Signal Charlie CAPT Dick Catone, USN (Ret.) following a memorial service for a fellow helicopter pilot, is credited with the following statement: “I guess we are all in starboard delta waiting for Signal Charlie.” Starboard Delta is the holding pattern for the airborne Search and Rescue helicopters on the starboard (right) side of the aircraft carrier. They fly at a low altitude so as not to interfere with the fixed-wing aircraft recovery pattern, and only land when the last fixed-wing aircraft is safe on board. When tower calls the helicopter to pass “Charlie” to a landing spot, the crew knows the fixed-wing recovery is complete, all is well, and it is time to come back. Hence, the statement appears appropriate that someday we will receive our own “Signal Charlie” and will be called home for a final landing. Signal Charlie has been created to inform our membership and honor the passing of fellow unrestricted aviators. It is only as good as the information we receive. If you have an obituary or other information that you would like to provide concerning the passing of a shipmate, co-worker, or friend of the community, please contact the NHA National Office at signalcharlie@navalhelicopterassn.org and we will get the word out.
CAPT William C. McCamy, USN CAPT William C. McCamy, USN (Ret.), passed away January 28, 2022 in Orange Park, FL, at the age of 76. He was born in Wichita Falls, TX, to William C. and Kathleen (McDunn) McCamy, both of whom preceded him in death. William entered Aviation Officer Candidate School on March 5, 1968 at NAS Pensacola, FL, and was designated a naval aviator on June 10,1969. ILTJG McCamy was Navy Helicopter Designator Number R-10564. In November 1969, he reported to Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3 in the Republic of Vietnam as a gunship pilot. Returning to the United States, he operated off the decks of the USS Wasp, USS Intrepid and USS Independence in various Antisubmarine Squadrons. In July 1976 , he accepted orders to the United Kingdom to participate in the Personnel Exchange Program and joined 703 Squadron in Portland, Dorset, England to transition to the WASP Helicopter. He was assigned to 829 Squadron and assumed duties as the Flight Commander of HMS Leander. While on exchange, he was awarded the Huntsman Trophy and the Herbert Lott Award as Best Student Aviator for 1976. Returning to the United States, he entered the Naval War College and completed the course of study of the Command and Staff Curriculum. He graduated as the Outstanding Student and received the Navy League's Sims Award in June 1980. He was selected for Command of Helicopter Squadron 17 at NAS Jacksonville, FL, in April 1984. Completing his Command Tour, he reported to the USS America as navigator in February 1986 and in June 1988 reported as Executive Officer of USS Iwo Jima. In June 1990, he reported as Commanding Officer Naval Air Station/Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. While in Command, Guantanamo Bay, received the first ever Meritorious Unit Award for managing the collection, housing, feeding, medical aid and repatriation of 37,000 Haitian migrants. After a tour in Washington, D.C., he returned to NAS Jacksonville as Chief of Staff, Commander Naval Base Jacksonville. He retired from the United States Navy on July 1, 1997. His personal decorations include two distinguished Flying Crosses, 29 Strike/Flight Air Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals with Combat V and numerous action and campaign ribbons. After retirement, he worked in the civilian sector as a consultant in Jacksonville. He was a member of Meninak for 20 years and served as President for one of those years. He remained on boards of numerous non-profits in Jacksonville after leaving the work force in 2005 and was most proud of being involved with the North Florida Council of Boy Scouts of America. He was an active member at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Orange Park and a board member of the Catholic Foundation. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol; son, William; daughter, Kelly (John Stone); six grandchildren; brother, Thomas McCamy (Suzanne); sisters, Sandra Stinton and Barbara Lequeux (Blayne), and nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of your choice. A funeral mass was held on Friday, February 11, 2022 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1649 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073. CAPT William C. McCamy will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Rotor Review #156 Spring '22
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