HT-28 Hellions

05/01/2026

02/26/2026

Congratulations to LT Mike "Squid" Vare on his final flight as an instructor pilot in the TH-73A! Thank you for your commitment to shaping the next generation of rotary wing Naval Aviators. Good luck on your next tour, we know you will crush it!

-Get Lucky!

02/20/2026

We are proud to recognize HT-28's newest LTJGs!

LTJG Trotta
LTJG Booth

BZ on a well-earned promotion!

02/18/2026

Farewell to three of HT-28’s finest!

Today, we celebrate the final TH-73A flights for three of our incredible instructors. Thank you for your dedication to training the next generation of Rotary Wing Aviators at NAS Whiting Field.

Congratulations on a successful tour to LT Daniel "TARS" Beck, LT Mark "No Hands" Williams, and LT Glennon "Ducky" Waters!

Fair winds and following seas on your next adventure. Once a Hellion, always a Hellion!

-Get Lucky!

01/19/2026

We are proud to announce Lucky 106 is now featured at the National Aviation Museum! A huge thanks to the museum team for the warm welcome and for helping share this incredible piece of aviation history with the public. And it couldn’t come at a better time! Keep your eyes to the skies as the Gulf Coast Fleet Fly In starts January 25th.

To commemorate Lucky 106 being a part of Naval Aviation History for years to come, feel free to comment your favorite photos of the Sea Ranger!

- Get Lucky!

01/06/2026

Bravo Zulu’s to start the new year!

Recently, HT-28 held a promotion ceremony within the squadron spaces and we are proud to recognize the following new LTJGs!

LTJG Erickson
LTJG Lao
LTJG Smith
LTJG More

A major milestone and a testament to their hard work, professionalism, and dedication to the Hellion team. Congratulations to each of you on this great achievement!

Also, the Hellions gathered to conduct a Back in the Saddle (BITS) brief, focusing on operational safety, risk awareness, and stress management to ensure every Hellion is ready to get back after it safely and effectively. We closed out the period by recognizing outstanding performance across the squadron with several well-deserved awards:

LT Waters – HT-28 Instructor of the Year
LT Thigpen – Lions Club Outstanding Military Flight Instructor
LT Exner – Hellion of the Year
LT Greggs - Instructor of the Quarter
PO2 Delacerda – HT-28 Aircrewman of the Year
Silvia Hilliard – HT-28 Civilian of the Year

Congratulations to all our award recipients and newly promoted officers. Your commitment and excellence continue to set the standard for HT-28.

- Get Lucky!

12/08/2025

What an amazing night! The Hellions came together to celebrate another fantastic year, and the energy in the room was unforgettable. From laughter to music to well-deserved recognition, the evening had it all.

As we head into the holiday season, we would like to extend a heartfelt message to the entire squadron, our incredible maintenance teams, and dedicated civilian staff: thank you for the hard work, professionalism, and commitment you bring every day. Your dedication is what drives our mission forward and keeps the fleet trained, ready, and strong.

Wishing all of you a safe, restful, and happy holiday season, and here’s to another year of excellence and readiness together!

- Get Lucky!

09/30/2025

Another group of instructors are out the door! CDR Darrin Dau, Major Louise "Buzzard" Nowak, and LCDR's Andrew "TOG" Burdg and Joseph "Shaman" McCarthy all flew their final flights in the TH-57C Sea Ranger and are moving on!

To these outstanding IPs: Thank you for your dedication, mentorship, and professionalism. Your impact goes far beyond the cockpit — you've helped shape generations of Naval Aviators. As you hang up your helmets and head toward new missions, new aircraft, and new opportunities, know that you carry forward a legacy that will always be remembered.

Fair winds, following seas, and clear skies ahead

- Get Lucky!!

09/23/2025

Friday, September 19th marked the final flight of the iconic TH-57 Sea Ranger, as Lucky 106 made its last journey to its new home at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. This moment closes the logbook on a legacy that spans over 3 million flight hours and has trained and transformed more than 34,000 Naval Aviators since it first took to the skies.

For generations of pilots, the Sea Ranger was more than a trainer—it was a proving ground, a rite of passage, and the start of a lifelong journey in Naval Aviation. We bid farewell to the TH-57, and welcome the TH-73A to continue the legacy of making the best Aviators in the fleet!

Get Lucky!

09/18/2025

That’s a wrap! HT-28 has officially completed its final graded event in the TH-57C, closing a historic chapter in naval aviation training. Congratulations to the final two wingers on the TH-57C, LTJG Dawson and LTJG Robinson!!

This milestone marks the end of an era, and we salute every instructor, maintainer, and student who contributed to the legacy of this aircraft.

- Get Lucky!

09/15/2025

Lucky is our callsign, but this proves hard work makes the luck. Showing excellence not just in the skies, but on land and sea as well, our very own LTJG Hannah Walz earned 1st place at the Armed Forces Triathlon for a second year in a row!

Her dedication inspires all of us to push harder and chase excellence both in and out of the cockpit. Bravo Zulu to our Triathlete!