Tailhook Can Help

It’s no secret that the key to our nation’s security is a strong defense, and one of the key elements to that defense is carrier aviation. No other warfighting asset provides 4.5 acres of sovereign U.S. territory and 92, 000 tons of diplomacy anywhere, anytime.

While we as a Navy will continue to face some significant budgetary challenges in providing this capability to our national security, the good news is we have many civilian organizations on our side. Groups like the Navy League, the ANA and others do much to educate the general public about the benefits of a strong Naval force as well as lobby Congress for the resources we need to remain a viable fighting and deterrent force into the next century.

Tailhook — Leading the Charge

While these organizations do many things for us, there is no other organization as totally dedicated to furthering carrier aviation than the Tailhook Association. The key to the success of Tailhook has always been its dedicated focus on carrier aviation. The Association has always fostered, encouraged and cultivated support for the carrier, its aircraft, aircrews and the respective roles each play in our nation’s defense. Our unique mission is what this organization is about, and more importantly, is how Tailhook continues to ignite the camaraderie within Naval Aviation.

How many of us reminisce about this camaraderie, spirit and friendship that we developed within our ready rooms? These are the elements, as well as the defining differences, between Naval Aviation and our sister services. It is what has kept all of us in this business, and it is exactly what the Tailhook Association is all about.

Focusing on the Future

With hindsight always “20/20,” it is obvious that management of several of our Naval Aviation critical accounts, specifically maintenance and parts support during the post cold war military draw down, was less than optimum. Acknowledging these shortfalls, I am absolutely convinced we are now focused on correcting these deficiencies. Yes, you will continue to read about the concerns over readiness, retention, recruiting and budgets, but I assure you, we are in no way becoming the “hollow force” our armed forces became in the ’70s.

While some may argue this point, I challenge those individuals to “peel the onion back” and take time to make an educated observation that is not based on anecdotal information. What you will find is a Navy today that is too strong, too capable, and too well led by a cadre of extremely capable squadron commanding officers to repeat the mistakes of the ’70s. Tailhook continues to play an important role by getting the pertinent facts to the fleet.

Changes Resulting From Tailhook ’91

It should come as no surprise that the 1991 Tailhook Convention markedly changed how some viewed Naval Aviation. The year 1991 and those immediately following were hard ones for us. While many good and not so good things followed in the aftermath of Tailhook ’91, probably the worst fallout was a “zero tolerance” mentality that cast a dark shadow over all of Naval Aviation. Senior Naval leadership is doing everything possible to break this paradigm and focus positively on the future. Sure we will always have challenges, but the good news stories are there . . . flight hour programs are fully funded, we have a training and readiness matrix that reflects and justifies the additional hours required to maintain proficiency, and we are looking to institute a new and “fair” bonus system. Thanks to the hard work of my good friend, VADM John Mazach, recently ComNavAirLant, in conjunction with the Air Board, good things are starting to happen. It is time to put the “spirit” back into Naval Aviation.

Tailhook As a Partner

In my view, the Tailhook Association is a strong partner in this effort. While I am obviously biased in my view, there is much to be gained from renewed ties with the Tailhook Association. An increase in active-duty membership is helping the Association to regain its professional reputation. A valuable side benefit of increased membership will be lobbying strength that is the natural fallout of a large professional organization.

This is a true win-win “re-awakening” that has already begun. The numbers of active-duty personnel joining and, more importantly, rejoining the Association are rising. This year’s convention was undeniably a great success. It was not only professionally rewarding, but equally important, it was a good time. Active duty attendance at the convention is returning, as are the major contractors, including Northrup Grumman, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. The symposia were interesting, timely and inspiring. Next year’s convention has already been scheduled for Reno, Nev., during August, which will match up with CVW-7’s det to NSAWC in Fallon. With the positive movement we have established, I have no doubt next year’s event will be considerably larger and even more successful.

As with all things good, the improvement will not occur overnight, but I just ask you to look at the indicators. The positive movement is undeniable. I encourage everyone to seize the opportunity to place and keep Naval Aviation on the proper glide slope. I am genuinely committed to keeping Naval Aviation fun and rewarding. The Tailhook Association is dedicated to improving Naval Aviation’s future. It’s very important to me that you understand how proud I am to be a lifetime member of this great Association.

Keep your knots up!