HT-18

Helicopter Training Squadron 18
	200px HT-18 Insignia
Active	1972 - present
Country	United States of America
Branch	United States Navy
Type	Training
Role	Training
Size	Approximately 290
Garrison/HQ	Naval Air Station Whiting Field
Nickname(s)	"Vigilant Eagles"
Colors	Red, blue, and white
Commanders
Current; commander	CDR K. Pickard

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Helicopter Training Squadron 18 (HT-18) is a United States Navy helicopter training squadron based at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Florida. The squadron, nicknamed the "Vigilant Eagles", is responsible for giving prospective naval aviators their Advanced Helicopter Training. The squadron also provides rotary-wing training and designation to selected members of various allied nations, refresher and transition training to fleet aviators, and indoctrination flights for mid-shipmen, and flight surgeons. HT-18 flies the TH-57 SeaRanger.

Mission

Transition student aviators through basic and advanced rotary wing pilot training.

History

Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHTEEN (HT-18) was organized as the Advanced Helicopter Training Squadron in 1972 to fulfill the increasing requirements for helicopter trained pilots in the expanding helicopter community of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. On October 7, 1985, HT-18 added Primary Helicopter Training to its advanced training syllabus and now provides all facets of helicopter training to Student Naval Aviators.