Amber Twp. native takes command of Marine helicopter squadron

Harmon poses in front of his helicopter

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. 

Amber Township native Lt. Col. Mike Harmon recently took command of the Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron 302. Harmon has been in the Marines for 21 years and has served as a helicopter aviator since 1995.

The CH-53 Super Stallion

“Selection was a bit of a surprise,” Harmon said. “I have been considered for command several times in the past but not selected for one reason or another. When I received the call I was a bit shocked. I quickly became excited though. Taking command is a great opportunity to use all of those leadership skills we have been taught over the years but more so to have the opportunity to impact the lives of so many fellow Marines.”

The command is for two years.

“We train designated Naval aviators to be co-pilots on the aircraft before they go out to a fleet unit to deploy,” Harmon said. The command totals around 350 Marines and sailors. “As commanding officer my job now is to lead those Marines in their mission to train new co-pilots and aircrew. The command is part of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing and is located at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C.

The Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron 302 is the fleet replacement squadron for the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, the largest and heaviest helicopter in the U.S. military.

Mike Harmon is a 1988 graduate of Mason County Central High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University.

In 2012, MCP posted a story about Harmon. See that story here.