Ed Reed

Ed Reed was born in Wilmington, Delaware. He was a pivotal figure in the development and fielding of the MH-53J Pave Low and MH-60G aircraft within Air Force Special Operations Command. Reed’s career included flying the HH-53 and MH-53 series and playing a critical role in the Pentagon in developing the MH-53J and securing procurement for the MH-60G. He was instrumental in the MH-53 SLEP program, which introduced crash-worthy external fuel tanks, and advanced tactical mission simulation. Reed began his heavy-lift helicopter career flying the HH-53 with the 41st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at McClellan Air Force Base. He later transitioned to the MH-53H at Hurlburt Field and the MH-53J Pave Low at Kirtland Air Force Base. His operational insight was pivotal during the early days of the 20th Special Operations Squadron, where he conceived the “Roughen Wood” exercise. This innovative mission simulated hostage rescues from the Survival School in Washington state, successfully demonstrating the MH-53’s unique capabilities to Pentagon leadership after the aircraft’s reputation had suffered following the 1980 Iran desert failures. Tributes highlight his leadership, mentorship, and dedication to special operations rotary aviation, with his final honors held at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego.