[Scan-DC] AFDW to activate 5th Helicopter Squadron to support contingency response mission

[Alan Henney]

*AFDW to activate 5th Helicopter Squadron to support contingency response
mission*


JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – The 316th Wing will stand up the 5th Helicopter
Squadron in an activation ceremony here at 3:30 p.m. August 27, 2026,  as
it adds a U.S. Air Force helicopter unit for the first time in 60 years.

Col. Kevin Geoffroy will preside over the ceremony as Lt. Col. Jonathan
Bonilla assumes command of the newly activated unit. The ceremony will
feature a static display of the HH-60W Jolly Green, which the unit will fly
in the future.



A unit activation officially establishes, organizes and brings a new
military organization to full operational status. The activation of
the 5th Helicopter
Squadron (to stand alongside the 1st Helicopter Squadron) will mark the
first time in its history that Joint Base Andrews has had two U.S. Air
Force helicopter squadrons simultaneously.



This is significant as the two squadrons work together to continue the
legacy of the UH-N1 Huey while preparing for the move to the next
generation of airframe.



Activating the 5 HS allows Joint Base Andrews to transition over time to a
new airframe, the HH-60W, which can go faster, farther, and carry more
people and equipment. During the transition, the legacy unit, the 1st
Helicopter
Squadron will provide continuous support for the no-fail contingency
response mission vital to our national security.



WHAT:          Ceremony to activate the new 5th Helicopter Squadron unit



WHEN:          Thursday, August 27, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.



WHERE:        Hangar 1, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. (note: you will be
escorted from the main gate before entering the base)



Media members interested in covering the ceremony may register at this link:
*https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/8SjuHUWqS0*
<https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/8SjuHUWqS0>



Deadline for registration is Wednesday, August 26 at 9:00 a.m. Members who
are successfully registered will receive a follow-up with reporting
instructions.



If you have any questions, please reach out to the 316th Wing Public
Affairs Office by email at *316WG.PA.MEDIAOPERATIONS at us.af.mil*
<316WG.PA.MEDIAOPERATIONS at us.af.mil>  or by phone 301-543-7447.



-30-

Very Respectfully,

*ALEX J. BROOME, SSGT, USAF*

NCOIC, Media Operations

316th Wing Public Affairs

Joint Base Andrews, MD