by CAPT Eric “Sodbuster” Benson, USN, Director, Aviation Officer Distribution Division (Pers 43)
It’s hard to believe that most persons currently in Naval Aviation were still in college or high school in 1991 when the word “Tailhook” became a household word. To many of us, it’s even harder to believe it has taken this long for our Association to regain official recognition. I won’t revisit the news of 10 years ago except to say that the events of that day are forever hidden, eternally stored in a time and in an age that no longer exists in the culture of Naval Aviation.
We are a different Navy, shaped by the events in 1991 and whose changes are reflected in our Association. I hazard a “sea story,” but in my day, Tailhook covered a broad range of emotions that galvanized around a central theme. It embodied identity, role model and legacy. It held us tightly in the traditional grasp of patriotism and devotion. It reflected the pride, ego, honor and sustained devotion to a way of life that distinguished us from the rest of society in this, the proudest profession.
Our Legacy Sets Us Apart
Tailhook still reflects our legacy and our actions as those who stoke the engine of democracy. It mirrors our devotion to ideals that transcend the individual, ideals that are often elusive for the general public. Tailhook defines us as professionals. Tailhook safeguards our legacy and sets us apart, as opposed to tradition, which is little more than history without the contributions of those who instead seek legacy.
As Tailhookers, no matter where we go nor how long we wear the cloth of our country, we are forever linked to our legacy and to the future of our nation. We are members of a fraternity that defines existence by personal commitment, inexplicably linked to shipmates, past and present.
The future of the Tailhook Association is under scrutiny, and we no longer reflect an adequate cross section of society in our membership. More than half of those in active Naval Aviation has a dependent; it seems we’re growing our own replacements. That means it will be harder to carry the message to continue our legacy. America seems completely comfortable in ignoring the fact that since the Gulf War, deployed carrier battle groups have on several occasions faced combat.
New Expectations in Combat
It’s hard to believe that for the entire time that Tailhook was banned as an official Navy organization, its members were fighting a war. There seems little concern that our record of overwhelming success has become an expected result. The fact is that an expected lack of casualties reflects a new standard in Naval Aviation. We train better, we are better equipped and we have learned from our history; we have drawn on our legacy.
It’s easy to bask in the success of current carrier operations. We’re the best in the world. But we should review the legends in our heritage because they properly focus our perspective. I wonder what the headlines would read if we lost an entire F/A-18 Hornet squadron to enemy action in a single mission, as was the fate of Torpedo Squadron Eight during the Battle of Midway? Would we have the fortitude to man for the second launch if we had to pass Ready Room 8, knowing its entire roster rested in the arms of King Neptune? Of course we would, because we can’t turn our backs on our legacy.
Some of you have heard RADMs John B. “Black” Nathman (N88) and Ham Tallent (Pers 4) delivering the message of Naval Aviation. RADM Tallent talks with sincere emotion about the first members of our Navy, commoners who manned six schooners and sailed against the British fleet of more than 100 heavily armed ships of the line. What did these brave sailors think they could accomplish? Surely they knew there was little chance of success, even less chance of survival. I think they were courageously moved to offer a sacrifice that would stir their countrymen to action because they understood the meaning of legacy.
In Pearl Harbor lies the USS Arizona (BB-39) and the National Cemetery at the Punchbowl — both stunning spectacles offering an emotional dose of legacy anywhere in the world. The thousands of names inscribed in the memorial are overwhelmingly Navy and Marine, highlighting the war in the Pacific and Naval Aviation’s contribution.
One cannot linger in the Punchbowl without realizing the enormity of our legacy and all that Tailhook embodies. We have a binding responsibility to that legacy and those who gave the last full measure. If you wear or have worn the uniform, you must bear true faith to your legacy.
Detailers At the Crossroads
Today we suffer a retention challenge that defies description. My fellow detailers feel that we’re at the crossroads of aviation as all the decisions that shape our legacy pass through Millington, Tenn., before any of our fleet shipmates see them. Most of the strategy developed to address retention, policy and compensation had its genesis in the Bureau. Currently we are grappling with the issues of retention. We’re paid to have the answers, but to tell you the truth, a lot of us are very concerned. We’ve used all the historical, tried-and-true efforts — bonuses, appeals and such. But it doesn’t seem to be working.
