Joint Base Andrews to receive HH-60W helicopters as 5th Helicopter Squadron supports contingency response operations

The Department of the Air Force has identified Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, as its preferred site to replace 26 UH-1N helicopters with an equal number of HH-60W aircraft, a move that will add 60 active-duty positions to the base.

A new unit, the 5th Helicopter Squadron, is slated to stand up at Andrews on Aug. 27 as the first on base to receive the HH-60W. The long-standing 1st Helicopter Squadron, established in 1969, will continue operating the UH-1N until it transitions to the new mission.

Both squadrons will be tasked to support Contingency Response Operations on behalf of the U.S. government, provide defense support to civil authorities, and conduct transportation for senior leaders.

Service officials cited the age and performance limitations of the current UH-1N fleet—now 49 to 59 years old—as key factors driving the change, noting those aircraft no longer offer the speed, range, or lift necessary for cost-effective, modern mission support.

The HH-60W is expected to deliver marked improvements in payload, maximum airspeed, and mission range, ensuring the aircraft can meet assigned requirements.

The Air Force projects full operational capability in 2030.