Build Your Foundation

By RADM Dan "Dano" Fillion, USN (Ret.)

Throughout each stage of their journey—from commissioning to flight school, Boot Camp to Rescue Swimmer School, or A Schools to learn how to be a maintenance professional, all this training leads to Fleet assignments, and beyond—the Naval Helicopter Association (NHA) is there to support, connect, and advocate for the rotary-wing community. Established to advance the professionalism and skill of rotary-wing aviation, NHA provides a valuable network for mentorship, camaraderie, and career development. It is an organization where members can share knowledge, celebrate achievements, and find guidance on the unique challenges of a Naval Aviation career. Simply stated, NHA is the “base” of the foundation that upholds the rotarywing community.

NHA plays a vital role in creating opportunities for growth and learning. Its conferences, seminars, and events allow members to stay current with technological advancements and evolving mission requirements, offering insights into professional pathways within and beyond military service. Through these initiatives, NHA ensures that every member of the rotary-wing force—whether on active duty, reserve, or retired—has access to resources that will help them excel.

For those who choose to make the Navy a lifelong career, NHA provides a consistent community that grows with them, supporting transitions into new roles, promotions, and even life after retirement. For those who decide to transition to civilian life before the 20-year mark, NHA remains a bridge to the broader community of naval aviators, aircrewmen, and maintenance professionals helping members stay connected and informed while they pursue new opportunities.

Honoring Families: The Unsung Heroes

The dedication and resilience of naval aviators would not be possible without the unwavering support of their families. The families of the Naval Aviation rotary-wing force—spouses, children, parents, and loved ones—play a crucial role in the strength and well-being of these servicemembers. They endure long deployments, uncertain schedules, and the inherent challenges of military life with a strength that often goes unrecognized.

NHA understands the importance of supporting not only servicemembers but also their families. Through family-oriented events, outreach, and community support, NHA seeks to honor and recognize the contributions of those who stand behind the men and women of the rotary-wing force. It provides resources, community support, and events that bring families together, strengthening the bonds that sustain the rotary-wing community through both triumphs and challenges.

A Legacy of Excellence

The Naval Aviation rotary-wing force is more than just a group of pilots and helicopters; it is a community of individuals bound by a commitment to service, excellence, and each other. Every member—support staff, maintainers, aircrew, pilots, and families—contributes to the success of this community and the strength of the Navy’s mission.

From their first days as trainees to seasoned veterans in the Fleet, the journey of a member of the rotary-wing force is marked by perseverance, sacrifice, and camaraderie. NHA remains an enduring foundation for this journey, providing a network, community, and source of inspiration that extends far beyond military service.

Whether they serve for a few years or make a lifelong career of it, every member of the Naval Aviation rotary-wing force leaves a lasting impact. Together, they uphold a legacy that continues to elevate the standards of Naval Aviation, supported by NHA, an organization that remains dedicated to the success and wellbeing of every individual and family who contributes to this remarkable force!

Individually we can be strong. Together we can be invincible!

VR and CNJI (Committed Not just Involved),

Dano