MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. (AFNS) -- Two MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron conducted their first operational Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile convoy Jan. 8, marking an important milestone in the modernization of Air Force Global Strike Command’s nuclear security operations.
The MH-139s shepherded a column of missile maintenance and armored security vehicles to and from a launch facility located more than 100 miles east of Malmstrom Air Force Base without needing to refuel during the six-hour movement, demonstrating the superior capabilities of AFGSC’s newest helicopter as the Air Force prepares to retire the UH-1N Huey after more than five decades of service.
“Executing our first convoy mission with two MH-139s marks a significant step forward in strengthening our missile security operations,” said Maj. Gen. Stacy Huser, 20th Air Force commander. “The MH-139 allows us to continue supporting our ICBM enterprise for decades to come with increased speed, range and lift.”
Speed and reach are demanded specifically due to the more than 100 launch facilities dispersed across Malmstrom AFB’s 13,800-square-mile area of responsibility that spans diverse topography of prairies, plains and mountain ranges.
Not only is the MH-139 approximately 50% faster than the UH-1N and can arrive on-site several minutes sooner – armed and with twice as many troops on board – it also has enhanced defensive systems and is built to support missile field security missions across vast and austere terrain.
The recent convoy escort mission gained valuable operational experience for AFGSC as 20th AF progresses toward initial operational capability of its Grey Wolf fleet.
“I am incredibly proud of our Airmen who made this success possible,” said Col. Bryant Bevan, 582nd Helicopter Group commander. “This mission provided us a multitude of lessons learned, which we will utilize as we continue to work toward accomplishing IOC for the MH-139.”
The MH-139’s implementation into Air Force operations has been an ongoing program for the last several years.
Boeing delivered the first MH-139A to the United States Air Force on Dec. 19, 2019, at Duke Field, Florida. This began combined developmental testing for the UH-1N replacement program.
Malmstrom AFB then hosted a welcome ceremony for the MH-139A on March 9, 2024. The 550th Helicopter Squadron at Malstrom AFB began MH-139 conversion training the following month.
The first Initial Operational Test and Evaluation flight in support of nuclear security operations was on Jan. 29, 2025.
The MH-139 doesn’t just replace an airframe; it directly upgrades how quickly security forces can mass combat power where it’s needed. It has been evaluated specifically for nuclear security tasks that mirror Malmstrom AFB’s real-world demands: convoy support and emergency response, including launch facility recapture and recovery scenarios that measure how quickly crews can go from idle to airborne.
“Our ICBM mission is the foundation of strategic deterrence, and it demands absolute reliability, security, and readiness,” said Col. Daniel Voorhies, 341st Missile Wing commander. “The MH-139 strengthens nuclear surety by giving our Airmen a more capable platform to protect our forces as they carry out the nation’s most imperative mission, 24/7/365.”
The first operational use of the MH-139 that occurred on January 8 was described by Malmstrom AFB’s Striker Airmen as both historic and reassuring.
“The performance of the helicopter was impressive,” said Maj. Nicholas Smith, 40th HS MH-139 pilot. “This test proved that the Grey Wolf can bring all the required firepower necessary to defend our nation’s nuclear force in a real scenario.”
Smith said the helicopter’s improved Forward Looking Infrared and its avionics systems enhanced his crew’s situational awareness and their ability to support the ground force commander.
“The MH-139 integrated seamlessly and provided an immediate increase in helicopter support capabilities,” Smith said.
Malmstrom AFB’s mission remains shaped by its northern-tiered reality as its remoteness and distance defines the fight today – security forces must be able to respond, reinforce and sustain operations far from the main installation, often with little margin for delay.
“The transition from the UH-1N Huey to the MH-139A Grey Wolf is one of the first visible steps toward the next era of the Global Strike mission, eventually leading to the full mission integration with Sentinel,” said Tech. Sgt. Samuel Earney, 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron Tactical Response Force flight sergeant. “The transition from the battle-tested Huey to the high-tech Grey Wolf has been bittersweet, but given the increased capabilities of the new helicopter, it makes sense as to why the Air Force chose to make the move.”
Convoy Response Force members working on the ground below the helicopter also appreciated the presence of Grey Wolf helicopters during the movement.
“I think the MH-139 being on a mission is a very good addition to convoys due to the fact that it has a faster top speed,” said Senior Airman Nicholas Scaramucci, 341st MSOS convoy team leader.
“I felt honored to be a part of it,” said Senior Airman Dwight Panton, 341st MSOS convoy team leader. “It was one of those experiences where training and real-world application finally came together.”