The US Air Force revealed it has selected Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, as the fourth location to host its new MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters.
The 25 new helicopters will replace the base’s 21 aging UH-1N Hueys. The additional four aircraft 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 MH-139A is set to replace the Air Force’s UH-1N Huey fleet. The new helicopter closes the capability gaps of the UH-1N in the areas of speed, range, endurance, payload and survivability in support of the command’s intercontinental ballistic missile missions.
Other mission capabilities include civil search and rescue, airlift support, National Capital Region missions, as well as survival school and test support.
Up to 84 Grey Wolf helicopters are scheduled for delivery through Boeing under a $2.38 billion contract.
The manpower required to support the mission at Andrews will grow from 235 personnel to approximately 310, the Air Force said, adding that the basing decision was based on factors related to mission, base capacity, community support, cost and environmental considerations.
The service further said it expects to complete the required environmental assessment in summer 2023 before a final decision is made.
