First HH-60W Helicopter Arrives at Joint Base Andrews

A first HH-60W helicopter arrived at Joint Base Andrews on November 2 for the 5th Helicopter Squadron, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine. The newly activated squadron received the aircraft, also known as a “Whiskey.”

Key details

• The arrival ceremony included Air Force Undersecretary Matthew Lohmeier and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John D. Lamontagne.
• The 5th and 1st Helicopter Squadrons are expected to receive 26 HH-60W helicopters combined.
• The HH-60Ws are intended to replace UH-1N Hueys on executive airlift and contingency-response missions in the Washington, D.C., area.
• The Hueys have supported those missions since 1971.

Why it matters

The HH-60W transition brings a new helicopter type to squadrons supporting executive airlift and contingency response around the nation’s capital. The planned fleet will serve both the 5th and 1st Helicopter Squadrons.