1st Helicopter Squadron

The 1st Helicopter Squadron is a United States Air Force unit based at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland assigned to the 811th Operations Group, 11th Wing that supports Washington D.C. capital area airlift for the Executive Branch, high-ranking dignitaries, high-ranking military leaders and other VIPs. The squadron is tasked to support key government officials as well as search and rescue missions. Currently the squadron operates UH-1N Huey helicopters acquired in the early 1970s. Air Force Global Strike Command also operates the UH-1N and has proposed the Common Vertical Lift Support Platform (CVLSP) program to seek a replacement to their UH-1Ns.

History
The 1st flew combat missions in the China Burma India Theater from 14 February to 9 May 1945 as a fighter unit. Since 1969 it has provided local airlift for the Executive Department, high-ranking dignitaries, and distinguished visitors, as well as support for emergency evacuation of key government officials, search and rescue, and emergency medical evacuation.

Operations

 * World War II

Lineage

 * 1st Fighter Reconnaissance Squadron (1944)
 * 1st Fighter Squadron, Commando (1944–1969)
 * 1st Helicopter Squadron (1969–Present)

Assignments

 * Third Air Force (1944)
 * 2d ir Commando Group (1944–1945)
 * 1st Composite Wing (1969–1976)
 * 89th Airlift Wing (1976–2006)
 * 316th Wing (2006–2010)
 * 811th Operations Group, 11th Wing (1 Nov 2010-Present)

Stations

 * Lakeland Army Air Field, Florida (1944)
 * Cross City, Florida (1944)
 * Alachua Army Air Field, Florida (1944)
 * Drew Field, Florida (1944)
 * Kalaikunda, India (1944–1945)
 * Cox's Bazaar, India (1945)
 * Camp Kilmer, New Jersey (1945)
 * Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland (1969–Present)

Weapon Systems Operated

 * P-51 Mustang (1944–1945)
 * F-6 Mustang (1944)
 * CH-21 Shawnee (1969–1970)
 * TH-1 (1969–1970)
 * UH-1 Iroquois (1969–Present)
 * CH-3 Jolly Green Giant (1970–1988)