As the U.S. Air Force transitions from the UH-1N Huey helicopter to the MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter, squadrons from across the branch collaborate during mission, equipment and readiness training. One recent example of this collaboration was the 316th Operation Support Squadron at JBA hosting an immersion for the 908th Operations Support Squadron, stationed at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, Aug. 14-18.

The 908th OSS’s current platform is the C-130, a transport aircraft with four turboprops, so the immersion focused on touring the 1st Helicopter Squadron’s Operations Facility, as well as hands-on interactions with the UH-1N helicopters and its associated safety equipment.

“We want to shadow the 316th OSS and get a feel for what they do and how they run their shop as we transition from the C-130 to the MH-139,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Markey Hugely, 908th OSS. “We’re taking things we learn here and plan to implement that information into our system. We’ve been learning since we stepped in the building!”

Members from the 908th OSS visited Andrews with a primary objective to become familiar with the aircraft that is entering and leaving their unit. This visit also facilitated communication with the 316th OSS and strengthened inter-unit relationships. Additionally, it marked the initial occasion when members from Maxwell Air Force Base came to Joint Base Andrews to observe and engage with both their upcoming mission and legacy: the MH-139.

During one of their training days, the crew explored necessary aircraft equipment, such as survival backpacks with clothing, compasses and flares, to head gear units, night vision sights, life preservers and life rafts.

In regards to the MH-139, the aircraft can be equipped with various mission-specific equipment and configurations, depending on its intended use. This flexibility makes it adaptable to different operational requirements.

“We wanted to give the 908th OSS more insight on what equipment they expect to see,” said Master Sgt. Darien Hackett, 316th OSS Aircrew Flight Equipment Flight chief. “We also wanted to talk about possible capability changes and trying to get ahead on getting the right equipment.”

This is the first of many ways the 316th and 908th OSS teams plan to work together to expedite their familiarity with the MH-139 and embrace their evolving roles.

“We plan to work with the 908th OSS in multiple ways moving forward, mainly as support,” said Hackett. “We’d like to visit as they build up their shop to provide guidance on what will best assist them as an AFE [aircrew flight equipment] unit.”