Air Force Begins Replacing Huey Fleet at Joint Base Andrews

The United States Air Force received its first HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter at Joint Base Andrews in early November 2026, initiating a fleet modernization to replace 26 aging UH-1N Hueys. Some of the outgoing Hueys have been in service since the Vietnam War. The new aircraft, delivered from a Sikorsky manufacturing plant in Connecticut, provide increased speed, range, and nearly three times the airlift capacity of the previous fleet.

The transition is being managed by two units. The 5th Helicopter Squadron, activated on August 27, 2026, is responsible for establishing maintenance processes and training personnel. Meanwhile, the 1st Helicopter Squadron continues to operate the UH-1N Hueys to ensure uninterrupted 24/7 national security support and senior leader transportation within the National Capital Region.

Aircrew familiarization training led by Sikorsky personnel is scheduled to begin in January 2027. The Air Force expects to reach initial operational capability by 2029 and full operational capability by 2030. Once the transition is complete, both the 1st and 5th Helicopter Squadrons will operate the HH-60W full time, with the UH-1N fleet slated for complete retirement by 2032.