As the blossoms of spring usher in a new season, we find Naval Carrier Aviation on the move around the globe as the front line in this long war to defeat terrorism. Several articles in this first issue of The Hook for 2007 will address new technologies in unmanned systems, but the very heart of our nation’s decisive, credible military power projection capability resides in the mobility, sustainability and flexibility of our carrier and expeditionary strike groups. The Tailhook Association remains dedicated to support all who get under way, and this magazine continues to be the “voice” of our membership, telling the story of Naval Carrier Aviation.
This is the first year of the Association’s next half century, and as we continue to salute our heritage we are focused on the future. The board of directors is working hard to help grow the Association membership and strengthen the organization. At the fall board meeting, we approved the budget proposed by our executive director, CAPT J.R. Davis, USN(Ret). I am very pleased to report that, again in 2006, we operated in the black with growth in assets, investments and revenue. With the sound advice of our treasurer, CAPT Jim Oliver, USN(Ret), we have expenses and investments under close controls and have a solid financial foundation for continued growth. All this means better services for our membership, continued high quality of The Hook and increasing contributions to the Tailhook Educational Foundation through scholarships for our next generation of tailhookers.
Your directors are working for you and depend on your comments and critiques to make sure we have the correct vector. The best way to make a difference is for you to participate in the election process by sending in the ballot included in this issue. Our nominating committee has selected great candidates for this year’s election to fill five seats. We are always looking for active-duty and active-Reserve participation on the board and encourage your input to the process to help keep Tailhook on centerline, on glidepath.
Membership matters. With the strong support of our members, the Association has rebounded as envisioned when we regained the recognition and support of naval leadership. If you are reading someone else’s issue, we want you! Renew your membership online or mail an application. Ask your shipmates if their membership has lapsed. And if it has, encourage them to renew.
Congratulations to those newly CQ’d Tailhookers who have joined our ranks. Our president, CAPT Russ “Gladys” Knight, personally extended membership to eleven new ’hookers in late January — a great start to the new year. A final point, the best value we have to offer is a Life membership. If you have not already considered it, as we launch into our next half century, now is the time.
The new year has once again emphasized the outstanding support the Association receives from our active-duty leadership. Our air boss, VADM Jim Zortman, gathered the eagles that form the Naval Aviation Enterprise to update their predecessors at CNAF headquarters in September. The Retired Aviation Flag Symposium had attendance from former leaders who traveled from across the country to hear how Naval Aviation is leading the way and looking forward. In March, the Air Boss hosted the O-6 Command Symposium in San Diego and linked it with a reception at the Tailhook headquarters prior to our winter board of directors meeting. The Association is extremely proud of the recognition and support we receive from all those still in uniform.
As we look forward to this year’s Reunion, The Next 50 Years, I would like to thank all of our core staff and the volunteers that work so hard to make it happen … with style. Every year seems to be bigger and better, and the preparation and planning has already begun. If you would like to be a part of it as a volunteer, please contact us and we’ll get you on the flight schedule. Have a great 2007, and I’ll see you in Reno, 6–9 September.