Overview
- Two MH-139A helicopters escorted a Minuteman III convoy on Jan. 8 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, completing a six-hour mission without refueling over a route more than 100 miles from the base.
- The aircraft were flown by Capt. Michael White and Capt. Maxwell Turner of the 40th Helicopter Squadron, supporting 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron vehicles to a remote launch facility.
- Grey Wolf capabilities represent a major upgrade over UH-1N Hueys, with roughly 50% faster cruise speed, greater lift for cargo and troops, advanced sensors and countermeasures, a digital glass cockpit and a four-axis autopilot.
- The mission covered an area with more than 100 dispersed launch facilities across roughly 13,800 square miles, highlighting gains in range, speed and payload for missile-field security.
- After years of testing, certification and procurement turbulence—including a 2024 Nunn-McCurdy breach tied to fleet cuts later revised upward—Global Strike Command is targeting initial operational capability in mid-2026, with additional aircraft expected at F.E. Warren and Minot.