MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- Although decommissioned on June 3, former squadron members from Marine Helicopter Training Squadron 301 reunited Aug. 4 to receive the Chief of Naval Operations 2004 Naval Aviation Safety Award. The prestigious safety award recognized the squadron’s outstanding safety record and their achievements during 2004 while serving in the United States Marine Corps Forces Pacific, area of operation.
This award is not the first time that the squadron has received accolades from the CNO. Having been decommissioned twice in its squadron’s history, during its first activation phase, HMT-301 received the CNO Safety Award five times and logged more than 100,000 class “A” mishap-free flight hours.
“I think this award is really a testament to the Marines’ professionalism,” said Lt. Col. Justin M. Wisdom, former commanding officer, HMT-301 Windwalkers, and current executive officer of Marine Aircraft Group 24. “It proves that they can be the smallest flying squadron but still be the highest in aircraft readiness, and maintain and operate an aging platform in a safe manner.”
The selection process for this award is based on, but not limited to, class A and B aircraft flight, flight-related mishap rates. Class A and B are aircraft ground mishaps that include day and night flight exposure, currency of safety survey, quality of mishap reports, days and number of aircraft embarked aboard ship, days and number of aircraft deployed away from home base and contributions to the Naval Aviation Safety Program. These contributions include timely reporting of hazards with recommendations for corrective actions; suggestions and recommendations for improvement of changes in personal survival equipment, aircraft equipment, ground support equipment, facilities and maintenance practices; submission of safety articles for publication; currency of safety surveys or culture workshops; or any other matter considered appropriate by the Aircraft Controlling Custodian, and an overall appraisal by the Aircraft Controlling Custodian.
Brig. Gen. George J. Trautman III, commanding general, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Japan, presented the award to the former squadron’s commanding officer.
“As sad as it is to see the squadron being decommissioned, it’s good to see us being recognized and going out on a positive note,” said Wisdom, a Sacramento, Calif. native.
According to the safety records, throughout its 40 years of active service, HMT-301 has successfully logged more than 144,000 hours and has trained more than 2,800 pilots, crew chiefs and aircrew members.