Officially Licensed USMC HMLAT-303 Atlas Original Patch — Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303 Embroidered Patch
The squadron that builds every Skid Kid in the Marine Corps—HMLAT-303, the Atlas, forging attack and utility helicopter aviators at Camp Pendleton since 1982.
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303 (HMLAT-303), the "Atlas," is the United States Marine Corps' sole fleet replacement squadron for rotary-wing attack and utility helicopter pilots and aircrew. Based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, HMLAT-303 trains every AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom pilot, weapons systems officer, and enlisted aircrew member who will serve in the Marine Corps' light attack helicopter community. The squadron's name and insignia—depicting the Titan Atlas bearing the weight of the world—symbolize the enormous responsibility of producing combat-ready aviators for the entire fleet.
HMLAT-303 was activated on 1 December 1982 as Marine Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303 (HMAT-303) at Camp Pendleton, initially training AH-1T Sea Cobra and later AH-1W Super Cobra crews. As the Marine Corps evolved its light attack helicopter doctrine to integrate attack and utility aircraft into composite squadrons, the training squadron expanded its mission to encompass both the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom—the Marine Corps' current attack and utility helicopter pairing that shares 84% parts commonality. The squadron was redesignated HMLAT-303 to reflect this expanded light attack training mission.
Every Marine who earns their wings in a skid-equipped helicopter passes through the Atlas program, learning the tactics, techniques, and procedures of close air support, armed escort, aerial reconnaissance, forward air control (airborne), and utility operations. HMLAT-303 graduates go on to serve in HMLA squadrons across all four Marine Aircraft Wings, carrying the fundamentals instilled at Camp Pendleton into combat deployments worldwide. The squadron operates under Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and its instructors are among the most experienced rotary-wing aviators in the Marine Corps.
Perfect For: HMLAT-303 Atlas members and veterans, AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom student aviators, Skid Kid community members, MAG-39 personnel, 3rd MAW service members, and Marine light attack helicopter aviation enthusiasts.
The Atlas—carrying the weight of producing every Skid Kid in the Corps, one pilot at a time, from the skies over Camp Pendleton to the fleet.
