9 minute read
Symposium Highlights
NHA Symposium Returns with Bold Vision for Rotary Capabilities
From Naval Aviation Enterprise Public Affairs
The Naval Helicopter Association (NHA) completed its first in-person Symposium at the Viejas Resort, October 6-9, 2021, after pandemic precautions led the organization to cancel its symposium last year. The event, which included two full days of programming, centered on Naval Aviation’s bold vision for rotary wing aviation in the years ahead with the forward-looking theme, “Force of the Future.”
The NHA Symposium featured leaders from around Naval Aviation providing information to the Naval Aviation corps and discussing the powerful capabilities required for the rotary wing community to maintain maritime superiority in the coming years.
On October8, the second and final day of programming— seven leaders from units across the Fleet participated in the Commodore and Commander, Air Group (CAG) Panel. They discussed future changes to mission sets and capabilities in the rotary wing community, then answered questions from junior officers in the audience.
“Small unit leadership is in our DNA,” said CAPT Brannon Bickel, Commodore, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, Pacific. “We go out in detachments and carry out the full functions of a squadron. This expeditionary model that we operate in builds the small-unit leadership we need to carry out the missions of tomorrow.”
Panel members spoke about new concepts and capabilities initiated at the squadron level to validate capabilities needed for the future fight.
“We are out there on San Clemente Island flying to FARPs (forward arming and refueling points), testing concepts like forward V-22 refueling, and launching sonobuoys from Hueys,” said Bickel. “Those are some of the initiatives we are doing to prepare to operate in a contested, distributed environment.”
The capstone event of the final day of programming was the Flag Panel moderated by retired RADM Daniel Fillion, the incoming National Chairman for the NHA. Panel participants included VADM Kenneth Whitesell, Commander, Naval Air Forces/Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; VADM Jeffrey Hughes, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development, N7; RADM Scott Jones, Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve / Deputy Commander, Naval Air Forces / Deputy Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; RADM Alvin Holsey, Commander, Navy Personnel Command/Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel; RADM Andrew Loiselle, Director, Air Warfare Division, N98; RADM Shoshana Chatfield, President, Naval War College; RADM John Gumbleton, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Budget/Director, Fiscal Management Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; and RADM Max McCoy, Commander, Naval Aviation Warfare Development Center.
The admirals each shared their visions for the future of Naval Aviation and their efforts to bring manned-unmanned teaming capabilities to the Fleet.
“Make no mistake … this is a Navy fight,” said Whitesell. “It’s the great power competition. We are on a defined trajectory to use manned-unmanned teaming on our expeditionary platforms, LHA platforms and carrier platforms to win in a contested environment.”
The admirals also discussed unmanned integration and programming, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in Naval Aviation, and joint service integration in Distributed Maritime Operations.
Other events during the second day of programming included the Captains of Industry Panel, the Junior Officer Call with the Airboss with VADM Whitesell, also known as the Navy’s “Air Boss,” and a final reception to close the Symposium.
Commodore/CAG Panel
VCNO Opens NHA Symposium with Call to Accelerate Force Modernization
ADM Bill Lescher delivers the keynote address at the 2021 Symposium
From Naval Aviation Enterprise Public Affairs
ADM Bill Lescher, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, opened the first day of panels and briefs during the Naval Helicopter Association (NHA) Symposium at the Viejas Resort in San Diego on Otober 7, 2021. During his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of collaboration among the many Naval Aviation stakeholders involved in building the force of the future needed to compete in an era of Great Power Competition. “The work we are going to do together to make the Force of the Future real requires excellence in execution and innovation,” said Lescher.
During his remarks, Lescher mentioned several different examples of how Navy leaders harnessed ideas and practices outside of the military to drive readiness and process improvement in the Navy. He recounted the success of the Maintenance Operations Center (MOC) in boosting mission capable (MC) rates for the Super Hornet community and shared how the concept originated from commercial airline best practices. The MOC is a centralized coordination center of resources and maintenance activities for Naval Aviation. The MOC concept was first introduced to Naval Aviation in late 2018 as part of the Naval Sustainment System-Aviation (NSS-A) effort.
Lescher also spoke to the rotary wing community’s role in future operating concepts laid out in the Tri-Service Maritime Strategy Advantage at Sea.
Lescher ended his remarks by calling upon the young leaders in attendance to lead positive, organizational change in their units to build a more ready force for tomorrow’s fight.
Later in the day, CAPT Matt Schnappauf, Director of the Liaison Office to the U.S. House of Representatives for U.S. Navy, moderated the Force of the Future Panel that included VADM Jeffrey Hughes, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development; RADM Max McCoy, Commander, Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center; and Brig. Gen. Ryan Rideout, Deputy Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force. The panelists discussed the capabilities and force structure required for Naval Aviation to carry out operating concepts laid out by the National Defense Strategy, Tri-Service Maritime Strategy and CNO’s Navigation Plan.
