Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT (HT-8) is a United States Navy helicopter training squadron based at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, FL. The squadron's mission is helicopter pilot training for U. S. Navy, U. S. Marine Corps and U. S. Coast Guard Student Naval Aviators and for selected foreign military flight students from basic helicopter flight training through winging. Student Naval Aviators report to HT-8 for helicopter training upon completion of primary flight training conducted in the T-6B Texan II U. S. Navy primary flight trainer. HT-8 flies both the TH-57B Sea Ranger and the TH-57C Sea Ranger. The unit generally uses the call sign "Eight Ball" over the radio. History Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT is the oldest currently active helicopter squadron in the U. S. Navy. In April 1948 the U. S. Navy established two helicopter squadrons and designated them Helicopter Utility Squadron ONE (HU-1) and Helicopter Utility Squadron TWO (HU-2). In 1950, the training element of HU-2 was moved from the squadron's location at Naval Air Station Lakehurst in New Jersey to Naval Air Station Ellyson Field near Pensacola Florida. On 3 December 1950 that training element was formally established as Helicopter Training Unit ONE (HTU-1). HTU-1 employed a number of early helicopters training fixed wing aviators to fly helicopters. Among those helicopters were the Piasecki HUP Retriever, the Sikorsky HO3S-1 Horse and various versions of the Bell HTL Sioux helicopter. In 1957, the Navy changed the designation system it used to identify aircraft training units and in March 1957, HTU-1 was re-designated Helicopter Training Group ONE (HTG-1). HTG-1 continued to use the HUP and the HTL helicopters and added the HO4S-3 and HRS series Chickasaw Helicopters. In July 1960, the designation system was again changed and on 1 July 1960 HTG-1 was re-designated as the eighth training squadron of the then Naval Air Basic Training Command bearing the designation; Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT (HT-8). By 1962 HT-8 was using the HSS-1 Seabat along with the Chickasaws and Sioux helicopters. In September 1962 the Navy adopted the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system and the HO4S and HRS Chickasaw became the CH-19E Chickasaw, the HTL Sioux became the TH-13M Sioux and the HSS-1 Seabat became the SH-34G Seabat. Also in 1962 HT-8 simultaneously designated its first student as a Naval Aviator and a Helicopter Pilot. Prior to that all training had been transitioning fixed wing aviators