HMHT-302 Phoenix CH-53K King Stallion Shoulder Patch
Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302 (HMHT-302) — "Phoenix"
Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302, the Phoenix, was originally designated Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 302 (HMMT-302) on 1 November 1966 at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana, California, and assigned to Marine Helicopter Training Group 30 of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. For nearly six decades, the Phoenix has served as the Marine Corps' premier heavy-lift helicopter training squadron, producing every CH-53 pilot and aircrew member who has gone on to serve in the Fleet Marine Force.
HMHT-302 trains newly designated Naval Aviators, conversion pilots, refresher pilots, and enlisted aircrew on the CH-53E Super Stallion and is now transitioning to the next-generation CH-53K King Stallion — the most powerful helicopter in the U.S. Department of Defense inventory. The CH-53K took its first flight on 27 October 2015, was delivered to the Marine Corps on 16 May 2018, and achieved initial operational capability on 22 April 2022. With three General Electric T408 turboshaft engines producing 7,500 shaft horsepower each and a maximum external lift capacity of 36,000 pounds, the King Stallion offers three times the range and payload of its predecessor. In the summer of 2010, the squadron was re-branded from HMT-302 to HMHT-302 to reflect its exclusive focus on heavy-lift helicopter training.
Today, HMHT-302 is stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 29 (MAG-29) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW). As the formal training unit for CH-53K crews, the Phoenix plays a critical role in the Marine Corps' plan to field 200 King Stallion helicopters across eight active squadrons, one training squadron, and one reserve squadron.
Perfect For: HMHT-302 Phoenix Marines past and present, CH-53E and CH-53K aircrew, MAG-29 personnel, MCAS New River aviators, heavy-lift helicopter enthusiasts, and Marine aviation training professionals.
The Phoenix of HMHT-302 — forging every heavy-lift helicopter crew the Marine Corps sends to war, from the Sea Stallion to the King Stallion.
