HMT-301

Marine Helicopter Training Squadron 301 (HMT-301), was a United States Marine Corps helicopter training squadron stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Known as the Windwalkers, HMT-301 was part of Marine Aircraft Group 24 (MAG-24) and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

HMT-301 was deactivated by general order in 2005.

History

HMT-301 traces its roots back to April 1, 1966. First activated at MCAS(H) Santa Ana, California as HMMT-301, the squadron has a long track record of producing fleet ready aviators in aircraft ranging from the UH-34 to the current CH-53D. Aircrew trained at HMT-301 have utilized the core skills learned to serve the United States in conflicts from Vietnam to the present-day global war against terrorism.

Originally flying the UH-34 Sea Horse, HMMT-301 was assigned the mission of providing fleet helicopter training to newly designated naval aviators, transition training for fixed wing pilots, and on the job training for enlisted flight crewmembers. By mid-1967, in response to the need for trained helicopter crews for combat duty in Southeast Asia, the number grew to ninety officers and over two hundred enlisted.

HMLAT-303

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303 (HMLAT-303), is a United States Marine Corps helicopter training squadron stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Known as the "Atlas", HMLAT-303 trains newly commissioned Naval Aviators, conversion pilots, refresher pilots, and enlisted aircrew on the new Bell UH-1Y Venom and Bell AH-1Z Viper helicopter as well as the Bell AH-1W SuperCobra. It is part of Marine Aircraft Group 39 (MAG-39) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW).

Mission

The Mission of Marine Helicopter Light Attack Training Squadron 303 is to provide qualitative and productive training to Replacement Aircrew (RAC), Refresher, Transition and Conversion pilots. This training is provided in conjunction with the AH-1W Cobra as well as the newly upgraded AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters.

RAC students entering the training syllabus are newly designated Naval Aviators from the Naval Air Training Command in Pensacola, Florida. Refresher students are Fleet Marine Force Aviators returning from shore duty billets or military schools. Transition students are Fleet Marine Force Aviators qualified in other aircraft.

HMHT-302

Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302 (HMHT-302), is a United States Marine Corps helicopter training squadron stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. Known as the "Phoenix", HMHT-302 trains newly commissioned Naval Aviators, conversion pilots, refresher pilots, and enlisted aircrew on the CH-53E Super Stallion and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 29 (MAG-29) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW).

Mission

Conduct combat capable helicopter flight training for all CH-53E Super Stallion Marine Corps pilots and aircrew. All basic, conversion and refresher pilots as well as aircrew receive assault support training in the CH-53E to prepare them for follow on assignment in the Fleet Marine Force.

History

Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302 was originally designated Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 302 (HMMT-302), on November 1, 1966, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana, California, and assigned to Marine Helicopter Training Group 30, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron was tasked with training newly designated Naval Aviators and conversion pilots to fly the Boeing-Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight. Upon deactivation, the squadron had accumulated 34,850.7 flight hours without mishap.