Chairman's Brief

We Will Be Ready

By RADM Dan "Dano" Fillion, USN (Ret.)

The Naval Helicopter Association Symposium of 2024 promises to be a pivotal event with its theme centered on “BE READY.” As tensions escalate, in several AORs, the focus on ensuring pilots, aircrew, rescue swimmers, maintainers, and their families are prepared for any conflict is paramount. The symposium serves as a platform to address the challenges ahead and will provide senior officer/enlisted leaders perspective on how to enhance capability across all fronts to ensure the rotary force will “BE READY!"

Rigorous training protocols to ensure equipment reliability and fostering resilient support systems proved their worth in the recent sinking of multiple small boat threats. The armed helicopter concept has been validated and the crews/maintainers left no doubt that Naval Rotary Wing Aviation is ready to meet the demands of potential future conflicts. They know that they always must “BE READY!”.

NHA recognizes the interconnectedness of readiness among all stakeholders involved in naval helicopter and tilt rotor operations. It acknowledges the vital role families play in supporting their loved ones in demanding and often hazardous missions. Emphasizing resilience within the familial support structure is crucial, as it ensures that those serving can focus on their duties with confidence, knowing their families are prepared to weather any challenges that may arise. NHA is your organization and when squadrons deploy, they can trust that NHA will, at a moment’s notice, be ready to support the families of the deployed warriors. NHA is and will continue to “BE READY!”

NHA ‘24 will be another “first-ever” kind of event. Check out CAPT “Super G” Gillcrist's comments that follow for the particulars of Symposium 2024.

“Everybody wants to Win but most folks don’t know how to Work to Win.”

-Tony Dungey, Former NFL Player and Head Coach.

As always I am,

V/r and Committed Not Just Involved (CNJI),

Dano