JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (7News) — Joint Base Andrews received its first HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter Monday, beginning a fleet transition intended to expand the Air Force’s ability to transport senior leaders and respond to emergencies in the Washington, D.C. region.
The helicopter is the first of 26 planned to replace the installation’s aging UH-1N Hueys. Air Force officials say the newer aircraft can fly faster and farther and carry substantially larger loads.
The HH-60W will initially be assigned to the 5th Helicopter Squadron, activated Aug. 27 to help establish the fleet and train personnel. The 1st Helicopter Squadron will continue flying Hueys during the transition to maintain round-the-clock mission coverage…