Many of our members are looking forward to the traditional change of season that spring brings — relief from record snowfalls in the East and an abundant but welcomed El Niño rainy season on the West Coast. However, nothing slowed the pace of Carrier Aviation in meeting our nation’s tasking.
The Tailhook Association board of directors held the winter meeting in San Diego. We received an Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) update from director CDR Marc Preston who had recently returned from deployment as CO of VFA-97 with CVW-11, embarked in USS Nimitz (CVN-68). He reported that while CVW-11 was in-theater, 40 percent of all tactical air missions were flown from Nimitz, and that troops in contact response times averaged less than five to six minutes for support of ground forces in the southern regions of Afghanistan. Our deployed Tailhookers are truly on the cutting edge of day in, day out combat operations.
On the business side, the treasurer’s report by CDR Jim Oliver, USN(Ret), showed that our investment accounts have recovered from most of the losses in 2008–’09 and are showing continued growth. His recommendation, approved by the board, was to keep the current portfolio and make no shifts to other accounts or commodities. Meanwhile, our executive director, CAPT J.R. Davis, USN(Ret), had an upbeat report for the 2009 budget review, showing an income of $79,000 above the forecast and expenses of $21,000 less than forecast. Based on the solid financial foundation sustained by our management team, the board further approved a recommendation for an investment of $20,000 for continued growth.
Along with reports from vice presidents for corporate development, legislative affairs and Navy, Marine Corps and Reserve affairs, the board received a summary of the Hook 2010 Reunion. It will be held at the Nugget in Sparks/Reno, Nevada, 9–12 September. As recommended by the reunion coordinator, CAPT Marc Ostertag, USN(Ret), the board approved his recommendation to lock in the venue through 2014 based on agreements made with the Nugget hotel staff that will benefit our members and reduce expenses of the Association. The theme for Hook ’10 will be Naval Aviation Training, and we look forward to a Fun Run sponsored by NAS Fallon Morale, Welfare and Recreation, a tennis tournament and golf at two courses located in the Sparks/Reno area. A full list of tours and the agenda will be forthcoming. Once again it will be an action-packed program highlighted by the Bug Roach mixer on Friday evening and the banquet and reception on Saturday evening.
A final comment on board activity regards the ballot enclosed in this issue for the annual directors’ election. We have outstanding candidates, both incumbent and newly nominated, running for five seats. I encourage everyone to review the brief biographies and vote to fill next year’s board. These are your direct representatives and will help steer the Tailhook Association for Naval Aviation.
On a personal note, I want to share a few thoughts on the Naval Aviation imperative and how you, our Tailhook members, can advance it in this final year buildup to the celebration of a Century of Naval Aviation. There are consistent themes in the imperative.
Access Without Negotiation
The carrier strike group operates from the sea without restriction and is flexible in responding, worldwide, to any contingency. Operations are conducted in international waters from the 4.5 acres of sovereign U.S. territory comprised by the flight deck, unrestricted by host-nation laws, policy or sensitivities.
Being There Counts
Whether the mission is combat operations, humanitarian assistance or disaster relief, the aircraft carrier and embarked carrier air wings make a difference as early responders. Ever more poignant, on 7 October 2001 OEF commenced less than a month after the terror attacks of 9/11 from flight decks in the North Arabian Sea. The aircraft carriers continue presence in the region as a deterrent to further aggression. First to arrive after the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) provided fresh water, logistics of supplies and disaster relief before other agencies and non-government organizations could gain a foothold. Just recently, Carl Vinson (CVN-70) was a “first responder” to assist in Haiti after that devastating earthquake.
A Wide Spectrum of Capability
Our Nimitiz-class carriers are truly cities afloat. Apart from the multimission capability of the carrier air wing to project power, provide extensive surveillance and protect the force, the aircraft carrier generates power, produces clean water, contains hospital/ ?critical care facilities and can host thousands, if required, as a safe haven.
Capacity for Growth
The combat power of the embarked carrier air wing is recognized for its effectiveness with precision weapons that now refer to “targets per aircraft” as opposed to yesterday’s “aircraft per target.” That said, there remains deck space for increased numbers of today’s strike fighters. And the next generation of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters will add a “first strike” capability never before seen from the flight deck. The future also may include a mix of unmanned aerial vehicles and other capabilities still on the drawing board.
Flexibility for Joint Operations
Kitty Hawk (CV-63) joined three carrier task forces in OEF with Special Forces and their command center and helicopter assets embarked, with only a small contingent of CVW-5 F/A-18s. America (CV-66) deployed to Haiti in the ’90s with only Army helicopters embarked for that regional stability mission. These are just a few examples.
Final Thoughts
When you have the opportunity, use these and other key points made by RADM David “Deke” Philman, USN, in his article on Page 5 of this issue, to inform your surrounding community and work associates of the value of Naval Aviation and why it is imperative to sustain the force now and in the future.
I’ll close with a request for all Tailhookers: Bring a wingman back into the break for another trap. We’ve lost “visual” on too many former Tailhookers who have let their membership lapse. Search out that old roommate, acey-deucey adversary or first-tour mess treasurer and remind them what they are missing — wag your wings and get them into formation to join in the professional fun.