Our Mission

Warriors Train Here!

Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHTEEN (HT-18) is based at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Milton, Florida. Organized as the Advanced Helicopter Training Squadron, HT-18 was established in 1972 to fulfill the increasing requirements for rotary-wing trained pilots in the expanding helicopter community of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. HT-18 added Primary Helicopter Training to its advanced training syllabus in 1985 and now provides all facets of helicopter flight training to Student Naval Aviators.

HT-18's mission is to provide basic and advanced helicopter flight instruction to all U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard helicopter flight students as well as international students from several allied nations. The squadron also conducts a portion of the tilt-rotor syllabus for those students selected for MV-22. The flight program transitions Student Military Aviators through basic and advanced rotary wing pilot training. Basic training introduces and develops student skills in helicopter flight maneuvers as well as training in visual flight rules, navigation, and tactics. Advanced training completes an intensive curriculum of basic and radio instruments, advanced tactics, and shipboard landings. The culmination of this exceptional training syllabus results in a highly trained and proficient all-weather Naval Aviator who is a warrior in the air over land and sea.

HT-18 flies more than 25,000 flight hours and designates 180 Unrestricted Naval Aviators annually to meet the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard manning requirements. In doing so, the men and women of HT-18 are committed to preserving and upholding the standards of the 30,000 Naval Aviators who have been designated rotary wing pilots in the 60 years since the first squadron's commissioning.

The exceptionalism, skill and dedication of HT-18's Instructor Pilots, Enlisted Aircrew, and civilian employees ensure that Student Naval Aviators receive the highest caliber of instruction and support in pursuit of the coveted "Wings of Gold".