Rotary Wing Aviation—A Family Tradition

By CDR Dave “Brisket” Kiser, USN

The Vigilant Eagles of HT-18 and TRAWING FIVE had the opportunity to host CAPT Matthew “Colonel” Kiser, Prospective Commanding Officer of the USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), on December 2nd, 2022. CAPT Kiser winged February 15th, 2002 with the Eightballers of HT-8 as Unrestricted Naval Aviator #R26435. The helicopter training squadrons invite guest speakers who motivate the newly-winged aviators and provide insight to their tremendous futures within the rotary-wing community. CAPT Kiser did just that by providing insight into both carrier and CRUDES life, giving context to those experiences with his rotary-wing background, and sharing his family impact on the HSL/HSM Community. .

After flight, school CAPT Kiser joined the HSL Community, initially serving with the “Grandmasters” of HSL-46, deploying twice on the USS Klakring (FFG 42). He then served as a “Warlord” at HSL-51/HSM-51 for his Department Head tour and later commanded the “Raptors” of HSM-71 in San Diego. Selected to join the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, he recently completed a tour as the Executive Officer (XO) of USS Eisenhower (CVN 69).

CAPT Kiser is the older brother of CDR Dave “Brisket” Kiser, Executive Officer of HT-18. Serving in the U.S. Navy was a lifelong plan for CAPT Matt Kiser, but CDR Dave Kiser initially had no intentions of joining the military. However, after seeing a SH-60B Seahawk in action, CDR Dave Kiser decided Naval Aviation was the right choice for him. In addition to both graduating from Texas A&M, both Kisers started their aviation careers in the HSL Community, and ultimately transitioned into the HSM Community. Additionally, CAPT Kiser is married to CDR Jennifer Kiser, who was also part of the LAMPS heritage. Collectively, they’ve flown with the “Airwolves,” “Grandmasters,” “Vipers,” “Proud Warriors,” “Warlords,” “Seahawks,” “Magicians,” and “Raptors,” nearly half of the HSM squadrons in existence today!

CAPT Kiser aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower ( CVN 69) U.S. Navy Photo LCDR Shawn Eklund,USN

The Kisers truly personify a Rotary Wing family and are grateful for all the opportunities afforded them by serving as Naval Aviators. The Naval Aviation Rotary Wing Community is an asset to the Department of Defense and it is important to highlight to the newly-winged aviators the role we play in defending this nation. Thank you CAPT Matt Kiser for motivating the new pilots as they embark on their military careers.