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 conflict, crisis, and combat.

The collective impact of our instructor, enlisted, and civilian personnel, combined with motivated future naval aviators who volunteer to serve our country, is what sets Team Hellion apart. As instructor pilots, we will hold ourselves to the highest standards as Officers and aviators, and we will help our students to do the same. We do not accept mediocrity or a preferred course of action just because it is the way it has always been done; be curious, challenge the process, and leave the squadron, our students, and the training command better than you found them. We do not rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training. We train the best helicopter pilots in the world and we mold the next generation of aviators! They will operate in austere locations with little to no oversight as they balance risk and lethality; mission success will depend on the strength of their character and the quality of instruction and training they receive here and in the Fleet. I expect every member in this command to abide by the principles and guidance contained in this command philosophy.

Professionalism

This is our brand. Professionalism forms the bedrock of our culture; it empowers us to make time‐critical risk decisions and complete complex flight evolutions safely. We are successful 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 safely accomplish the mission. From our appearance to our performance, we uphold the standard and show others what right looks like.

Integrity

This is our character. Who we really are when we think no one is watching matters. We own our actions, both on and off duty. Starting with the command deck, everyone in this squadron is a leader. Hellions will lead by example and demand the best from ourselves and each other.

Judgement

This is our mindset. Good judgment is a product of experience, and experience is a product of our cumulative decisions, both good and bad. Learn from your successes and failures as well as the successes and failures of others. Mission accomplishment and safety are not an accident – they are the result of preparation, effort, and pursuing a growth mindset. Know and understand the published regulations and policies, seek out feedback and constructive criticism regarding performance, and have the courage to channel that feedback and criticism into action that drives constant improvement.

J. W. GELSINON
Commander, United States Navy
Commanding Officer, HT-28

Command Philosophy