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NHA Symposium 2022 in Review

from Rotor Review Summer 2022 # 157

by Naval Helicopter Association, Inc

from Rotor Review Summer 2022 # 157, page 94

Rotor Review Summer 2022 # 157

Moments from the 2022 Symposium

The NHA Annual Achievement Awards were presented at the 2022 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 is presented for outstanding achievements and contributions to Naval Aviation. Sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, the award was presented by Mr. Paul Lemmo, President. to HSM-74. LT Zach Jones accepted the award on behalf of the squadron.

The Captain Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy is presented to superior anti-submarine and anti-surface squadrons. It is sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, and was presented by Mr. Paul Lemmo. The 2021 Isbell Award winners for CNAP are HSM-51 and HSC-23. Accepting the awards were CDRE Bickel, HSMWP, on behalf of HSM-51, and CDR Kyle McDaniel for HSC-23

It is sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, and was presented by Mr. Paul Lemmo. The 2021 Isbell Award winners for CNAP are HSM-51 and HSC-23. Accepting the awards were CDRE Bickel, HSMWP, on behalf of HSM-51, and CDR Kyle McDaniel for HSC-23

The 2021 Isbell Award winners for CNAL are HSM-74 and HSC-26. Accepting the awards were LT Dave Wert, HSM74, and CDR Eric Severson, HSC-26

The Captain Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy is presented to superior anti-submarine and anti-surface squadrons. It is sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, and was presented by Mr. Paul Lemmo. The 2021 Isbell Award winners for CNAP are HSM-51 and HSC-23. Accepting the awards were CDRE Bickel, HSMWP, on behalf of HSM-51, and CDR Kyle McDaniel for HSC-23

The Rear Admiral Tomaszeski Squadron Commanding Officer Leadership Award is sponsored by G.E. Aviation and was presented by Mr. Harry Nahatis to CDR Matthew “Moto” Martin, Commanding Officer, HSM-37.

The Aviation Squadron Battle Efficiency Award Competition for the Battle “E” is extremely competitive and is awarded annually to the aviation squadron that achieves the highest standards of performance readiness. The annual award also recognizes the squadron’s unit training and operational achievements.

For HSCWP: CDRE Weiler with NHA's Chairman, RADM "Dano" Fillion, USN (Ret.) presented the Battle E to CDR Ben Hendricks, HSC4 and CDR Jake Moore, HSC-25.

For HSCWL: HSC-7, HSC26, and HM-14 CDRE Keys presented the Battle E to: CDR Kevin Chambley, HSC-7, CDR Eric Severson, HSC-26, and CDR Nicklaus Smith, HM-14.

For HSMWL: HSM-48 and HSM-74 CDRE Laguens presented the Battle E to: LCDR Leah Blaine, HSM-48, and LT Zach Jones, HSM-74 For HSMWP: HSM-37 and HSM-78 CDRE Bickel presented the Battle E to: CDR Jacob Allen, HSM-37, and CDR Justin Eckhoff, HSM-78.

The NHA Aircrew of the Year (Non-Deployed) is awarded to the crew which accomplished the most notable non-embarked mission during the preceding year and is sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company. The 2021 winners are the crews of COAST GUARD 6032 and 6039 from USCG Air Station Cape Cod consisting of LCDR Travis Christy, CDR Brian Kudrle, LTJG Craig Campbell, CDR David McCown, AST2 Adam Via, AST3 Clayton Maidlow, AET1 Phillip Morales, and AMT2 Adam Niski. The award was presented by Mr. Paul Lemmoalong with RADM Melvin Bouboulis,USCG and AETCM Jaime P. Young, USCG to CDR Kudrle, USCG and AET1 Morales, USCG. The crews responded to the 146-foot Canadian Fishing Vessel ATLANTIC DESTINY taking on water 200 miles east of Cape Cod, MA with 31 souls on board. Both crews coaxed maximum performance from their aircraft as they battled 60-knot winds and 30-foot seas to save the lives of all 31 passengers.

The NHA Aircrew of the Year (Deployed) is awarded to the crew which accomplished the most notable embarked mission during the preceding year. The 2021 winner is the crew of FROSTY 43 of HSC-28 DET 5 onboard USS Billings consisting of: LT Blake Nixon, LT Quinn Stanley, AWSCS Michael Garcia, and AWS2 Michael Kane. The award is sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company. It was presented by Mr. Paul Lemmo to the crew. The crew of FROSTY 43 flawlessly executed humanitarian aid and disaster relief moving over 3,000 pounds of food, and more than 30 doctors and aid workers throughout southern Haiti and then transitioned to counter illicit drug trafficking missions in support of an embarked USCG Law Enforcement Detachment during USS Billings (LCS 15) maiden deployment in the 4th FLEET AOR.

