The Rotorhead Rumble Returns

By CAPT Mark Vanderberg, USN (Ret.)

"The" Rotorhead Rumble

Rumble History (Briefly):

When Al Ferber hatched the idea of a Rotorhead Rumble in the summer of 2019, nobody, least of all Al, figured it would be a multi-year journey until it came to fruition this past April. The patience paid off though when, this past April, 150 "Eagles," some of them now of the bald variety, rendezvoused at NAS Jacksonville for a two day party. Those younger readers of Rotor Review might ask “what the heck is a Rotorhead Rumble?”

Well before the formation of the Naval Helicopter Association, a small group of intrepid rotary wing aviators would gather at the Quonset Point, RI Officers Club for a couple “quiet beers” and share stories of those moonless nights and daring rescues in Narragansett Bay. In the early 1970s, Quonset Point was the home of the East Coast HS and VS squadrons, their air wings, and several carriers. What started out informally, morphed into a professional competition between squadrons followed by a robust Happy Hour. Wives and girlfriends were eventually included as a somewhat formal dinner became part of the agenda. Despite the efforts of this author, details are skimpy at best but, it is not hard to imagine squadron drinking flags and good natured comradery. When Quonset was disestablished during the Nixon administration and squadrons relocated to points south including Jacksonville, the Rumble tradition followed.

Unlike today, the East and West Coast HS Communities were not well integrated. NHA emerged as a West Coast version of the Rumble (a few readers may even recall their one dollar Lifetime Membership in NHA!). Meanwhile, in Jacksonville, the Rumble tradition gained traction and became a much anticipated annual event. Professionally, squadrons competed in NATOPS, tactics, and maintenance proficiency followed by colorful Happy Hours on Friday evening. During one Rumble, a helicopter was manhandled and pushed by a group of junior officers from the flight line to the club. Colorful stories of various officers’ bizarre uniforms and one-up-manship became legendary. However, by the late 70s, NHA had become the rotary wing community’s professional organization and the annual symposium the highlight of the year. The multi-day symposium that we all know well, started to rotate between coasts and the Rumble faded from the forefront.

With fond memories of those rambunctious Rumbles, Al convinced Hardy Kircher, Rich Strickler, Bill McCamy, Wally Holstein, and me that now was the time to resurrect the Rumble from the “shadows of the past.” Little did we know that “now” had taken on a new definition thanks to COVID.

Planning

Like all great ideas, the devil is in the details. The first order of business was to see if there was any interest in a Rumble Reunion. With NHA’s help and a vast email bubba list, the initial blast went out in January 2019. The spring edition of Rotor Head Review announced “The Old Jax Rotor Head Rumble” for the spring of 2020 and provided an email address. It quickly became apparent that this was not the ideal method of organizing an event. Thankfully, Hardy created a Rotorhead Rumble Website and posted his first of 19 SITREPs in November, 2019. A series of organizational meetings to determine the format, locations, lodging alternatives, and other logistical issues ensued and the plan began to take shape. Jacksonville offered plenty of great options but early on, the planning group felt that NAS Jacksonville Officers Club (now called “River Cove”) should be the venue of choice. Initially, we envisioned a three-day reunion with optional tours of Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. Event coordinators were contacted, local hotel facilities investigated, and the many moving parts began to gain traction. There were still many more questions than answers at this stage but we knew there was great interest thanks to the terrific response. Thanks to Bill Vivian, a corporate sponsor who volunteered to help and we were off and running. Bill McCamy had a good relationship with NAS Jacksonville’s MWR Director who sharpened his pencil so those initial issues about cost, location, and format were resolved. The website allowed for registration, payment, and linked to lodging options and we were off and running. Then, COVID hit and, just like everything else, we went from “All Ahead Full” to “All Back Emergency.”

Cancellations and Rescheduling

A mere 36 days prior to our planned Rumble, COVID forced a delay at least until the fall of 2020. While the Committee transitioned to virtual meetings, it became clear COVID was a game-changer and in September, the second cancellation was announced with hopes for the spring of 2021- a year later than originally planned. We were saddened that some of our initial squadron mates had passed away but pleasantly surprised that there were very few refund requests.

Finally

Kick Off Reception: With great excitement and anticipation, the 2020, 2021, and 2022 Rotorhead Rumble officially kicked off with registration and a reception Happy Hour. With the lovely ladies Sherry Ferber, Karen Kircher, Daria Ryan, and Bonnie Vanderberg at the reception desk, check in went flawlessly. A great deal of credit goes to Hardy and Karen for providing a detailed “flight schedule.”

