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yesterday

Joint Base Andrews to Replace Hueys With 26 HH-60W Helicopters

Officials say the HH-60W will provide greater payload, speed and range to boost safety and mission reach as the base phases in the new fleet by 2030.

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Overview

  • The Air Force announced on Aug. 12 that Joint Base Andrews will receive 26 HH-60W 'Whiskey' helicopters to replace the base’s 26 UH-1N 'Huey' aircraft.
  • The base will stand up the 5th Helicopter Squadron to begin the transition on Aug. 27, while the existing 1st Helicopter Squadron will continue flying Hueys until it converts.
  • The decision adds 60 active-duty manpower positions to Andrews to support the new squadron and sustain expanded mission needs.
  • The HH-60W is to reach full operational capability at Andrews by 2030 and is described by officials as offering materially higher payload capacity, top speed and range than the decades-old UH-1Ns.
  • The move follows safety concerns about the aging Huey fleet, including a recent emergency landing after crews reported vibrating mechanical sounds, and will require retrofits to adapt some HH-60Ws from combat search-and-rescue configuration to VIP transport roles.