Joint Base Andrews Activates 5th Helicopter Squadron for HH-60W Transition

Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, activated the 5th Helicopter Squadron on Aug. 27, creating the installation’s second U.S. Air Force rotary-wing unit and marking its first helicopter-squadron activation in 60 years. Lt. Col. Jonathan Bonilla assumed command of the new squadron, which will operate alongside the 1st Helicopter Squadron during a phased modernization effort.

The 5th Helicopter Squadron is the first Andrews unit designated to receive HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters. The Department of the Air Force previously selected Andrews as the preferred location to replace its 26 UH-1N Hueys with 26 HH-60Ws. The Air Force said the new squadron will train aircrew and maintainers, develop operating and maintenance processes, and progressively integrate the aircraft into local missions.

The 1st Helicopter Squadron will continue flying the UH-1N during the transition, preserving immediate-response capability and daily operations in the National Capital Region. Both squadrons are expected to operate in parallel as the 5th Helicopter Squadron builds toward full operational capability, which the Air Force anticipates in 2030.

Why it matters

The activation establishes the organizational structure for replacing an aging Huey fleet without interrupting the rotary-wing contingency-response mission at Andrews. It also gives the Air Force a dedicated unit to introduce the HH-60W while the 1st Helicopter Squadron maintains current operational coverage.

Sources: Joint Base Andrews: A First in 60 Years: Andrews Stands Up New Helicopter Squadron; U.S. Air Force: Joint Base Andrews to gain HH-60W, 5th Helicopter Squadron to support contingency response operations; DVIDS: A First in 60 Years: Andrews Stands Up New Helicopter Squadron