The Helicopter Landing Trainer (HLT),
IX-514, began operations in April 1986 as a cost-effective training vessel, greatly needed to provide student Naval Aviators with underway single-spot deck landing qualifications. The HLT relieved the USS LEXINGTON (AVT-16) of rotary-wing training requirements and provided a realistic training environment.
The primary mission of the HLT is to provide support to the Undergraduate Helicopter Pilot Training Program of Training Air Wing FIVE (TW-5) on a priority basis, and operating units of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard on a not-to-interfere basis. During recent years, the HLT has experienced an increase in its operating tempo, including night and night vision goggle operations, and an expansion of capability to accept larger helicopters. Her underway days per year average about 90.