U.S. Air Force to Base 26 HH-60W Helicopters at Joint Base Andrews
The U.S. Air Force has selected Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, as the preferred location for 26 modified HH-60W helicopters to replace the aging UH-1N Huey fleet used for executive transport and contingency response. The move will establish the 5th Helicopter Squadron and add 60 active-duty jobs. Modifications include removing combat rescue gear and reconfiguring cabins for 11 passengers. Initial operational capability is expected by early 2029, with full capability by 2030. The House Armed Services Committee has requested more details on costs and operational implications.
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Joint Base Andrews to Receive 26 HH-60W Helicopters, Establish New Squadron
Joint Base Andrews in Maryland will receive 26 HH-60W 'Whiskey' combat search and rescue helicopters to replace its aging fleet of 26 UH-1N 'Huey' helicopters, which are 49 to 59 years old. The base will stand up the 5th Helicopter Squadron on August 27 as the first unit to operate the new aircraft, while the 1st Helicopter Squadron will continue flying Hueys until its eventual conversion. The transition will add 60 active-duty manpower positions. Both squadrons support contingency response operations for the federal government, civil authority defense support, and senior leadership transportation. The announcement follows a July emergency landing of a Huey from the base due to mechanical vibrations. The HH-60W offers significant improvements in payload, speed, and range, with full operational capability expected by 2030. Joint Base Andrews is also home to the presidential Air Force One and the 89th Airlift Wing.
Joint Base Andrews to Receive 26 HH-60W Helicopters, Stand Up New Squadron
Joint Base Andrews in Maryland will receive 26 HH-60W 'Whiskey' combat search and rescue helicopters to replace its aging UH-1N 'Huey' fleet, according to an Air Force announcement. The base will gain 60 active-duty manpower positions and stand up the 5th Helicopter Squadron on August 27 as the first unit to operate the new aircraft. The 1st Helicopter Squadron will continue flying Hueys until it transitions to the Whiskey. Both squadrons support contingency response for the federal government, civil authorities, and senior leadership transportation. The replacement comes after a UH-1N made an emergency landing in Washington D.C. last month due to mechanical issues. The current Huey fleet is 49-59 years old and lacks modern capabilities. The HH-60W offers increased payload, speed, and range, with operational capability expected by 2030.
Joint Base Andrews to Receive 26 HH-60W Helicopters, Stand Up New Squadron
Joint Base Andrews in Maryland will receive 26 HH-60W 'Whiskey' combat search and rescue helicopters, replacing its aging fleet of 26 UH-1N 'Huey' helicopters. The transition will add 60 active-duty positions and involve standing up the 5th Helicopter Squadron on August 27, which will be the first unit to operate the new aircraft. The 1st Helicopter Squadron will continue flying Hueys until it converts to the HH-60W mission at an unspecified date. Both squadrons support contingency response operations, civil authority defense support, and senior leadership transportation. The announcement follows a July emergency landing of a Huey due to mechanical vibrations. The Air Force cited the Huey fleet's age (49-59 years) and lack of speed, range, and lift capacity as reasons for the replacement. The HH-60W offers significant improvements in payload, airspeed, and mission range, with operational capability expected by 2030.
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Joint Base Andrews to Receive 26 HH-60W Helicopters and Stand Up New Squadron
Joint Base Andrews in Maryland will receive 26 HH-60W 'Whiskey' combat search and rescue helicopters to replace its aging fleet of 26 UH-1N 'Huey' helicopters, which are 49 to 59 years old and lack modern speed, range, and lift capacity. The base will gain 60 active-duty positions and stand up the 5th Helicopter Squadron on August 27 as the first unit to operate the new aircraft. The 1st Helicopter Squadron will continue flying Hueys until it transitions to the HH-60W, though no date was given. Both squadrons support contingency response, civil authority defense, and senior leader transport. The announcement follows a July emergency landing of a Huey from the base due to mechanical vibrations. Operational capability for the HH-60Ws is expected by 2030. Andrews is also home to the presidential Air Force One and the 89th Airlift Wing.
Joint Base Andrews to Receive 26 HH-60W Helicopters, Establish New Squadron
The U.S. Air Force announced that Joint Base Andrews in Maryland will receive 26 HH-60W 'Whiskey' combat search and rescue helicopters to replace its aging fleet of 26 UH-1N 'Huey' helicopters, which are 49 to 59 years old. The transition will add 60 active-duty positions and include the establishment of the 5th Helicopter Squadron on August 27, 2026, as the first unit to operate the new aircraft. The 1st Helicopter Squadron will continue flying Hueys until it converts to the HH-60W at an unspecified date. Both squadrons support contingency response, civil authority defense support, and senior leader transportation. The announcement follows a July 2026 emergency landing of a Huey from the base due to mechanical vibrations. The HH-60W offers increased payload, speed, and range, with full operational capability expected by 2030. Joint Base Andrews also hosts the 89th Airlift Wing, which provides airlift for the president and other senior leaders.
Joint Base Andrews to receive 26 HH-60Ws, stand up helicopter squadron
Joint Base Andrews (JBA) in Maryland will receive 26 HH-60W 'Whiskey' combat search and rescue helicopters, replacing its aging fleet of 26 UH-1N 'Huey' helicopters. The transition includes the addition of 60 active-duty positions and the establishment of the 5th Helicopter Squadron on August 27, which will be the first unit to operate the new aircraft. The 1st Helicopter Squadron will continue flying Hueys until it converts to the HH-60W. Both squadrons support contingency response, civil authority defense, and senior leader transportation. The announcement follows a July emergency landing of a Huey due to mechanical vibrations. The Air Force cited the Huey fleet's age (49-59 years) and lack of speed, range, and lift capacity as reasons for the replacement. The HH-60W offers significant improvements in payload, speed, and range, with full operational capability expected by 2030.
Air Force Moves Ahead with Plan to Base HH-60W Helicopters at Andrews for Executive Transport
The U.S. Air Force has selected Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, as the preferred location for 26 modified HH-60W helicopters to replace aging UH-1N Hueys in the executive airlift mission for Air Force District Washington. The new helicopters will support contingency response and senior leadership transportation around the nation's capital. The move will also create a new 5th Helicopter Squadron and bring approximately 60 new active-duty jobs to the base. An environmental impact analysis must be completed before the transition, with initial operational capability expected in early 2029 and full capability by 2030. The Air Force opted for modified HH-60Ws from backup inventory over the previously planned MH-139 Grey Wolf, citing cost efficiency. Modifications include reconfiguring the cabin for 11 passengers and removing combat search and rescue equipment. The House Armed Services Committee has expressed skepticism about the decision and requested more details on cost and operational implications.