HMT-303

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303
HMLAT-303 Insignia
Active	April 30, 1982 - Present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Marine Corps
Type	Fleet Replacement Squadron
Role	Assault support
Part of	Marine Aircraft Group 39 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Garrison/HQ	Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Nickname(s)	"Atlas"
Motto(s)	"Training The Future of Light Attack"
Tail Code	QT
Engagements	None
Commanders
Current commander	LtCol Jeffrey M. Sykes

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303 (HMLAT-303), is a United States Marine Corps helicopter training squadron stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Known as the "Atlas", HMLAT-303 trains newly commissioned Naval Aviators, conversion pilots, refresher pilots, and enlisted aircrew on the new Bell UH-1Y Venom and Bell AH-1Z Viper helicopter as well as the Bell AH-1W SuperCobra. It is part of Marine Aircraft Group 39 (MAG-39) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW).

The Mission of Marine Helicopter Light Attack Training Squadron 303 is to provide qualitative and productive training to Replacement Aircrew (RAC), Refresher, Transition and Conversion pilots. This training is provided in conjunction with the AH-1W Cobra as well as the newly upgraded AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters.

RAC students entering the training syllabus are newly designated Naval Aviators from the Naval Air Training Command in Pensacola, Florida. Refresher students are Fleet Marine Force Aviators returning from shore duty billets or military schools. Transition students are Fleet Marine Force Aviators qualified in other aircraft.

This command also instructs refreshers and RACs through intraservice and international exchange programs.

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303 (HMLAT-303) was activated with four officers and three enlisted Marines on April 30, 1982. Today the squadron has grown to over 400 Marines and 45 aircraft. Based at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, HMLAT-303 conducts an extensive training syllabus to include: familiarization, navigation, ordnance, terrain, formation, instrument and night vision goggle flight. The squadron periodically deploys to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, where training efficiency is enhanced due to the proximity of ordnance delivery ranges and superb weather conditions.