Executive Director's Report:
Moving Forward to Reno
by CAPT J.R. Davis, USN(Ret)
by CAPT J.R. Davis, USN(Ret)
There are several e-mail addresses available for members. If you would like to have an address similar to mine -- jrdavis@tailhook.net -- send an e-mail to this address and I will set you up. This works for generic internet services. Proprietary systems such as America Online (AOL) require download of e-mail through the use of Web Mail, which allows download of e-mail from any computer with internet access.
Marc Ostertag and I have completed our 2006 pre-convention meeting with John Ascuaga's Nugget Hotel. We modified the serving system to speed the distribution of food and refreshments during the "Bug" Roach Mixer, increased the number of seats for the reception and the banquet and added a special dessert. John Ascuaga and his staff are actively involved in making these objectives a reality.
We expect that well over 3,000 Tailhookers will meet in Reno this September. We suggest that you call John Ascuaga's Nugget today and make your hotel reservations, because it won't be long before all of the rooms have been spoken for.
If you're on active duty, make sure to let the reservation desk know that you qualify for the active-duty rate when you call. Don't miss the opportunity to set up a booth, visit the professional displays or see old friends. Room rates per evening: Tower, $98; Tower-Active Duty, $79; and Courtyard, $65.
You can find out more about the convention by reading the application insert that comes with this magazine or by visiting our Web site at www.tailhook.org. Register online, by mail or phone (800) 322-4665. However you register, plan to enjoy yourselves and to learn about the current activities and the future of our Navy.
Our new Hook 2006 reunion golf shirts are available at the Web site ship's store.
The Tailhook Association welcomes VA-164, VAH-2, VT-23, VF-74, VF-151, VF-161, VF-202 and other groups holding their reunion events in conjunction with the Tailhook convention in September. The Thursday evening welcoming reception, open to everyone, will salute these reunion groups.Contact information for these groups follows:
VA-164: Dick Hamon (910) 295-7278, djhamon@earthlink.net
VAH-2: Frank Curcio, (703) 440-8459 (April/May) or (530) 550-8103 (June and after), FACeast@erols.net
VT-23: Donna Sherman (401) 828-8218, donnasherman02@aol.com
VF-74, VF-151, VF-161, VF-202: Dave "Fly" Svajda, dsvajda@hotmail.com
This year's banquet speaker is Vice Chief of Naval Operations, ADM Robert F. "Rat" Willard. After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1973, ADM Willard received his Naval Aviator wings and was assigned to Pacific Fleet F-14s. He served in VF-24, VF-124 and VF-2 at NAS Miramar, deploying in USS Constellation (CV-64), Ranger (CV-61) and Kitty Hawk (CV-63). He then joined the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Topgun) as operations officer and executive officer, and was the aerial coordinator for the Paramount movie "Top Gun."
In 1987 ADM Willard reported to VF-51 as XO and CO of the Screaming Eagles embarked in Carl Vinson (CVN-70). He subsequently attended Navy nuclear power training before rejoining Carl Vinson as XO. ADM Willard then commanded Tripoli (LPH-10) and Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) in operations including Somalia and the Persian Gulf.
As a flag officer, ADM Willard has served on the Joint Staff as Deputy Director for Operations (Current Readiness and Capabilities); Commander, Carrier Group Five embarked in Kitty Hawk; Deputy and Chief of Staff, Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Commander, 7th Fleet, embarked in Blue Ridge (LCC-19) in Yokosuka, Japan; and most recently, Director for Force Structure, Resources and Assessment (DJ8) on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
We currently have 2,134 Life Members, and the number continues to grow. Many choose to become Life Members to show their strong support for the Tailhook Association and to ensure the future of our organization. They appreciate knowing that they are part of a core of individuals whose support of carrier aviation is clearly evident, and they take pride in an organization that is at the forefront of ensuring that carrier aviation remains a vital part of our nation's defensive capability. The Life Membership program is on sound financial footing.
Our investment portfolio supports this program and guarantees that we will be able to support your Life Membership and that the Tailhook Association will continue to grow. For those of you younger than age 60, the cost to become a Life Member is $705. Part of your payment will be invested for the future, and the first operating funds from the "investment" will support your membership for the first three years after you become a Life Member.
We have added an extended payment plan for active-duty members. The first payment is $105, and then each of the four following Januarys we collect $150. Full payment is completed with the fourth payment. For members over age 60, we have established a reduced price and payment schedule. Please call (800) 322-4665 for details.
We'll see you in Reno!
Hook 2006 Reunion Coordinator (Marc Ostertag): (800) 322-4665
Tailhook Educational Foundation (CFC #2965): (800) 269-8267
The Tailhook Ship's Store: (800) 322-4665
Tailhook Web site: http://www.tailhook.org or http://www.tailhook.net
e-mail: thookassn@aol.com