Lt. j.g. Christopher Joseph received his “wings” serving with Helicopter Training (HT) Squadron 18, the “Vigilant Eagles.” This insignia is issued to naval personnel who are trained and qualified to perform duties related to operation and support of naval aircraft.
HT-18’s primary mission is to transition student aviators through basic and advanced rotary wing pilot training. Basic training introduces and develops student skills in helicopter flight maneuvers as well as training in visual navigation and tactics. Advanced training completes an intensive curriculum of basic and radio instruments, advanced tactics, and shipboard landings.
NAS Whiting Field is where the future of Naval Aviation begins. Their mission is to train the military’s best “Aviation Warfighter.” As the host of 21 tenant activities, they produce 1,200 pilots a year.
