Maxwell Air Force Base has marked a historic moment with the reactivation of the 24th Helicopter Squadron.

The 24th Helicopter Squadron began in December 1939 as the 24th Bombardment Squadron (Light), established at Maxwell Field. Over its decades-long history, the squadron evolved through roles as a reconnaissance unit, a tactical air support squadron, and a special operations squadron, contributing to missions in World War II’s China-Burma-India Theater and beyond. In 2020, the squadron was deactivated, but its heritage endured.

Bringing the 24th’s heritage full circle back to Maxwell AFB has generated a sense of pride and excitement among squadron members, and for new squadron commander, Lt. Col. Derek Cumbie, this history is a driving force.

“Taking on this new identity anchors us through the massive changes. Recently, we've gone from a fixed wing C-130 to a rotary wing MH-139, and from a tactical airlift mission to a flying training mission,” he said. “We've also gone from solely Reserve only, where there was no association, to now having an active-duty associated partner, which is the 24th Helicopter Squadron. Our identity has changed to fit the demands of the mission, and the training mission is right around the corner.”

In the next 18 months, the squadron will welcome its first cohort of students for the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter, where they will build on foundational skills learned in basic helicopter courses, refining them into mission-ready capabilities focuses on complex operational scenarios, including night landings, low-altitude maneuvers and precision targeting.