Air Force Activates New HH-60W Squadron at Joint Base Andrews
The U.S. Air Force has activated the 5th Helicopter Squadron at Joint Base Andrews, marking the installation’s first new Air Force helicopter squadron in 60 years. The unit will prepare aircrews, maintainers and operating procedures for the arrival of the HH-60W Jolly Green II, the service’s newest combat rescue helicopter.
The new squadron will operate alongside the 1st Helicopter Squadron during a phased transition. The 1st will continue flying the UH-1N Huey and providing immediate-response coverage while the 5th builds its personnel, aircraft and mission capability. The Air Force expects the transition to reach full capacity in 2030.
Although the HH-60W was developed for personnel recovery, the Andrews-based aircraft will support continuity-of-government and other high-priority missions in the National Capital Region. The model adds modern communications, navigation, weather and survivability systems while offering greater range and payload than the aging UH-1N fleet. Crews will also gain a platform based on the widely operated H-60 family, but configured for demanding rescue and response missions.
Why it matters
The change replaces a helicopter design with roots in the 1960s while preserving uninterrupted alert coverage. Operating both squadrons during the transition gives the Air Force time to train crews and establish the HH-60W safely before retiring the Hueys from this mission.
Source: U.S. Air Force
