Editor Spotlight

Enjoy a Q&A with one of our Editors, LT Samantha “Amber” Hein!

Editor since: October 2023

Hometown: Belleville, IL

Location: San Diego, CA

Past Squadrons/Commands: HSM-78 “Blue Hawks” attached to CVW-2 in CSG-1 aboard CVN 70 (USS Carl Vinson) & DDG 106 (USS James B. Stockdale). Currently a MH-60R FRS Instructor attached to the “Seahawks” of HSM-41.

Favorite Tour: HSM-78 during our 2021-2022 WESTPAC deployment. I know what you’re thinking, a “COVID” deployment?! It was such a great time to experience the horror of Squid Games and consistently lose at Catan. In all seriousness, this time is when I got the closest to the wardroom, and I miss all the inside jokes, memories, and…Guam.

Favorite EP: Immediate Landing/Ditching. It has the most steps so it feels like a small win to recite it verbatim.

Favorite Color: Purple!

Favorite Food: Sushi or cookies.

Favorite Hobbies: Absolutely demolishing my husband in pickleball and petting my dog, Truman.

Why did you decide to become a Rotor Review Editor?

I studied Journalism in college, and I thought it was a good time to dust off my editing skills. Plus, I always love going to the NHA Symposium so I wanted to support one of their products.

What is your favorite memory in Naval Aviation?

Taking off in the dark and watching the sun come up. They are the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen.

What are your goals for the future?

I plan on staying in and seeing where the Navy takes me. I’d love to fly forever. After that, my husband and I want to move back to the Midwest, get a nice piece of land, and spend our retirement frequenting Missouri sports and traveling the world.