First HH-60W Jolly Green II Arrives at Joint Base Andrews

The arrival of the first HH-60W marks the start of the transition from the UH-1N in support of the National Capital Region’s contingency-response mission, with the 5th Helicopter Squadron leading the modernization.

The first HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter has arrived at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on Nov. 2, 2026. The event marks a major milestone in the U.S. Air Force’s effort to modernize its rotary-wing fleet supporting contingency response operations in the National Capital Region.

The helicopter will be assigned to the newly activated 5th Helicopter Squadron, which will be responsible for the training and the introduction of the new fleet. The existing 1st Helicopter Squadron, established in 1969, will continue to fly the UH-1N in support of the National Capital Region’s contingency-response mission until it converts to the HH-60W.

The arrival marks the beginning of a transition from the UH-1N Huey, which has supported the installation’s 24/7 contingency-response mission since 1971. The service says the current UH-1N fleet is 49 to 59 years old and, notably, three of the aircraft that flew during the Vietnam War remain in service today, according to the press release.

The first HH-60W arrived at @Andrews_JBA marking new era for Air Force rotary-wing operations.

AFMC units played a key role in getting the Jolly Green II to the field, conducting developmental, electronic warfare & defensive systems testing.

https://t.co/48N11hmiCh

#USAF https://t.co/fFA5N7gNT8

— U.S. Air Force Materiel Command (@HQ_AFMC) November 3, 2026

“It is important that we honor the legacy of what the Huey has done for safety and operations as a whole,” noted Lt. Col. Jonathan Bonilla, 5th HS commander. “We must remember this while we, as an Air Force, continue to look into the future.”

The Department of the Air Force announced in August 2026 it selected Joint Base Andrews as the preferred location to replace its fleet of 26 UH-1N helicopters with 26 HH-60Ws. According to the service, the UH-1N lacks the speed, range, and lift capacity required to provide cost-effective, modern mission support.

“Our leaders recognized the need for change and decided to rapidly modernize the equipment that we use to protect our nation,” said Col. Karl W. Seekamp, 316th Wing and installation commander. “This critical mission deserves the modern capability and safety upgrades that are available today.”

A U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II assigned to the 5th Helicopter Squadron taxis to the HH-60W arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Nov. 2, 2026. | Source: U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Jakel The HH-60W will improve the Air Force’s ability to respond to contingencies throughout the National Capital Region and beyond. Additionally, the service said “the HH-60W represents an investment in modernizing the Andrews’ rotary-wing capabilities and providing a more versatile aircraft to meet evolving operational requirements.”

“I think the [HH-60] Whiskey is absolutely the right call,” said Capt. Joshua Lemon, 316th Operations Group executive officer and UH-1N instructor pilot, who will be part of the first class of aircrew transitioning to the new aircraft. “It is inherently a joint airframe, meaning that almost any branch or agency in the area can call on us and we can lend a hand, or an aircraft. It makes us part of a bigger team.”

5th Helicopter Squadron leading the transition

The arrival of the HH-60W follows the activation of the 5th Helicopter Squadron on Aug. 27, 2026. The ceremony marked the first activation of a new U.S. Air Force helicopter squadron at Joint Base Andrews in 60 years.

A new chapter for Air Force rotary-wing operations begins at America’s Airfield. Building on a legacy Andrews Airmen have earned over decades supporting our nation’s capital, they’ll now carry that mission forward with the HH-60W Jolly Green II. https://t.co/GgNDUsWiIq

— Sikorsky (@Sikorsky) November 3, 2026

The new squadron will initially receive the HH-60W and establish the training, operational and maintenance processes required to bring the aircraft into service. It will operate alongside the 1st Helicopter Squadron, which will continue flying the UH-1N to ensure uninterrupted support for the installation’s national security mission.

“Our 24/7 mission continues while we prepare the next generation of Airmen and aircraft to continue the legacy of excellence,” said Lt. Col. Zachary Minner, 1st HS commander. “The incredible professionals of the 1st Helicopter Squadron are ready to respond whenever the National Capital Region needs us.”

The 1st Helicopter Squadron was established in 1969 and has been responsible for immediate-response contingency operations in the National Capital Region for more than half a century. The UH-1N has been operated from Andrews since 1970, with the squadron receiving the aircraft in 1971.

Two U.S. Air Force UH-1N Huey helicopters assigned to the 1st Helicopter Squadron, Joint Base Andrews, fly over Washington, D.C. as the sun rises over the National Capital Region. | Source: AJ Bleyer/Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs “The Huey has been part of this mission and this community for generations,” said Col. Kevin Geoffroy, 316th Operations Group commander and an HH-60W pilot. “Today, we are standing up the 5th Helicopter Squadron – a unit that inherits a proud, storied legacy. We will honor that legacy by delivering excellence as we modernize our fleet at Joint Base Andrews for the future.”

The phased transition will allow the Air Force to introduce the new helicopter while maintaining its existing operational capability. Once the 5th Helicopter Squadron has fully transitioned to the HH-60W and can safely and sustainably execute its missions, the 1st Helicopter Squadron will begin its own conversion to the new platform.

The Air Force anticipates that the HH-60W fleet at Joint Base Andrews will achieve full operational capability in 2030. The complete retirement of the UH-1N is planned for 2032.