Joint Base Andrews activates 5th Helicopter Squadron, to receive 26 HH-60W Jolly Green II

For the first time in 60 years, Joint Base Andrews has stood up a new helicopter squadron in preparation for the base to receive HH-60W aircraft.

The activation of the 5th Helicopter Squadron on August 28 brings the base one step closer to receiving 26 HH-60W Jolly Green IIs—advanced combat search-and-rescue helicopters that will eventually replace the base's aging UH-1N Huey medium-utility helicopters.

The Air Force recently selected the Maryland base to receive the new aircraft. The 5th Helicopter Squadron is slated to be the first unit to receive the Jolly Green IIs, while the 1st Helicopter Squadron continues to fly the Hueys before converting to the HH-60W mission.

According to a recent release, the 1st Helicopter Squadron had been the Air Force's only rotary-wing unit in the National Capital Region for the past 60 years—until the 5th's activation.

The new aircraft are expected to reach initial operating capability by 2029, with full operational capability slated for 2030.

Ceremony and Leadership

Col. Kevin Geoffroy, 316th Operations Group commander, said during Thursday's ceremony that the idea for a new helicopter squadron came to fruition less than a month after the wing began the paperwork needed to establish it.

Initially, the 5th will fly the Jolly Green IIs while the 1st transitions to the new aircraft. The 5th will also work to take over some of the 1st's mission.

"[The 5th] will stand constant vigil alongside the 1st Helicopter Squadron, continuing our no-fail mission to conduct contingency response operations vital to national security, and provide priority airlift for our nation's civil and military leadership in the national capital region."

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— Col. Kevin Geoffroy

Lt. Col. Jonathan Bonilla assumed command of the newly activated 5th Helicopter Squadron. He celebrated the 5th's ability to build its own legacy on top of the Huey's as the aging aircraft leave the base in the coming years.

"Our mission is not to replace that history. Our mission is to honor it by carrying it forward into the next chapter."

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— Lt. Col. Jonathan Bonilla

Bonilla noted that the 5th has a "unique opportunity" because the squadron is being built from the ground up, allowing it to drive change and not be bound by past norms.

Ceremony Aircraft

The base was able to display a Jolly Green II during the ceremony, courtesy of the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing, which flew the aircraft in for the event.

1st Helicopter Squadron airmen stand in formation during the 5th Helicopter Squadron activation ceremony in front of an HH-60W at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Aug. 27, 2026. (Mauricio Hidalgo/U.S. Air Force)

Building the Future

Lt. Col. James Gray, the 5th Helicopter Squadron's director of operations, told reporters at the activation ceremony that the squadron's first mission is to build the Jolly Green II aircrew.

Gray said the focus after activation is developing a plan to address unknowns, including getting to know the aircrew who will transition over and integrating with the National Capital Region's airspace.

"That's the big change in my mind: when you have something this momentous, you have to carry the legacy, but you also get to kind of form a new culture. It's kind of a great crossroads, if you will, between the two cultures."

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— Lt. Col. James Gray

About the Author

Cristina Stassis is a reporter covering stories surrounding the defense industry, national security, military/veteran affairs and more. She previously worked as an editorial fellow for Defense News in 2024, where she assisted the newsroom in breaking news across Sightline Media Group.