Our recent Tailhook Convention was a resounding success. More than 2,700 people registered this year and many more came only for the Symposium. We had record numbers of people in the professional sessions held in the ballroom on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday. The panels were inspiring and informative, providing us a snapshot of the future of carrier aviation. And the banquet provided a chance of a lifetime, to be in the company of so many heroes. We were spellbound by the words and pictures of our distinguished speaker, CAPT Gene Cernan, a true ambassador of the Tailhook Association.
I was inspired again by what I witnessed throughout the convention. Lengthy and meaningful discussions among Naval Aviators of all ages continued well into the early morning hours. Late-night problem-solving, deep thought-provoking conversations, laughing and smiling as stories were told of what we are about — an organization of professionals who love what we do and respect our fellow warriors who have experienced the great sensation of a carrier arrested landing. What I saw yet again was the awesome power of our profession and our Association.
The most impressive to me was the professional behavior of everyone in attendance. Starting Thursday night, the Nugget Hotel, especially the second floor, was abuzz with Naval Aviators, spouses, supporters and friends of carrier aviation reuniting, conversing and sharing ideas, personal and professional experiences, and solving the problems of the world. To a person, I believe everyone walked away fulfilled that carrier aviation is on glideslope and on course, ready for the future.
I’d like to extend my personal thanks to all the panel members, but especially the symposium moderators. CAPT Eamon “Buddy” Storrs who moderated the Current Technology Panel, CAPT Jeff “Jro” Cathey who ?moderated the panel consisting of his merry men from OpNav N88, RADM Fred “Bad Fred” Lewis who moderated the Future Technology for Naval Aviation Panel, and of course the Airboss, VADM Tom “Killer” Kilcline, and the entire Flag Panel. And lest I forget, RADM Joseph “Killer” Kilkenny, who briefed us on the challenges we face today in recruiting the next generation of the best and the brightest to operate our ships and aircraft.
This year we had tremendous support from Commander Naval Air Forces and the Naval Reserves. The airlift support they provided was the best we have had in many years and resulted in a record number of junior officers attending the professional symposiums.
We all owe a great debt to the Executive Director of the Tailhook Association, CAPT John “JR” Davis, the Convention Coordinator, CAPT Marc “Tag” Ostertag, and the entire Tailhook Association office staff, for they are the cog that makes the wheel turn. We also owe a great amount of gratitude to the volunteers. This army of men and women are the unsung heroes of this event.
Finally, I cannot thank the corporate sponsors enough; without them, we would not be where we are today. The planning and execution of the Tailhook Convention is a total team effort, and it makes me extremely proud to be a part of this great organization we call the Tailhook Association.
Begin planning now to attend Hook ’08, 4–7 September 2008, because it will be even better than Hook ’07.