Enjoy a Q&A with HM Community Editor: LT Eric “TOD” Mott, USN

Editor since: July 2024

Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI

Location: Norfolk, VA

Past Squadrons/Commands: HM-15

“Blackhawks” for my JO sea tour, followed by HSCWSL “Savages” for my “shore” tour (definitely saw more of the world on this tour than my sea tour). Now I’m back at HM-15 again, writing this from Korea!

Favorite Tour: While short, the thirty-month tour with HSCWSL afforded me a unique position within the NAE to participate in events around the world as an ambassador for the MH53E, AMCM, and U.S. MCM doctrine as a whole. I am especially fond of the time I spent participating in NATO’s Dynamic Move 23-II held in La Spezia, Italy. Aside from the amazing destination and weather, getting to work hard and play harder with some cool people from around the world was a huge privilege.

Favorite EP: Power required exceeds power available. It should be in the EP Chapter of the MH-53E NATOPS, but it’s not.

Favorite Color: Green.

Favorite Food: That’s a hard decision, but I could eat tacos just about every day.

Favorite Hobby: Latin social dancing: salsa, bachata, etc… Everywhere the Navy’s sent me, whether the Middle East, Europe, or the Far East, I’ve been able to find the scene and have an instant community of locals with a shared passion.

Why did you decide to become a Rotor Review Editor?

I enjoy writing, and when Grudge reached out requesting an MH-53E Editor, I couldn’t say no.

What is your favorite memory in Naval Aviation?

Routinely taking off past my scheduled land time after feeling like I just completed an unscheduled FCF.

What are your goals for the future?

Stay flying! With the sundown imminent for the MH-53E, I can’t say what I’ll be flying next, but I plan to stay in the seat. Outside of the Navy: grow the side hustle. I recently took the dive into real estate and hope to expand my portfolio while fostering other entrepreneurial pursuits.