HT-8 Eightballers PVC Squadron Patch
Helicopter Training Squadron 8 (HT-8), U.S. Navy
Helicopter Training Squadron 8 (HT-8), the "Eightballers" and "America's Squadron," holds the distinction of being the oldest currently active helicopter squadron in the United States Navy. Its origins date to 3 December 1950, when the training element of Helicopter Utility Squadron Two (HU-2) was formally established as Helicopter Training Unit One (HTU-1) at Naval Air Station Ellyson Field near Pensacola, Florida. After redesignation as Helicopter Training Group One (HTG-1) in March 1957, the unit became Helicopter Training Squadron Eight (HT-8) on 1 July 1960.
HTU-1 pioneered Navy helicopter pilot training using early rotorcraft including the Piasecki HUP Retriever, Sikorsky HO3S-1 Horse, and Bell HTL Sioux helicopter. In March 1974, HT-8 moved to its present home at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, and in October 1985, HT-8 and its sister squadron HT-18 became "mirror image" squadrons, each teaching the complete helicopter training syllabus from basic contact flying through advanced tactics and awarding of wings. The squadron transitioned through the TH-57A, TH-57B, and TH-57C Sea Ranger variants and is now transitioning to the advanced TH-73A Thrasher.
HT-8 trains student naval aviators from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and allied nations, producing the majority of America's military helicopter pilots. In 1999 alone, the Eightballers flew over 42,372 hours across 17,662 sorties and graduated 141 Navy, 90 Marine Corps, 15 Coast Guard, and 12 Allied student naval aviators. The squadron's patch features red, white, and blue fields symbolizing training for the three sea services, with 18 stars arranged in the shape of an "8" and gold wings representing every student's goal—designation as an unrestricted naval aviator.
Perfect For: HT-8 Eightballers members and graduates, student naval aviators, Navy helicopter flight instructors, NAS Whiting Field personnel, TH-57 and TH-73A enthusiasts, and anyone who earned their helicopter wings of gold.
Where every Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard helicopter pilot's journey begins—America's Squadron, training rotary-wing excellence since 1950.
