Notes from the Principal Trustee

At Hook '24

CAPT Sandy Clark, USN (Ret.)

Joining some NHA Staff, I had the opportunity to attend Tailhook in Reno, along with more than 3,500 other members, guests, and commercial trade show folks. Like NHA's Symposium, Tailhook is a great opportunity to hear directly from Naval Aviation’s senior leaders in a mostly relaxed atmosphere. For those who’ve not been to Tailhook lately - or ever - it’s definitely worth the trip. The format is much like the NHA Symposium - well-run and informative. You’re bound to run into old friends and learn a few things.

It’s more than fair to say that Tailhook demographics are quite different from our Symposium. Whereas ours boasts a high percentage of active duty ranks, Tailhook features a heavy dose of senior citizens (like me!) returning for their Corsair, Skyhawk, and Crusader Reunions (not like me!). We don’t have HUP Reunions...maybe we should!

Tailhook is vibrant and very social. “Admins” are prominent and well frequented by all communities.

As with our own Symposium, Hook's Helo Admin continues the I-BAR (Det Reno) theme, which was enormously popular. Flag Officers - active duty and retired - were everywhere. Whether it was our free beer "chum," continuous competitive cornhole competition, or merely the eye watering sea stories, ours was literally packed both nights. Very good times had by all. Thanks for all the hard work by the NHA Staff to include CAPT Jim Gillcrist, new Marketing Director, Megan Buriak, and familiar I-BAR host, Debbie, for their herculean efforts to make it a success.

Here are a few highlights from the official program:

1. 1,600 Pre-registrations, estimated 3,500-4,000 total attendees. active duty, retired, spouses, family members, contractors.

2. New venue this year: Grand Sierra Resort vs. the aging Nugget. Tailhook is big business. Proof: CEO of the GSR presented the Tailhook Educational Foundation (TEF) with a check for $200,000 in anticipation that their partnership with the Association will continue for many years. Wow!

3. Tailhook is wisely timed to immediately follow high level NAWDC (Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center) meetings attended by CNO + all senior warfighters in nearby Fallon. Fresh from that super-charged environment, this year's “Be Ready” slogan predictably morphed in to a “We Will Win” theme.

4. Heavy emphasis on tactics, readiness, acquisition reform, and multi-platform interservice operations which will all be required to prevail in conflict. Short on specifics because of the unclassified environment but everyone got the point.

5. Platform discussions: Lots of discussion re: F-35, F/A18, and EF-18G modifications AND enough well -funded tactical upgrades and modifications served to make Helicopter Community planners and leaders more than a little envious.

6. The highlight (for me) was the Eisenhower Strike Group Debrief detailing a number of tactical successes during their recent 9-month deployment. There were plenty of kudos to go around. The panel, consisting of the Strike Group Commander, CAG and three LCDRs from VFA, VAQ, and VAW squadrons, was book-ended by two LTs from HSM-74. In an understated, quite modest, yet professional way, they each described (1) the highly successful Houthi engagement we have read about, as well as (2) an exciting rescue of 22 folks from a burning tanker in the Gulf of Aden. Very proud to hear their presentations and to watch these warriors enjoy a little limelight typically reserved for the fighter folks.

7. Other Strike Group Firsts:

• First combat SM2/3/6 engagements

• First combat JSOW / AIM 9X engagements

• 14,000 sorties, 32,000 flight hours

• First armed Growler engagements

• Destruction of UUV in Gulf of Aden

• TTPs /pre-deployment training validated during a near constant engagement envelope

• Weapons performed as advertised and those responsible for fast-moving engagement decisions (Enlisted especially) performed flawlessly

• Here's a link to Ward Carrol's YouTube Channel for more Ike deployment details: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=vuiABhebAfQ.

8. Flag panel led by ADM Koehler (CincPacFlt) was interesting if not particularly revelatory of any new policies. Emphasis on the China threat and China’s determination to upend the rules-based international order. Stressed the need to take the fight to the enemy.

9. Congressman Jen Kiggans, (R, VA) attended (as a former Naval Helicopter Pilot) and publicly thanked the IKE Team for their professionalism, while also expressing the effusive appreciation from the citizens of Israel with whom she visited immediately following the events of October 7.

10. Officer retention remains a continuing Naval Aviation issue. Big problem especially in the fixed wing community. Not to editorialize, but the two helicopter squadrons alongside the fixed wing folks on the CVs don’t have nearly the retention issue among pilots. Draw your own conclusions.

Other News

If you’re looking for something to do on behalf of NHA, we are always looking for folks to attend trade shows (I/ITSEC, AFCEA WEST, SEA AIR & SPACE, HAI, and others) to scout out potential sponsorship opportunities for our own Symposium. Sponsorship increases awareness and produces cash to pay for the things we need in NHA. Please consider it. Call me or email me anytime to discuss.

CAPT Arne Nelson informs me we're ramping up for the NHA Scholarship Fund. Trustees are encouraged to support this worthy cause as a way to reward worthy candidates on behalf of the helicopter community. Some of the records of these applicants submitted are truly eye-watering.

Final note: Tailhook and NHA continue to work closely together to improve their annual offerings. We improve each other’s Symposia through better formats, more professional presentations, and a healthy dose of beneficial social interactions at all levels. Also, Tailhook has generously donated to the Clyde Lassen Helicopter Medal of Honor Display to be dedicated at the Front Gate at North Island on January 25, 2025. Many thanks to Tailhook for their support.

As always, thanks for your support of NHA. Keep those cards and letters coming.

Many thanks and all the best,

Sandy Clark Principal Trustee Naval Helicopter Association sclark@navalhelicopterassociation.org (208) 651-7335