MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters carry out first operational ICBM convoy security mission for U.S. Air Force

MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters carry out first operational ICBM convoy security mission for U.S. Air Force

The helicopters escorted missile maintenance and armoured security vehicles to and from a launch facility more than 100 miles east of Malmstrom Air Force Base without refuelling during the six-hour movement. The operation demonstrated the extended range, speed and lift of the MH-139 as the Air Force prepares to retire the UH-1N Huey after more than 50 years of service. “Executing our first convoy mission with two MH-139s marks a significant step…

MH-139 Grey Wolf Helicopter Flies First Convoy Mission

The Grey Wolf is on the prowl. A pair of MH-139A helicopters flew an intercontinental ballistic missile convoy mission at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., marking the first operational use of the new Grey Wolf.  The choppers flew about 100 miles out and back Jan. 8, accompanying missile maintenance and armored security vehicles going to a launch facility, according to a release. The whole mission took about six hours.  Like much of the U.S. nu…

Helicopters Complete ICBM Convoy Security Mission

JANUARY 14, 2026 – 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 mi…