Heli-tron 8 Ellyson Field ,Pensacola, Fl.

• Origins: Heli-tron 8, officially known as Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT (HT-8), was established at Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida, in December 1950 to train Navy helicopter pilots during the rapid expansion of rotary-wing aviation. • First Navy Helicopter Training Squadron: HT-8 was the first U.S. Navy squadron dedicated exclusively to helicopter pilot training, paving the way for modern military rotary-wing aviation. • Ellyson Field's Role: Ellyson Field (NAAS Ellyson Field) in Pensacola served as the primary site for initial helicopter flight training until its closure in 1979, making it a historic rotary-wing aviation hub. • Primary Training Aircraft: The squadron originally flew the Sikorsky H-5, H-19 Chickasaw, and Bell HTL helicopters, before transitioning to more modern platforms like the TH-57 Sea Ranger. • Vietnam War Era: During the Vietnam War, HT-8 played a crucial role in rapidly training hundreds of new helicopter pilots, many of whom flew combat missions in Southeast Asia. • Distinctive Patch: HT-8's patch features a cartoon dragonfly, symbolizing agility and flight, and is a well-known mascot among naval aviators. • Integration with Other Services: While primarily a Navy unit, HT-8 has also trained pilots from the Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and foreign allied nations, fostering joint-service cooperation. • Famous Graduates: Many notable aviators, including astronauts and high-ranking admirals, began their flying careers with helicopter training at HT-8. • Legacy of Safety and Innovation: HT-8 was instrumental in developing rotary-wing safety protocols and training techniques that set standards across U.S. military aviation. • Current Status: Although Ellyson Field closed in 1979, HT-8 continues its mission as part of Naval Air Station Whiting Field, carrying on its legacy as the Navy’s oldest active helicopter training squadron.