Hughes stated the importance of leadership at the tactical level in developing needed capabilities: “We need our young leaders to boldly outthink our adversary, learn faster, and put superior, adaptable, resilient naval rotary forces to sea to deliver deterrence and warfighting advantage.”
The panelists also discussed the importance of training in the rotary wing community, the Marine Corps’ role in Distributed Maritime Operations and changes in force structure, and the importance of technical expertise for pilots.
Other highlights during the first day of NHA programming included a presentation by RADM Andrew Loiselle, Director, Air Warfare Division, Office Chief of Naval Operations on the POM cycle and aviation program offices; a brief from Navy aviation detailers; and a presentation from the Naval Safety Center.
For additional information and coverage of the NHA Symposium, follow the NAE on Facebook @NAEready and on Twitter @NAE_Readiness.
ADM Bill Lescher delivers the keynote address at the 2021 Symposium
The NHA Annual Achievement Awards
The NHA Annual Achievement Awards were presented at the 2021 Symposium. The competition from all regions was, once again, extremely intense and regional winners may be justifiably proud of their accomplishments and contributions to Naval Rotary Wing Aviation.
The Admiral Jay S. “Jimmy” Thach Award
The Admiral Jay S. “Jimmy” Thach Award, sponsored by Lockheed Martin Company, presented by Mr. Hamid Salim to HSM-72. Receiving the award on behalf of HSM-72 is HSMWL Commodore, CAPT Richard Whitfield.
Captain Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy
Captain Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy sponsored by Lockheed Martin Company and presented by Mr. Hamid Salim. The 2020 winners of the Isbell Award for CNAP are HSM77 and HSC-23. HSCWP Commodore Sean Rocheleau and CDR Kyle McDaniel, Commanding Officer, HSC-23 accepted the award.
Aviation Squadron Battle Efficiency Awards:
Commodore Rocheleau presents the Battle E to: CDR Chris Whitehouse, Commanding Officer, HSC-6, and CDR Mike Silver, Commanding Officer, HSC-21.
Commodore Keys presents the Battle E to: CDR Kevin Chambley, Commanding Officer, HSC-7, CDR Timothy Drosinos, Commanding Officer, HSC-22, and CDR Steven Hatch, Commanding officer, HM-14.
Commodore Whitfield, Mr. Hamid Salim and RADM Daniel Fillion, USN (Ret.) present the Battle E to a squadron representative for HSM-72 and HSM-48.
Commodore Bickel, Mr. Hamid Salim and RADM Daniel Fillion, USN (Ret.) present the Battle E to CDR M. E. Chang, Executive Officer, HSM-51.
The CNAL Aircrewman of the Year
The CNAL Aircrewman of the Year was awarded to AWS1 Joseph Southern of HSC-26. CDRE Keys presented the award to CDR Eric Severson, CO, HSC-26 who accepted for him. On stage with them were RADM Fillion, NHA Chairman (r), and Mr. Hamid of Lockheed Martin (l).
The NHA Aircrew of the Year (Deployed)
The NHA Aircrew of the Year (Deployed) is sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, and presented by Mr. Hamid Salim to the crew of BULLET 47 of the HSC-23 Wild Cards: LT Sorcha Hartman, LT Richard Harrell, AWS2 Joseph Riviera, and AWS2 Collin Travis. The NHA Aircrew of the Year (Non-Deployed), sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, and presented by Mr. Hamid Salim.
The NHA Aircrew of the Year (Non-Deployed)
The NHA Aircrew of the Year (Non-Deployed), sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, and presented by Mr. Hamid Salim. The 2020 winner is the crew of COAST GUARD 6025 from USCG Air Station Sitka, Alaska. The members of the crew consisted of LT Justin Neal, LT Jonathan Orthman, AET2 James Schwader, AST2 Grant Roberts. RADM Bouboulis, CAPT Emerson, and Master Chief Young accepted on their behalf.
The NHA Pilot of the Year
The NHA Pilot of the Year, sponsored by L3 Harris Technologies and presented by Mr. Gil Vardeny to LT Catherine Cortesio of HSM-72.
The NHA Fleet Instructor Pilot of the Year
The NHA Fleet Instructor Pilot of the Year is sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, and presented by Mr. Hamid Salim to LT George Evans of HSM-40. Accepting the award on his behalf is CDR Justin Banz
The Shipboard Pilot of the Year
The NHA Shipboard Pilot of the Year, sponsored by Trident Home Loans, and presented by Mr. Paul “Sully” Sullivan to LCDR Matthew Schwab, USS Bonhomme Richard, LHD-6.
