New HH-60W Helicopters Arrive at Joint Base Andrews, Marking End of Huey Era

Joint Base Andrews in Maryland recently welcomed its first HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter, marking the beginning of a new era for the base's rotary-wing fleet. The arrival of this advanced aircraft on Monday signifies the start of a transition away from the aging UH-1N "Hueys" that have served at the base since 1962.

The HH-60W was flown directly to Joint Base Andrews from Sikorsky’s manufacturing facility in Stratford, Connecticut. The aircraft is part of an initial batch of 26 Jolly Green IIs destined for the base as part of a broader modernization effort within the U.S. Air Force's helicopter fleet.

The 5th Helicopter Squadron, which was activated at the end of August to prepare for the arrival of these new helicopters, received the first HH-60W. The squadron will eventually take over some of the missions currently handled by the 1st Helicopter Squadron, which has operated UH-1Ns since their introduction.

Colonel Karl W. Seekamp, speaking at a ceremony held to commemorate the event, emphasized the importance of upgrading to modern aircraft that offer enhanced capabilities and improved safety features. The HH-60Ws are equipped with larger airframes, greater fuel capacity, faster speeds, and an increased airlift capability compared to their predecessors.

The transition process is expected to take several years, with initial operational capability anticipated by 2029 and full operational capability projected for 2030. By that time, both the 1st and 5th Helicopter Squadrons will be fully equipped with HH-60Ws, completing a mission shift that began in earnest this summer.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Bonilla, commander of the 5th Helicopter Squadron, highlighted the extensive groundwork laid by his unit to ensure readiness for the new aircraft. This includes not only physical preparations such as hangar space and equipment but also training the aircrew to handle the advanced capabilities of the HH-60Ws.

Unlike their predecessors with distinctive blue, white, and gold paint schemes, the Jolly Green IIs will remain in their factory grey coloration to facilitate potential combat rescue missions. The squadron is currently focusing on crew training rather than immediate modifications for mission-specific requirements.

The arrival of the first HH-60W at Joint Base Andrews represents a significant milestone in modernizing U.S. military helicopter operations, enhancing both operational effectiveness and safety standards for future missions.