Perhaps we’re overlooking an essential element of the modern day Naval Aviator, the American patriot. We contrive monetary solutions, assuming the motivation of Generation X is the dollar. But I’m encouraged by a new realization. I agree with RADM Tallent, who believes the motivation that enabled colonial sailors aboard Cabot and Hornet, Alfred, Andrew Doria, Columbus and Providence to face certain doom is the answer. He says the elements defining our history as Americans and Naval Aviators still drive us to bear the mantle of responsibility that has ensured the success of our nation and Navy for more than 200 years.
I don’t think you’re going to let us down. I don’t think you’ll fail your country nor our legacy embodied in the respect we retain for those World War II vets who endured horrors that remain forever foreign to the rest of us, and the awe with which we listen to the ruminations of our older shipmates who logged hundreds of combat missions along the Ho Chi Minh trail, and the pride we share in our air wing brethren who delivered the message of commitment in Kosovo. It’s a legacy of sea duty.
Shared Sacrifice Binds Us Together
It is the complete and compelling kinship we share while enduring the rigors of sea duty that motivate us — that shared sacrifice that defines our existence. Nowhere in the nation of man is the element of teamwork more prevalent, more demanding or rewarding than among shipmates at sea. Reminders of these unique bonds are everywhere. The pain felt by a sailor at the loss of a family member, the news of which we had to deliver and subsequently share, binds us as eternal shipmates. We remember the anticipation of the launch as an Alert 5 is called away and the exuberance of the flight deck crew when our aircraft returns to the ship with slick rails. We recall the voyage to the beach on the first liberty boat and the extraordinary joy at seeing one’s family as the ship returns to the pier. All are ties to our legacy, a rich history of singular and collective accomplishment that sets us apart from those lacking the heart to become one of the chosen.
I submit that we should ponder these extraordinary intangibles, embrace their significance and simply follow our instincts. The country can never pay the full price of devotion — it’s likely that much wealth doesn’t exist. Nor should this equation be about money, for it is far too important for that. Our profession is all about legacy, reflecting selfless obligation to a crucible. The naive among us suggest we are without merit, that Naval Aviation is overplayed, perhaps even unnecessary. But anyone who has been inside the adversary’s borders knows an evil lurks outside the walls of our great country-castle. It’s an eternally optimistic and wholly committed evil that retains one vicious goal — to rob our birthright and destroy our legacy. Vigilance is required on the parapets of democracy; honor must perch on the sentinel’s post.
A Collective Commitment
That perch is Naval Aviation and sea duty, it always will be. Nothing will change about sea duty, it will remain arduous, accepting only the strongest and most devoted. It will reward those of the caliber necessary to meet the challenge of legacy. It will never be easy nor for the fair-weather patriot. It has its source in the hearts of Naval Aviators willing to carry the weight of a nation’s need, for as long as that need exists.
I submit that we are engaged in a war for people. We’ve lost the equivalent of two air wings and we can’t replace them. We need each of you to recommit to our heritage of life in the best Navy in the world, the finest collection of patriots anywhere. It’s not a joke and it’s no longer trite, Uncle Sam needs you! Examine your goals and your priorities, call your detailer to map a strategy, seek the adventure that is laced with righteous appeal. Remain one of those who proclaim “Don’t Tread on Me.”
We have a legacy as members of Tailhook. Our Tailhook Association is ground zero for our kinship as Naval Aviators. It once again resides in a place of honor. It is our touchstone of commitment and our basis of self-worth. As such, we are obligated to support that legacy by our actions, by our dedication and, yes, our membership.
At this historic juncture, as leadership recognizes Tailhook as an organization of brave and honorable warriors, we must respond with a collective commitment that reflects our devotion to all that we symbolize; all that Americans are entitled to expect. Tailhook is our muse, our identity. It doesn’t just make us better citizens as much as it bequeaths all that was the best in those who came before, beckoning us to rise to a higher field of play. It is our legacy and this time, we better get it right. I doubt we’ll get another chance.
If you’re a self-respecting Naval Aviator, if you retain any pride in your legacy, you’ll join the Tailhook Association. Then you’ll meet your many raptors-in-arms in Reno this summer.
Bad Fred Lewis says he’s buying the first round! I’ll see you there.
Ed. Note: CAPT Benson, a fighter RIO, has commanded VF-41 and NAS Oceana. He currently serves in Millington, Tenn., as the Director, Aviation Officer Distribution (Pers 43). He will address retention and assignment issues in future issues of The Hook magazine.