3 minute read
VP of Membership Report
Over the Horizon
By LCDR Bill "WYLD Bill" Teal, USN
Going over the horizon is the bread and butter of Naval Aviation. We are constantly tasked to go and find out what is ahead of mom. All of us have been briefed with some very vague intel about what exists out there and then promptly strapped on the helo to go find out how accurate the intel was. What is it about our nature that drives us to do that? What risk analysis do we run where “unknown vessel left unknown port at unknown time for unknown destination” is valuable enough intel worthy of an o-dark-thirty alert launch? What gives us the confidence, despite these challenges, that it will be just another bag with a hotplate waiting for us when we land?
Culture. From the beginning of helicopter training, every pilot is immersed in CRM. The understanding is that the person sitting next to you, the ones in the back, or the team turning wrenches will all pick up each other’s slack, because no one wants to be the weak link. The culture of teamwork, that we will push each other to be better on every flight and set aside all our differences to help each other in a pinch, is what drives Naval Aviation.
But that culture only continues if nurtured with purposeful efforts by everyone in the community to keep it strong. At NHA, the ethos of “every member counts, and we are stronger together” isn’t just a tagline. These phrases summarize that understanding, that when crossing the horizon, it might be that lone crew that makes the difference. A tight knit crew working the problem and providing the lay of the sea to those about to crest the horizon could yield the tactical advantage.
But if we are to truly look over the horizon, we have to identify how we can be better before getting there. As your professional organization, our mission is your success, we are your voice for your needs. Whether that is advocacy in the form of current and retired leadership making known what is needed to keep Naval Helicopter Aviation strong. Or, promoting innovation that comes from our younger members with new ways to look at old problems. Or, simply providing that mentor to help you figure out what is that next step for your career whether in or out of uniform. We are here to help every member. While one day everyone has to hang up the flight suit, NHA encourages its members to continue to live that culture. We have all been taught this is not a single person job, and every member of the crew (or organization) has a vital role in the success of the mission.
So, as you look over the horizon, what are you doing to prepare. Have you assembled the crew you want and need to face the unknown? Do you have a squadron mate who should be reminded to join the team? Are you a Lifetime Member fully involved and not just committed to our organization's ethos? There is always an opportunity for us to be better and more prepared for whatever is over the horizon!
LCDR “WYLD Bill” Teal NHA VP of Membership LTM #291
