadron d’Helicopteres 01.067 Pyrenees. The unit is part of the French Air Force and is stationed in Cazaux Air Force Base, France.

Vernet entered the familiarization phase of the exchange program in October 2007, when he traveled to Kirtland AFB, N.M.

“I spent my first few months becoming familiar with U.S. military customs as well as the English language,” said Vernet. “Then in December 2007 I began my HH-60 training.”

From December 2007-May 2008, Vernet trained on the HH-60 with the 58th Special Operations Wing en-route to becoming the first French pilot to be sent to the United States and first exchange officer helicopter pilot to be sent in an operational unit in the HH-60 helicopter pilot community.

“The Puma is an older airframe with limited capability compared to the Pavehawk,” said Vernet. “One of the more difficult aspects to flying the HH-60 airframe was learning to use the added capabilities of air refueling.”

After the French captain finished his training, he was ready to join the 41st RQS.

“I’m extremely excited to be here,” said Vernet. “The 347th Rescue Group is known throughout the world as the premiere CSAR unit — this is exactly where I wanted to be.”

Capt. Russell Cook, 41st RQS pilot, who is Vernet’s flight commander, feels that the squadron has the right man for the job.

“The French Air Force sent one of their best and brightest,” said Cook. “He’s definitely the right guy at the right time; he’s doing awesome so far.”

Although “Capitaine” Vernet has yet to fly with the squadron, he pointed out that he can’t wait for his chance to get back in the pilot’s seat.

“I haven’t flown since the schoolhouse at Kirtland,” said Vernet. “I’m chomping at the bit to finish up my training so I can continue to train on the HH-60.”

During Vernet’s tour, he will not only train with the 41st RQS, but also deploy.

“During my time here, I am part of the squadron, which means I do the same exact training, I will deploy like any other American Airman in the 41st RQS, with the exception of deploying to Iraq, and I will participate in the exercises,” said Vernet.