National President's Message

BE READY

By CAPT Tommy "Smokey" Butts, USN

This Rotor Review issue and NHA Symposium 24 are focused around the mantra of “Be Ready!”

At NHA Headquarters, we are focused on finalizing the granular details to ensure our marquee event is a success. I believe the schedule of events (SOE) reflects the feedback we received following the Symposium last year. Junior Officers (JO) and Enlisted Aircrew, your voice has been heard and many of your recommendations have been taken onboard and implemented. You will see some similarities in staple events such as the Keynote Address, Captains of Industry Panel, Flag Panel, and Aircrew Challenge. A few noticeable changes will be Professional Development sessions for JOs and Enlisted Warriors, community specific Aircrew Panels, a Luau for the Members Reunion, and more clear space in the SOE to have candid conversations, discuss solutions to issues, and build camaraderie within the Rotary Force.

I encourage you to read VADM Hughes’ “Be Ready” article in this issue. Having personally spent time with CVW-3 Team Battle Axe prior to their deployment and during the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP), I can assure you that those squadrons “Were Ready” to execute when called upon. They executed to their level of training. Leading into deployment, I was impressed by the camaraderie, integration, and communication across Team Battle Axe, specifically between the two helicopter squadrons. There is no doubt that integration has led to their many successes during this deployment.

The 2024 NHA Symposium is at Harrah’s Southern California Resort from 15-17 May. The actual first event is a Welcome Social held on the evening of 14 May. Following are other key events:

● “I-Bar” Welcome Social – hosted by Ms. Deb (14 May, 1800 at I-Bar DET Harrah’s)

● Keynote Address – VADM Dan “Undra” Cheever, Air Boss

● CDRE / CAG Panel

● JO Call with Air Boss

● Enlisted Warrior Call with Force Master Chief

● Luau and Member’s Reunion

● Female Aviator Breakfast

● Captains of Industry Panel

● Flag Panel

● Flight Suit Social / Industry Reception

● Golf Tourney – ADM Baker (North Course)

If you haven’t already, go to the NHA Website and register for NHA Symposium '24. I look forward to seeing you all in May.

It is an honor to serve as your National President of our professional organization.

V/r, Smokey

NHA LTM #504