The MH-139 Grey Wolf is set to replace the Air Force’s aging Bell UH-1N Huey fleet. Joint Base Andrews, Md. was recently selected as the fourth location to host the aircraft.
United States Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.
WASHINGTON (AFNS) — The Department of the Air Force selected Joint Base Andrews (Maryland) as the fourth location to host MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters.
The 25 new MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters, the military version of the italian best-seller Leonardo AW139 helicopter manufactured by Boeing specifically for the United States Air Force (USAF), will replace the base’s 21 aging Bell UH-1N Huey helicopter fleet.
The additional four MH-139s will allow the base to execute continuation of government operations and distinguished visitor transport mission requirements without augmenting support units.
In addition to providing updated capabilities to support missions in the National Capital Region, the Grey Wolf will increase speed, range, endurance, payload and survivability in support of the intercontinental ballistic missile mission, civil search and rescue, airlift and survival school/testing.
The manpower required to support this mission will grow from 235 personnel to approximately 310.
Basing the new helicopters at Joint Base Andrews (JBA) was based on factors related to mission, base capacity, community support, cost and environmental considerations.
Department of Air Force (DAF) is expected to complete the required environmental assessment in summer 2023 before a final decision is made.
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