For the first time in roughly six decades, a brand-new type of military helicopter has landed at Joint Base Andrews — and it signals a major shift in how the Air Force will carry out one of its most critical missions. The arrival marks the end of an era for a beloved aircraft and the beginning of a more capable one.
The HH-60W Jolly Green II touched down at the Maryland base during a ceremony this week, becoming the first of 26 such aircraft slated to eventually replace the fleet of UH-1N “Hueys” that have served there for 60 years. The aircraft flew in directly from the manufacturer’s plant in Stratford, Connecticut, piloted by a member of the newly formed 5th Helicopter Squadron, which stood up in late August specifically to prepare for this transition.
A New Squadron, A New Mission
The 5th Helicopter Squadron is the first unit in the Air Force to field the Jolly Green II. The 1st Helicopter Squadron, which has operated the Hueys at Andrews since the Vietnam War era, will continue flying those aircraft for now before eventually converting to the HH-60W as well. By 2030, both squadrons are expected to be operating the Jolly Green II full time, with initial operational capability projected for 2029.
Col. Karl W. Seekamp acknowledged the legacy the Hueys leave behind while making the case for moving forward.
“We couldn’t be prouder of our UH-1s, but we rightly recognize that this critical mission deserves the modern capability and safety upgrades that are available today in the HH-60 Whiskey,”
he said during the ceremony.
Seekamp also highlighted just how significant the moment was, given the challenges involved in getting here.
“While the transition has many years of work ahead, today is unmistakably a day to recognize as a monumental milestone. Against incredible odds and hurdles that should have been impossible to clear, iron on the ramp in 2026 will occur because of the people in this hangar today,”
he said.
What Comes Next
The road ahead involves considerable preparation before the new helicopter is fully mission-ready. Because the aircraft arrived straight from the factory, it has not yet been modified for its specific operational role. Lt. Col. Jonathan Bonilla, commander of the 5th Helicopter Squadron, told reporters after the ceremony that while those modifications aren’t overly complex, training the aircrew is currently the higher priority.
In just the two months since the squadron was activated, airmen completed a range of tasks — from securing hangar space and equipment to vetting the aircrew — to ensure the aircraft and personnel were cleared for flight. Bonilla noted that some of these steps might seem
“trivial”
to outside observers, but were essential groundwork.
According to an Andrews release, certain helicopter squadron airmen are scheduled to begin familiarization training with certified Sikorsky aircrews in January 2027. Following that training, select airmen will be qualified to instruct their fellow crewmembers in safety and familiarization procedures for the new aircraft.
The Jolly Green II also comes with a different look. Unlike the Huey’s distinctive blue, white, and gold paint scheme, the new helicopters will retain their factory grey color — a deliberate choice that keeps the door open for potential combat rescue missions in the future.
The squadron received notice of the first aircraft’s arrival only three weeks to a month before it landed. As for when the remaining 25 aircraft will follow, that timeline remains uncertain. Bonilla said the unit isn’t rushing to accelerate deliveries at the expense of readiness.
“There is naturally an inkling to try to get them as soon as we can. But we definitely want to build, again, the foundation so that we can be properly ready to have them,”
he said.
