Having just concluded the 51st Annual Reunion in Sparks, Nev., the Tailhook Association is off to a great start for the next 50 years. I hope everyone had a chance to attend, or to at least get the debrief. Once again, thanks to our elite staff led by J.R. Davis and Mark Ostertag and countless volunteers. We exceeded attendance numbers from the previous year in both registration and attendance at the key events: the Bug Roach Mixer, the Jig Dog Ramage Awards Luncheon and the Banquet. Our theme of “Carrier Navy’s Global Reach — Now and in the Future” was highlighted by superb panel discussions from both active duty and defense industry leaders and was capped by the inspiring message delivered by our guest speaker, CAPT Gene Cernan USN (Ret).
I believe everyone left with the confidence that carrier aviation is stronger than ever, making a difference where it counts and leading the way into the future. The displays of current and leading edge technology by our corporate sponsors drew larger than ever crowds and continue to be the centerpiece of the reunion. We are proud of the dedication of our industry partners who go above and beyond the call each year to bring their newest innovations for the members and continue to dazzle us with the design and content of their displays. We realize we have nearly maxed-out the space available on the display floor, and the Board will continue to seek ways to expand this vital part of the reunion. On behalf of all the officers and directors, I sincerely thank everyone who worked so hard to set up, work the long hours over three fun filled days, and then break it all down again in less than one day’s time. Your efforts were readily recognized by numerous comments from both the Nugget staff and our Tailhook members, who emphasized the importance of the corporate displays in making this year’s reunion a truly class act.
This was a special year as well, as we welcomed our new Air Boss, VADM Tom Kilcline and the leadership of the Naval Aviation Enterprise … a fresh crew, including VADM Dave Venlet at NavAir and RADMs Al Meyers (N88) and John Goodwin (AirLant). They brought their perspective to the Flag Panel and hosted questions on a broad range of topics, primarily, from active-duty members and emphasized the importance of the Tailhook community in meeting our nation’s critical operational requirements. The Tailhook Association is dedicated to fostering this positive image of our carrier aviation community, and added events at this year’s reunion focused on achieving that goal. Thanks to the singular effort of Director CDR Beth Creighton, we took a Fun Run into the local community and got a warm reception as many “locals” joined in the fun. At the inspiration of Mrs. Trish Knight, she organized the rebirth of the Tennis Tournament, also held off-site in the community and likewise an overwhelming success to all who participated. We will expand these events based on all the favorable feedback we received this year, and solicit ideas from our membership to add new and varied venues for family members who join us so they can take full advantage of the beauty and wonder of the surrounding Reno-Tahoe area.
Your board of directors continues to address the issue of promoting a positive image of the Association, and we have adopted an updated strategy for media and public relations to be proactive. Emphasizing the Tailhook Educational Foundation is a key component of the strategy, and easy to do as the leadership of RADM Ham Tallent, USN(Ret), has grown the total assets from just over $1 million to nearly $1.5 million in the past two years. At the Awards Luncheon, he literally had the crowd “pass the basket” and, as a result, exceeded the goal of raising over $40,000 to establish a Hook ’07 Perpetual Scholarship! But beyond this “no brainer,” our strategic vision now places new emphasis on the value of each member making his/her own personal effort to actively educate the public and promote carrier aviation in every opportunity that arises. We ask that you openly take pride in being a Tailhooker, and relate your experience and devotion to service when speaking in public to help raise awareness of the value that Naval Carrier Aviation brings to our nation. We acknowledge the time it takes to be a mentor, and see the future strength of the Association in the youth of today and recognize the importance of taking youngsters under your wing to help bring them into the formation. Your individual efforts will keep Tailhook as vital tomorrow as it is today and we encourage you to think of that in your day-to-day activity in your local community.
Lastly, I would like to challenge all of you still fortunate enough to be on the flight schedules (or guarding the SDO desk) and manning the flight decks to be active as a volunteer for the Association. Take a position on your local Strike Team, throw your hat in the ring to become a member of the board of directors, volunteer to assist with reunion coordination or take charge of one of the hospitality suites. Your participation makes each year a new record-setter, and we want to see the membership continue to grow so we can sustain that trend over the long haul. Be a recruiter for Tailhook, sign up a current or former squadronmate so we can fill the ranks to overflowing. As we have mentioned before, this will keep the dues at the current minimal level and bring new ideas to the fore. Finally, we continue to seek your input for each quarterly issue of The Hook magazine, telling the story of your squadron’s achievements while deployed or on turn-around to better help the Association be a “voice” for the Fleet. This is the first section I read in each issue and tells the story of life from the ready rooms and cockpits, where it really counts!
Roger Ball, you’re lookin’ good Tailhookers, keep it coming.