The 2020 NHA Training Command PIlot of the Year
The 2020 NHA Training Command PIlot of the Year, sponsored by CAE and presented by CAPT Kevin Kenny, USN (Ret.), is LT Stephen Vandal of HT-8. CDR Keith Johnson of HT-8 accepted on his behalf.
The NHA Aircrewman of the Year
Aircrewman of the Year was sponsored by Massif and presented by Mr. Tyler Boeddker, is AWS1 Heather Shoemaker of HSC-12
. The 2020 NHA Aircrew Instructor of the Year
The 2020 NHA Aircrew Instructor of the Year, sponsored by CAE and presented by CAPT Kevin Kenney, USN (Ret.) was awarded to AWR1 David Ibanez of HSM-40. Accepting on his behalf was HSM-40 Commanding Officer, CDR Justin Banz.
NHA Rescue Swimmer of the Year
The NHA Rescue Swimmer of the Year, sponsored by Vertex Aerospace, and presented by Mr. Richard “Vinny” Caputo to RADM Bouboulis, CAPT Emerson, and Master Chief Young who accepted on behalf of AST3 J.P. Kelly of USCG Sector North Bend.
The 2020 NHA Junior Enlisted Maintainer of the Year
The 2020 NHA Junior Enlisted Maintainer of the Year is sponsored by Vertex Aerospace and presented by Mr. Richard "Vinny" Caputo to AD2 Stacy Kim of HSM-51. CDR Chang accepted on his behalf.
The NHA Senior Enlisted Maintainer of the Year
The NHA Senior Enlisted Maintainer of the Year is sponsored by BAE Systems and presented by CAPT Reggie Howard, USN (Ret.) to ADC Charles Burnett of HSC-25. Standing to his left is NHA Chairman, RADM Daniel Fillion, USN (Ret.).
Rotor Review's Best Scribe
Rotor Review's Best Scribe was awarded to LT Steven Cusumano of HSC-26 for "The Future of Training is Artificial." CDR Matthew "G.B." Mravlja, HSC-26 Executive Officer, accepted the award on LT Cusumano's behalf.
The NHA Volunteer of the Year Award
The NHA Volunteer of the Year recognizes an individual for their outstanding support and dedication to the mission of the Naval Helicopter Association and Naval Rotary Wing Aviation. RADM Daniel Fillion, USN (Ret.) presented the award to CDR Michael Silver, USN, Commanding Officer, HSC-21.
AVO Awards
Four individuals were recognized this spring by the CNO for outstanding performance in operating and instructing the MQ-8 Fire Scout. Representing Northrup Grumman, award sponsor, is Mr. Lance Eischeid. On stage with him are CAPT Sean Rocheleau, HSCWINGPAC, LT Brain Larson of HSC-3, AVO Instructor of the Year, AWS1 Jake Sampson of HSC21, Mission Payload Operator of the Year, and AWS1 Matthew Lobiondo of HSC-2, MPO Instructor of the Year. Accepting on behalf of LT Cassandra Gettinger of HSC-22, Air Vehicle Operator of the Year is CAPT Ryan Keys, Commodore, HSCWL On stage with them is RADM Daniel Fillion,USN (Ret.), NHA Chairman.
The Captain Mark Starr Pioneer Award
The Captain Mark Starr Pioneer Award is presented to CAPT Gene Pellerin, USN (Ret.) and CAPT Mike Coumatos, USN (Ret.) Presenting the award to CAPT Pellerin is CAPT Bill Personius, USN (Ret.).
The Lifelong Service Award to NHA
The Lifelong Service Award to NHA is sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, and presented by Mr. Hamid Salim to CAPT Michael O’Connor, USN (Ret.).
The Rear Admiral Tomaszeski Squadron Commanding Officer Leadership Award
The Rear Admiral Tomaszeski Squadron Commanding Officer Leadership Award is sponsored by G.E. Aviation and presented by Ms. Venita Walker to CDR Eli Owre, USN, Commanding Officer, HSM-75.
The Service to NHA Award
The Service to NHA Award is sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, and presented by Mr. Hamid Salim to CAPT Jim Toone for his dedicated efforts as NHASF Executive VP and VP of Operations. CAPT Arne Nelson, USN (Ret.) accepted on his behalf.
The Lifelong Service Award to NHA
The Lifelong Service Award to NHA is sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, and presented by Mr. Hamid Salim to CAPT Michael O’Connor, USN (Ret.).
The NHA 2021 Symposium wasn't just panels and ceremonies; there was so much more! We'll see you in May 2022 for the next NHA Symposium in Norfolk!
The Female Aviator Mentorship Breakfast
The Opportunity Basket Mavins
The Members Reunion at the Willows
VRM-30 Aircrew at the Aircrew Challenge
