Seawolves,

CDR Hans Sholley, Exec of HELTRARON 8 at NAS Whiting Field, here. I heard through Mr. Pressey and CAPT Jaburg that some of you have been interested in HT-8's Fiftieth Anniversary. We are hosting a Naval Helicopter Association Fleet Fly In from 19 to 22 October where we are hoping to have as many as 30 fleet helos from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. We do this fly in annually to help our students figure out what they want to do when they "grow up" and it's also a great opportunity to see old friends and squadron mates.

This year is a bit different since the Eightballers turn 50 years old and Navy helicopter training turns 60 (HTU-1 established in Dec 1950, redesig'ed HT-8 in 1960). We are hoping to attract some alumni to Northwest Florida to help us celebrate and connect some of the history of the squadron to what the students and instructors are currently doing and you guys give us that opportunity.

I will gladly send more information as it becomes available, one of my trusty LT's, Chad Christenson is the point man on the Fly In and like any good point man, I sent him to safety school for three weeks, so he is off the net for a while, but feel free to email him, myself or Skipper Fisher (all cc'ed above).

Hope to hear from you guys soon, and if you have any insight as to early HT-8 history, I am trying to compile a unit history so any "stories, half truths and outright lies" are appreciated (as well as early HT-8 pictures, digital or copies). Thanks again for your interest.

Very respectfully,