After a second quarter of disappointing news from the stock markets and financial sector, the report from our Tailhook Association treasurer indicates that Tailhook is riding out the storm. Although our investments have taken the representative hit, our Executive Director J.R. Davis, has worked diligently and continues to show a positive annual balance in the 2009 budget. At our winter board meeting, the directors approved some modifications to the budget, submitted last fall, to help reduce some expenses that will keep us in the black for the year.
Taking a deep breath after the financial reports, the board settled into the serious planning for the 2009 Tailhook reunion, which is shaping up to be historic and epic in many ways. The great success of last year’s landing signal officer (LSO) theme and the LSO Panel prompted us to adopt the theme, “Tailhook Aviation, Operating at the Edge of the Envelope.” We are fortunate to host the Blue Angels and include them in the program with their Fallon airshow on Friday and membership on this year’s panel. We are putting together another gala Bug Roach Mixer, golf, tennis and tours, along with panels and presentations on both Friday and Saturday. You may find there is so much on the flight schedule you don’t have time for a combat nap!
As another sign of the times, one of the golf courses we have used over the years has closed. We have only one golf venue. All interested golfers should make reservations early to better your chance of being a part of the fun. As always, early sign up is recommended to reserve a room in the Nugget. For the procrastinators, we have arranged for overflow at the Silver Legacy. It’s going to be a great reunion weekend, and I encourage all to lock in their plans to attend now.
Reports from our board vice presidents indicate that more than ever, Carrier Aviation is leading the way in current operations in a world facing uncertainty as the markets and global economy continue to adjust. Our greatest challenge continues to be reflected in the strike fighter shortfall in planning for the future. Options range from Service Life Extension Program for more F/A-18C/Ds to an extended buy of F/A-18E/Fs or some combination of the two. The result of doing nothing may affect the number of carrier air wings we can man, train and equip or it may further reduce the number of aircraft in each air wing. The bottom line, though, is that Naval Aviation is of great value to our nation in peacetime and in combat, and we will make every effort to sustain and grow our capability, rather than allow it to erode. It is more important than ever to keep the public informed about the contributions our deployed carrier strike groups add to global security and stability. Awareness is the key to influencing the decisions coming in the next few years that will shape our forces for the next generation
A final word concerns membership. I encourage you to contact your squadronmates who may have let their membership expire and bring them back into formation. It is easy to drift off bearing line and forget the sight picture, but once locked in to tight parade the exhilaration of formation flying cannot be beat. We want to keep the spirit of Naval Aviation alive in all who have experienced it, and the Tailhook Association provides the opportunity to sustain that spirit to those who have “been there, done that.”
Sincere and warm regards