From the Editor-in-Chief The Human Advantage
By LT Mike "Bubbles" Short, USN
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reetings from Norfolk, Virginia! Today, I conducted my Last Flight Flown (LFF) as a member of the mighty Fleet Angels of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO (HSC-2). As tradition dictates, after I landed and handed off the aircraft, I walked from the flight line to the hangar where my squadron mates were standing by, ready to douse me with buckets of water. This is a ritual that’s undoubtedly been carried out, in some form or another, thousands of times throughout the history of US Military Aviation. By now, I’ve taken part LT Lowell "Gonzo" Reeh, LT Tyler "Kuzco" Bothel, LT Austen in the tradition for departing peers and seniors in more "GG" Wildberger, and LT Justin "MONGO" Menke pour water on instances than I can even count. At times, I’ve allowed LT Short after his Last Flight Flown (LFF). myself to think of this wonderful custom as commonplace, or consider it “just something we have to do.” But after a moment of indulging in cynicism or jadedness, I always come back to the same place. Tradition—no matter how silly a specific one may seem, and no matter how often we find ourselves repeating it—is a cornerstone of who we are as Naval Aviators. Tradition, in my mind, is a critical aspect of the culture that ties members of an organization together. Tradition grounds individuals in a common professional heritage—one that celebrates both the values and the achievements of the people who have contributed to that organization throughout its history. The traditions that we espouse as members of Naval Aviation give us repeated opportunities to acknowledge and celebrate the people who have gone before us, and the people with whom we serve today. As you’ve likely seen by now, the theme for this issue of Rotor Review is “The Human Advantage.” I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to experience the thoughts, words, and interpretations of our contributors LT Short and LT Sarah Beth "MAC" Rupp during LFF. as they pertain to this theme. Our people are the strength of our organization. And to me, our advantage lies in the unbreakable bonds forged between people by culture and strengthened by tradition. Today’s flight felt like a milestone to me. It won’t be my last flight in the MH-60S, and it won’t be my last in Norfolk either. I’m headed right Fleet Angel Wardroom after Change of Command Ceremony for CAPT Steve down the Seawall to start Thomas and CDR Santico Valenzuela. a Super JO job with the Dragon Whales of HSC-28, where I’ll continue to fly. My flight was meaningful because, at the end, even though I was obnoxiously late for my scheduled hot seat time, I shared in a tradition that celebrates my connection with some of the greatest professionals I’ll ever know. In nearly three years at this squadron, I’ve experienced “The Human Advantage” up close, and that’s made me so grateful for my time as a Fleet Angel. Rotor Review #156 Spring '22
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