1st Helicopter Squadron

1st Helicopter Squadron
Unit name	1st Helicopter Squadron
Dates	1944–1946; 1951–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Helicopter Squadron
Role	Executive transport, Search and rescue, Special operations support
Command structure	Air Force District of Washington → 316th Wing
Garrison	Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
Equipment	UH-1N Twin Huey, UH-1N Iroquois
Decorations	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

1st Helicopter Squadron. The 1st Helicopter Squadron is a unique United States Air Force unit tasked with providing worldwide, all-weather helicopter airlift for the highest levels of the United States government. Operating from its home at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, the squadron's primary mission is the secure transportation of the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, and other senior Department of Defense officials. With a lineage tracing back to World War II, it is one of the oldest continuously serving helicopter units within the U.S. Air Force.

History

The squadron's origins date to its initial activation as the 1st Air-Sea Rescue Squadron in China during World War II, where it flew OA-10 Catalina aircraft for combat search and rescue missions. Following the war, the unit was inactivated and later reactivated in 1951 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, transitioning to H-5 Dragonfly and H-19 Chickasaw helicopters. In 1957, the squadron was relocated to its current home at what was then Andrews Air Force Base, placing it in proximity to the National Capital Region. Throughout the Cold War, the unit supported critical national security missions, including during events like the Cuban Missile Crisis. It was redesignated as the 1st Helicopter Squadron in 1965, solidifying its specialized transport role.

Mission

The squadron's core mission is executive helicopter transportation, directly supporting the White House, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This includes the dedicated movement of the President under the call sign "Marine One" when embarked on a United States Marine Corps helicopter, and "Executive One" when aboard its own aircraft. Beyond this primary duty, the squadron maintains a secondary mission of search and rescue and disaster response within the National Capital Region, and provides direct support to United States Special Operations Command for training and operational exercises.

Aircraft

For decades, the squadron's primary aircraft has been the UH-1N Twin Huey, a twin-engine variant of the iconic Bell UH-1 Iroquois. These helicopters are specially modified with advanced avionics, secure communications suites, and defensive systems to safely conduct their sensitive missions in all weather conditions, day or night. The UH-1N provides the versatility required for both the executive transport mission and the unit's secondary combat support and rescue roles. The squadron operates these aircraft under the authority of the Air Force District of Washington.

Operations

Daily operations involve rigorous training flights in the complex and restricted airspace over Washington, D.C., which is managed by the Federal Aviation Administration and protected by the North American Aerospace Defense Command. The squadron routinely conducts joint training with other entities such as the White House Military Office, the United States Secret Service, and the United States Marine Corps HMX-1. Its aircraft are a common sight during major state events at the United States Capitol, the Pentagon, and at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland.

Notable incidents

While maintaining an exceptional safety record given its high-tempo mission profile, the squadron has been involved in several notable incidents. In 1974, a UH-1N from the squadron experienced a hard landing on the South Lawn of the White House, though without serious injury. The unit's aircraft and crews were also part of the immediate response and security operations following the September 11 attacks on the Pentagon. These events underscore the inherent challenges of operating in a dense urban environment under constant security constraints.

Commanders

Command of the squadron is held by an Air Force officer in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, selected for exceptional flying skill and leadership. Past commanders have often been seasoned helicopter pilots with extensive experience in combat search and rescue or special operations aviation. The commander reports directly to the leadership of the 316th Wing at Joint Base Andrews and is responsible for all operational, training, and safety aspects of the unit's critical national mission.

Category:United States Air Force helicopter squadrons Category:Military units and formations in Maryland Category:1944 establishments in the United States