1.54 seems to break the mission in two ways:

1. Backpack is empty except for LMG ammo and one first aid kit. No grenades or smoke grenades, helo is empty as well.

2. Since the AI have become super deadly again, the player gets shot to the point of needing a medic while still in the helicopter.

Then, this happens sometimes only (even with 1.52):

3. One helo (perhaps Romeo 2) ends up landing in the middle of the town near the "secret" war room, and just sits there.