The USAF has selected Joint Base Andrews (JBA), Maryland as the fourth operating location for its Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolves.

The 25 new MH-139As will replace the 21 ageing UH-1N Hueys currently based at JBA. The increase of four aircraft will allow the base to continue its role of providing air transport for government operations and distinguished visitor transport missions without having to be supported by outside units. 

Based on the proven commercial Leonardo AW139, the Grey Wolf offers a substantial increase in capabilities for missions supporting the National Capital Region. 

Improvements in speed, range, endurance, and payload will offer increased capabilities in air support of the intercontinental ballistic missile mission in the US positioned across Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Colorado, and Nebraska. Additionally, civil SAR and survival school support will be performed.

The MH-139A has a cruising speed of 135kts and a maximum speed of 167kts. It can reach a minimum range of 225 nautical miles without the need for refueling. The maximum endurance of the Grey Wolf is three hours. 

Once JBA receives the MH-139A, it will join Malmstrom AFB Montana, Minot AFB, North Dakota, and F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, as bases with the new aircraft. Malmstrom is scheduled to get the helicopter first.

In addition to its four permanent bases, the MH-139A will also have its formal training unit at Maxwell AFB, Alabama.

The new aircraft has run into some issues. In 2022, the USAF cut its buy of the Grey Wolf completely, as fielding was delayed due to issues with the FAA certification. This has resulted in a substantial delay, as the FAA stated at the time: “The MH-139A required an updated certification because it is a commercial derivative aircraft with unique military equipment that requires certification.”