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First US Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II Lands at Joint Base Andrews to Replace Decades-Old Hueys
The first HH-60W Jolly Green II arrived at Joint Base Andrews on November 2, beginning replacement of the base's 26 UH-1N Huey helicopters. Assigned to the newly activated 5th Helicopter Squadron, the aircraft supports senior-leader airlift and immediate contingency response in the National Capital Region. The transition uses previously procured HH-60Ws drawn from backup inventory, with modifications to remove combat-rescue equipment and configure cabins for eleven passengers. The Air Force plans a 26-aircraft Andrews fleet with full capability targeted for 2030, adding greater lift, secure communications and improved navigation compared with the ageing Hueys.