Unexpectedly, high winds forced the outdoor reception inside to the St John’s Riverfront Room, but this did not hamper the festivities. Old acquaintances were rekindled and new ones formed as sea stories and iPhone photos of kids and grandkids were plentiful. It was abundantly clear that it was worth the wait. There were a few intrepid aviators who could still fit into their flight suits, a number of patch adorned leather flight jackets, and more than a little “hand flying” on display. The hallway featured a Memorial Table for Signal Charlie remembrances and a display of old cruise books, photos, and other memorabilia.

Admiral Roger Rich, often called the Godfather of the Helo Community, was in attendance and Betty Christy received a fair share of hugs from those Commodores who she kept in line during her many years of service at the Wing. The arrival of Southeast Region Commander, RDML Wes McCall, a fellow Rotor Head, was a welcome surprise as was the attendance of the HS-60 CO, CDR Seth DiNola and his OPS Officer, all in flight suits!. With an open wine bar and beer keg, it was just like old times for many as the lumpia and shrimp disappeared as fast as it was served. Nobody went hungry, mind you, as there was a Mexican buffet following the Happy Hour Reception. Afterwards, many retreated back to the BOQ Bar, now called to continue the evenings revelries.

Golf

On the coldest day of the year in Jacksonville, twenty four golfers rolled over to NAS Jacksonville’s Casa Linda Oaks Golf Course. Wally Holstein had organized the event but after many cancellations, the number of actual golfers dwindled. Still, those who shook off the effects of the previous night and morning chill, were greeted with breakfast, range balls, and a great day off on the links. There were the usual side bets and banter, but when they returned to the 19th Hole, they were greeted with a delicious lunch. Al Ferber stepped in for Wally and along with the local pro, announced the winners. But all agreed, they all were winners.

Tours

There were two concurrent tours arranged for the nongolfers. One started at the Paul Nelson Building and the other at the HSM-60 Hangar. They then swapped half way through so everyone had the opportunity to fly the simulator and see the actual aircraft on the flight line.

Hardy led the tours at the Paul Nelson Building. Some might recall Paul was the CO of HS-3 who was tragically killed during the post-deployment fly off. Night Vision Goggles (NVG) were demonstrated and CNATTU provided tours of the Maintenance and Weapons Trainers. However, it was the MH-60R Simulator that drew the most attention. More than a few old H-3 drivers were humbled and it was a challenge to get everyone “stick” time.

Over on the flight line, HSM-60 welcomed groups who got an up front and personal look at the MH-60R. With pilots and aircrew standing by, there were plenty of questions about the FLIR, ALFs Sonar, and cabin configuration. Steve Kupka was heard commenting that he was heartened that all his and others' early R&D efforts into these sensors had borne fruit. VADM Kendall Card and RADM “Boomer” Smith shared their operational experiences and insights with squadron officers in the Ready Room. Each and every group enjoyed that special HSM-60 “Jaguar” Welcome.

Farewell Reception and Dinner

Later on Sunday evening, everyone transitioned to appropriate dinner attire and returned to the Officer’s Club. It was clear that everyone enjoyed connecting and reconnecting with fellow unrestricted Naval Aviators and telling, or retelling, their favorite sea stories. As before, beer, wine, and heavy hors d’oeuvres were served at the St John’s Riverfront Room. Meanwhile, dinner programs, “goodie” bags, and two bottles of wine were placed on tables in the main dining room. A “blast from the past” slideshow continuously ran on two screens thanks to the hard work of Al’s daughter. The dining room was revamped by Wally Holdstein to display HS squadron paraphernalia for the evening. At the sound of the dinner bell, the group transitioned to the Main Dining Room. It was open seating by design and Tridents, Night Dippers, Sea Griffins—you get the idea, rendezvoused. Al Ferber welcomed everyone and thanked them for their patience and perseverance. He noted a special table was set up so we could remember fallen squadron mates who received their “Signal Charlie.” The pledge and prayer followed and it was announced there were a number of retired Flag officers in the room which reflected the transformation of our rotary wing community as there were none (zip, zero) at the early Rumbles at Quonset. A special thank you to all and Al offered a turnover folder if anyone wanted to do another Rumble because “he ain’t doing it.” A fantastic Old Country Buffet and, thanks to the MWR folks, the process went smoothly and the food was as delicious as it was plentiful. As the meal concluded, Nick Ross grabbed the squadron plaques, paraded around the room, and group photos were taken–many that appear on the Rumble Website. With prudent financial planning, The Rumble had a surplus of funds which were donated equally to the Navy Safe Harbor Foundation (https://safeharborfoundation.org) which supports Navy and Coast Guard Wounded Warriors and their families, and the Naval Helicopter Association Historical Society (https://www.nhahistoricalsociety.org).

Hardy Kircher, Ken Juul and John McKean Don Nestor

Sea stories were shared by Wayne Dunham and Chris Cole

Thank you Jaguars for your hospitality!