Command Philosophy

Mission Statement and Command Policy

HT-28's mission is to teach, coach, and mentor military officers in order to produce capable, resilient Naval Aviators equipped with the fundamental skills to prevail in contest, conflict, and crisis.

The collective impact of our instructor, enlisted, and civilian personnel, combined with motivated future naval aviators who volunteered to serve their country, is what sets Team Hellion apart. As instructor pilots and staff, we will not default to the status quo or accept inadequacy just because it's the way it's always been done; be curious, challenge the process, and leave it better than you found it – the squadron, the program, the student. Remember: we are not simply training helicopter pilots – we are molding the next generation of aviators! They will operate in austere locations with little to no oversight as they balance safety and lethality; mission success will depend on the strength of their character and the quality of their training. Give better training than you received; make our replacements better than we are. I expect every member in this command – instructor, enlisted, civilians, and students – to abide by the ideas and guidance contained in this command philosophy.

The Hellion ethos of "Professionalism, Integrity, and Judgement" has guided this squadron since its inception in 2007 and contribute to HT-28's tradition and performance as the premiere training squadron within the Training Air Wing FIVE team and Task Group Rotary. These principles form the foundation for a safety culture that empowers Hellions to make time-critical risk decisions to complete the mission or wait for another day. The collective impact of our Instructor, Enlisted, and Civilian personnel, combined with motivated future naval aviators who volunteered to serve their country, is what sets Team Hellion apart.

Professionalism

This is our brand. It is the bedrock of our safety culture; it empowers Hellions to make time-critical risk decisions and either complete the event or wait for another day. HT-28 succeeds where others fall short because we are mission-focused, we are accountable, and we plan. We are experts at what we do, and we do what is required to accomplish the mission. From our appearance to our performance, we uphold the standard and demand the same from others.

Integrity

This is our character. It is who you are in the dark, who you are when no one is watching. It is owning your actions, both on and off duty, and never allowing adverse facts to stand in the way of a good decision – even if it is not an easy decision to make. Lead by example. Demand the best from yourself and from each other.

Judgement

This is our mindset. Good judgment comes from experience; experience comes from bad judgment...Mission success and safety are not an accident – they are the product of preparation, effort, and learning from our mistakes: know and understand the published regulations and policies; accept constructive criticism and feedback regarding performance; learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others.

J.M. GLINES
Lieutenant Colonel, United States Marine Corps
Commanding Officer, HT-28

Command Philosophy