First HH-60W to succeed aging Hueys arrives at Joint Base Andrews

For the first time in nearly 60 years, the Washington, D.C., area is home to a new rotary-wing aircraft as Joint Base Andrews received their first HH-60W Jolly Green II. The first in a batch of 26 Jolly Green II aircraft arrived at the Maryland base in a Monday ceremony, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the base as it transitions away from its 26 aging UH-1N “Hueys.” Straight from Sikorsky’s manufacturing plant in Stratford, Connecticut, the base’s premier HH-60W was flown in by a member of the 5th Helicopter Squadron, which stood up in late August in preparation for the aircraft’s arrival. For 60 years, Hueys have supported contingency operations at Andrews, with the 1st Helicopter Squadron operating the aircraft. Once superseded, the aircraft will leave a storied legacy behind on base dating back to the Vietnam War. “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,” Col. Karl W. Seekamp said during the ceremony. Compared to the Hueys, Jolly Green IIs have a larger airframe, greater fuel capacity and can fly faster and farther with three times the airlift capability. The 5th is the first unit to field the Jolly Green IIs, while the 1st continues to operate the Hueys before converting to the “Whiskey” mission. The 5th is expected to take over some of the 1st’s mission. The new aircraft are expected to reach initial operational capability by 2029, with full operational capability by 2030. By 2030, both the 1st and the 5th will be flying the HH-60Ws full time, completing the mission. “While the transition has many years of work ahead, today is unmistakably a day to recognize as a monumental milestone,” Seekamp said. “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.” In the past two months since the 5th stood up, tasks that may seem “trivial” to some were completed to ensure the aircraft and crew were cleared for flight, such as systems, equipment, hangar space and vetting the aircrew, 5th Helicopter Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Jonathan Bonilla told reporters after the ceremony. Since the Jolly Green II came to the base straight from the factory, it is not yet modified for the mission, Bonilla said. Even though the modifications won’t be too complicated since the mission is relatively “simple,” the process is currently less of a priority for the unit compared to the crew’s training. Certain helicopter squadron airmen are slated to begin familiarization training from certified Sikorsky aircrews beginning in January 2027, according to a recent Andrews release. Afterward, select airmen will be able to instruct their fellow crewmembers in safety and familiarization procedures for the Jolly Green IIs. As opposed to the Huey’s distinct blue, white and gold paint job, the Jolly Green IIs won’t be painted. Instead, they’ll keep their grey color to accommodate potential combat rescue missions in the future. Unsure of the timeline in which the base will receive the full 26-aircraft fleet, the squadron was notified of the first HH-60W’s arrival only three weeks to a month prior to its Monday arrival. “There is naturally an inkling to try to get them as soon as we can,” Bonilla said. “But we definitely want to build, again, the foundation so that we can be properly ready to have them.”