Two U.S. Air Force MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters conducted their first operational Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile convoy escort on Jan. 8.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jack Rodriguez Escamilla
The helicopters, assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron, escorted missile maintenance and armored security vehicles on a six-hour round trip to a launch facility located more than 100 miles east of Malmstrom Air Force Base. The aircraft completed the mission without refueling, demonstrating enhanced endurance over the UH-1 Huey, which has provided ICBM security for more than five decades.
“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.”
The successful mission comes as Air Force Global Strike Command progresses toward initial operational capability for its Grey Wolf fleet. The Jan. 8 convoy followed the first Initial Operational Test and Evaluation flight in support of nuclear security operations, which occurred on Jan. 29, 2025.
The MH-139 is approximately 50 percent faster than the UH-1N and can transport twice as many troops, allowing security forces to arrive on-site several minutes sooner with greater combat power. The helicopter also features enhanced defensive systems and improved Forward Looking Infrared and avionics that provide better situational awareness.
These capabilities address operational demands at Malmstrom, where more than 100 launch facilities are dispersed across 13,800 square miles of prairies, plains and mountain ranges. The geography requires security forces to respond far from the main installation, often with minimal margin for delay.
“The performance of the helicopter was impressive,” said Maj. Nicholas Smith, a 40th Helicopter Squadron 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.”
Ground personnel noted the aircraft’s impact. Senior Airman Nicholas Scaramucci, a convoy team leader with the 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron, cited the helicopter’s faster top speed as a valuable addition to convoy missions.
Col. Bryant Bevan, 582nd Helicopter Group commander, said the mission provided lessons that will inform the path to initial operational capability. Col. Daniel Voorhies, 341st Missile Wing commander, emphasized the aircraft’s role in nuclear deterrence. “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,” Voorhies said.
The transition represents one of the first visible steps toward the next phase of the Air Force’s nuclear mission, which will eventually include full integration with the Sentinel ICBM program. The Air Force is preparing to retire the UH-1N after more than five decades of service.
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