Ceremony to transition to Grey Wolf helicopter mission held at Maxwell Air Force Base
A mission transition ceremony has been held at Maxwell Air Force Base as to welcome the new MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter. The event was held Friday, May 31.
The MH-139A is the military variant of the AW-139 and is a direct replacement for the Air Force’s fleet of UH-1N Huey which will support major commands.
The mission will consist of nuclear security, transportation of U.S. government officials and security forces survival evasion resistance and escape training support.
Col. Ryan Richardson, who is the commander of the 42nd Air Base Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base, said that he looks forward to the transition from the C-130 cargo aircraft that had been a familiar sight in the skies above Montgomery to the new helicopters.
“It was an honor prior up until the spring of 2022 when we saw the last C-130 depart, and then readying the installation — both the facility perspective and then from a personal perspective — helping them put the right pieces in place to prepare for the Grey Wolf, and of course now to execute their training mission,” Col. Richardson told Action 8 News.
In 2020, Maxwell Air Force Base was selected for the MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter training mission. The 908th Airlift Wing was chosen to help train personnel.
Learn more about the Grey Wolf helicopter mission at Maxwell Air Force Base
The new helicopters can cruise 50% faster and farther than the Huey, while also having a 30% larger cabin and capacity to lift 5,000 pounds more.
