Joint Base Andrews Activates New Squadron for HH-60W Helicopter Transition
On August 28, 2026, Joint Base Andrews in Maryland activated the 5th Helicopter Squadron, the first new helicopter squadron there in 60 years. The squadron will receive 26 HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters, replacing the aging UH-1N Huey fleet. The transition, expected to reach full operational capability by 2030, will modernize executive airlift and continuity-of-government missions for the National Capital Region, adding 60 personnel and marking the end of the Huey’s iconic 60-year legacy.
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US Air Force Activates New Combat Rescue Helicopter Squadron at Joint Base Andrews
The United States Air Force has activated a new helicopter squadron at Joint Base Andrews for the first time in 60 years. This marks the beginning of a transition that will introduce the HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopter alongside the base's long-serving UH-1N Huey fleet. The activation was reported by the UK Defence Journal, a British defense news outlet. The new squadron is part of the Air Force's efforts to modernize its combat rescue capabilities, replacing older platforms with the more advanced HH-60W, which is designed for personnel recovery operations in contested environments. The move underscores the US military's continued investment in rotary-wing assets for search and rescue missions.
Joint Base Andrews activates new helicopter squadron for HH-60W mission
On August 28, 2026, Joint Base Andrews activated the 5th Helicopter Squadron, the first new helicopter squadron at the base in 60 years. The squadron is slated to receive 26 HH-60W Jolly Green II combat search-and-rescue helicopters, which will eventually replace the aging UH-1N Huey fleet currently flown by the 1st Helicopter Squadron. The 5th will initially fly the new aircraft while the 1st transitions, and will take over some of the 1st's mission, including contingency response operations and priority airlift for national leadership in the National Capital Region. Lt. Col. Jonathan Bonilla assumed command. The HH-60Ws are expected to reach initial operating capability by 2029 and full operational capability by 2030. A Jolly Green II was present at the ceremony courtesy of the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing.
Joint Base Andrews activates new helicopter squadron for HH-60W mission
On August 28, 2026, Joint Base Andrews activated the 5th Helicopter Squadron, the first new helicopter squadron at the base in 60 years. The squadron is slated to be the first unit to receive and train with 26 HH-60W Jolly Green II combat search-and-rescue helicopters, which will eventually replace the aging UH-1N Huey fleet. The 1st Helicopter Squadron will continue flying Hueys before transitioning to the new aircraft. Initial operating capability for the HH-60Ws is expected by 2029, with full operational capability by 2030. Lt. Col. Jonathan Bonilla assumed command of the new squadron, which aims to build a new culture while honoring the Huey's legacy. A Jolly Green II was flown in for the ceremony courtesy of the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing.
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Joint Base Andrews activates new helicopter squadron for HH-60W mission
On August 28, 2026, Joint Base Andrews activated the 5th Helicopter Squadron, the first new helicopter squadron at the base in 60 years. The squadron will be the first unit to receive and train with 26 HH-60W Jolly Green II combat search-and-rescue helicopters, replacing the aging UH-1N Huey fleet. The 1st Helicopter Squadron will continue flying Hueys before transitioning to the new aircraft. Initial operating capability is expected by 2029, with full operational capability by 2030. Lt. Col. Jonathan Bonilla assumed command of the new squadron, which will support contingency response operations and priority airlift for national leadership in the National Capital Region. A Jolly Green II was present at the ceremony courtesy of the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing.
Joint Base Andrews activates new helicopter squadron for HH-60W mission
On August 28, 2026, Joint Base Andrews activated the 5th Helicopter Squadron, the first new helicopter squadron at the base in 60 years. The squadron is slated to be the first unit to receive and train with 26 HH-60W Jolly Green II combat search-and-rescue helicopters, which will eventually replace the aging UH-1N Huey fleet. The 5th will initially fly the new aircraft while the 1st Helicopter Squadron transitions. Initial operating capability is expected by 2029, with full operational capability by 2030. Lt. Col. Jonathan Bonilla assumed command of the new squadron, which will support contingency response operations and priority airlift for national leadership in the National Capital Region. A Jolly Green II was flown in for the ceremony by the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing.
Joint Base Andrews activates new helicopter squadron for HH-60W mission
On August 28, 2026, Joint Base Andrews in Maryland activated the 5th Helicopter Squadron, the first new helicopter squadron at the base in 60 years. The squadron is slated to be the first unit to receive and train with 26 HH-60W Jolly Green II combat search-and-rescue helicopters, which will eventually replace the aging UH-1N Huey fleet currently flown by the 1st Helicopter Squadron. The new aircraft are expected to reach initial operating capability by 2029 and full operational capability by 2030. Lt. Col. Jonathan Bonilla assumed command of the new squadron, which will build its own legacy while honoring the Huey's history. The 5th will initially fly the Jolly Green IIs while the 1st transitions, and will take over some of the 1st's mission responsibilities, including contingency response operations and priority airlift for national leadership in the National Capital Region.
From Huey to Whiskey: How Andrews Is Starting a ‘Significant’ Helicopter Transition
The U.S. Air Force has activated the 5th Helicopter Squadron at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, marking the beginning of a major transition from the aging UH-1N Huey to the modern HH-60W Jolly Green II (Whiskey) helicopters. The 5th Squadron, commanded by Lt. Col. Jonathan Bonilla, will take the lead in converting aircrews and gradually assuming the executive airlift and continuity of government mission currently handled by the 1st Helicopter Squadron. The transition is necessary because the 1st Squadron cannot pause its 24/7 alert mission, which includes transporting senior officials and responding to crises like the 9/11 attacks. The Air Force has designated Andrews as the preferred location for 26 HH-60Ws, modified for VIP transport. The Huey, iconic since the Vietnam War and in service at Andrews since 1971, will be phased out as crews train on the new aircraft. The transition will add about 60 personnel to Andrews.
From Huey to Whiskey: How Andrews Is Starting a ‘Significant’ Helicopter Transition
The U.S. Air Force has activated the 5th Helicopter Squadron at Joint Base Andrews to lead the transition from the aging UH-1N Huey to the new HH-60W Jolly Green II (Whiskey) helicopters. The 1st Helicopter Squadron will continue its 24/7 executive airlift and continuity-of-government mission while the 5th Squadron's crews convert to the new aircraft. The transition is described as one of the most significant rotary wing transitions the Air Force has undertaken. The HH-60W will be modified for the executive airlift mission, replacing Hueys that have been in service since 1971. The new squadron will add about 60 personnel to Andrews. The Huey's iconic two-blade design and analog cockpit will be replaced by the modern Whiskey, though officials emphasize the Huey remains safe despite recent precautionary landings.
Joint Base Andrews airmen reflect on Huey’s legacy ahead of switch to HH-60Ws
The U.S. Air Force has selected Joint Base Andrews (JBA) to receive 26 HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters, replacing the base's 26 aging UH-1N Hueys. The new aircraft are expected to reach initial operational capability by 2029 and full capability by 2030. The 5th Helicopter Squadron will be stood up on August 27, 2026, as the first unit to receive the Jolly Green IIs, and the base will gain 60 active-duty positions. By 2030, both the 1st and 5th Helicopter Squadrons will fly the HH-60Ws. Airmen express mixed emotions about the Huey's 60-year legacy, including its role in the Vietnam War and the 9/11 response. The HH-60W offers modern avionics, a four-axis autopilot, greater payload (11 vs. 9 passengers), and a quieter four-blade rotor compared to the Huey's distinctive two-blade sound. The transition marks the end of an era for the iconic helicopter in the Washington, D.C., area.