New squadron adds modern helicopters to Andrews’ familiar skyline
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. — The Air Force formally activated a second helicopter squadron at Joint Base Andrews this week, setting in motion a gradual replacement of the long-serving Bell UH-1N Twin Huey aircraft that have been a familiar sight over Washington with the larger Lockheed Martin Sikorsky HH-60W, known as the Jolly Green II.
The newly stood-up unit, the 5th Helicopter Squadron, held an activation ceremony at the Maryland base where Lt. Col. Jonathan Bonilla assumed command. The event included a static display of an HH-60W flown in from New York state. Air Force officials say this is the first time Andrews will host two helicopter squadrons at the same time and the first new Air Force helicopter unit activated there in six decades.
"It is the first new Air Force helicopter unit established at Andrews in 60 years and the first time the base has hosted two Air Force helicopter squadrons simultaneously."
The 5th Squadron will operate alongside the long-established 1st Helicopter Squadron, whose blue-and-white UH-1Ns — easily recognized over the region — routinely conduct training, transport and readiness flights across the National Capital Region. Those UH-1Ns commonly use the radio call sign "Mussel".
Phased transition and fleet size
Officials described the effort as a phased transition. The two squadrons together are expected to operate a combined fleet of 26 helicopters during and after the transition. The Air Force plans to begin replacing the aging Twin Hueys with the HH-60W aircraft beginning in 2029, with the goal of keeping the total number of helicopters at Andrews steady once the swap is complete.
- The 5th Squadron will initially include personnel qualified on both aircraft types.
- Early priorities include building a cadre of HH-60W pilots and aircrew, then assisting the 1st Squadron’s conversion.
- Decisions remain pending on the new squadron’s paint scheme and radio call sign.
Lt. Col. James Gray, the 5th Helicopter Squadron’s director of operations, told reporters that the unit was still sorting out how many crew members would transfer first to establish the new organization. The squadron’s key leaders are in place, and the unit will concentrate initially on developing the personnel and training pipeline needed for the HH-60W.
| Squadron | Current/Planned Aircraft | Call sign (known) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Helicopter Squadron | Bell UH-1N Twin Huey (to be replaced) | "Mussel" |
| 5th Helicopter Squadron | Lockheed Martin Sikorsky HH-60W Jolly Green II (planned) | Not yet selected |
Local implications
For residents of Washington and the surrounding suburbs, the change will be noticeable. The UH-1N Hueys, with their distinctive blue-and-white paint, have been part of the area’s aviation backdrop for decades. As HH-60Ws enter service, the size, sound profile and appearance of military helicopter operations over the capital will change, although officials say routine flight counts will remain consistent with the 26-aircraft fleet target.
The 5th Squadron’s activation represents both an operational and a visible shift for Andrews. Beyond transport and training flights, the base’s helicopter units support a variety of National Capital Region missions; the modernization effort is aimed at improving capability while maintaining the rotational and readiness posture that local residents have come to expect.
Officials have not announced a timeline for painting or naming conventions for the incoming HH-60Ws, nor have they released a final schedule for the phased crew transfers that will build up the 5th Squadron’s HH-60W capability. Until then, Washington-area residents will continue to see the familiar Hueys while the Jolly Green II prepares to assume a larger role in Andrews’ helicopter operations.