The NHA Rescue Swimmer of the Year is awarded to the Rescue Swimmer who accomplished the most notable waterborne rescue mission. This award is sponsored by Breeze Eastern and was presented by Kelly Carnivale. The 2021 winner is AST2 Joshua Carlson of USCG Sector San Diego. Accepting the award on his behalf is RADM Bouboulis, USCG.

The NHA Aircrewman of the Year is awarded to an aircrewman who has consistently shown superior aeronautical ability and overall performance. This award is sponsored by Breeze Eastern and was presented by Kelly Carnivale to AWR2 Steven Herbold, USN of HSM-74.

The NHA Pilot of the Year is awarded to the pilot who throughout the year has consistently demonstrated superior aeronautical ability and overall performance. This award is sponsored by Trident Home Loans and presented by Ms. Taylor Gallagher to LT Adam Kumm of HSM-49.

The NHA Shipboard Pilot of the Year is awarded to a pilot on a disassociated sea tour who has consistently demonstrated superior performance in a ship’s company billet. This award is sponsored by the Vertex Company and was presented by Mr. Chris Maslowski to LT Morgan Maynard, USS San Diego, LPD-22.

The NHA Maintenance Officer of the Year is awarded to the maintenance officer whose dedication and effort have significantly increased the command’s ability to perform its mission. This award is sponsored by BAE Systems and was presented by Mr. Bob Novak to LCDR Andrew Gerry, VRM-30. Accepting the award on his behalf is CAPT Justin McCaffree, USN, Deputy Commodore, VRM Wing.

The NHA Senior Enlisted Maintainer of the Year is awarded to the Chief Petty Officer or Petty Officer assigned to a maintenance department whose dedication and effort have significantly improved the command’s ability to perform its mission. This award is sponsored by BAE Systems and was presented by Mr.. Bob Novak to AECS AECS Broc Foster, HSM-79. CDRE Laguens accepted the award on his behalf.

The NHA Junior Enlisted Maintainer of the Year is awarded to an enlisted person of E-5 and below whose dedication and efforts have significantly increased the command’s ability to perform its mission. This award is sponsored by the Vertex Company and was presented by Mr. Chris Maslowski to AD1 Hunter Maclelland of HM-15

The NHA Fleet Instructor Pilot of the Year is awarded to an instructor pilot who has consistently shown superior aeronautical ability and overall performance. This award is sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, and was presented by Mr. Paul Lemmo to LT Timothy Cadigan of HSM-40.

The NHA Aircrew Instructor of the Year is awarded to an instructor aircrewman who has consistently shown superior aeronautical ability and overall performance. The award is sponsored by CAE and was presented by CAPT Kevin Kenney, USN (Ret.) to AWR1 Justin Kangisser of HSM-40.

The NHA Training Command Pilot of the Year is awarded to a CNATRA instructor pilot who has consistently shown superior aeronautical ability and overall performance. This award is sponsored by CAE and was presented by CAPT Kevin Kenney, USN (Ret.) to LT Andrew Regis of HT-18.

The Best Scribe Award is presented annually to the contributor whose article, published in Rotor Review, addresses the subject of career growth for helicopter pilots in the most original, constructive and informative manner. The award was presented by NHA Chairman RADM Dan Fillion, USN (Ret.) to CDR Tom Murray, HSC-4, for his article: “A Tale of Two Futures” in Rotor Review Issue 154, Fall 2021.

The NHA Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual for their outstanding support and dedication to the mission of the Naval Helicopter Association and Naval Rotary Wing Aviation. This award was presented by NHA Chairman, RADM Dan Fillion, USN (Ret.) to LT Mike Short, Editor-in-Chief, Rotor Review Magazine.

The Lifelong Service Award is presented by the Board of Directors to an individual for the most significant lifelong contributions to vertical lift aircraft and/or operations. Sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, this year’s recipient is ADM William Lescher, Vice Chief of Naval Operations The award will be presented to ADM Lescher at a later date.

The MQ-8 Firescout autonomous vehicle brings capability and capacity to the Fleet while serving as the pathfinder for MUM-T integration. It is transforming and modernizing the NAE’s approach to a variety of mission sets in an era of strategic competition. These awards are sponsored by Northrop Grumman and were presented by Mr. Lance Eischeid.

The 2021 Air Vehicle Operator of the Year is LCDR Pat Norwood, HSC-23 and the 2021 Mission Payload Operator of the Year is AWSC Salomon Padilla, HSC-23. CDR Kyle McDaniel, Commanding Officer, HSC-23 accepted the awards on their behalf.

The 2021 AVO Instructor of the Year is LT Angelo Lonero, HSC-3.

The 2021 MPO Instructor of the Year is AWS2 Colton Allen, HSC2.

Naval Helicopter Association Historical Society (NHAHS) Awards

The Oldest Helix Award is presented to the oldest and most experienced living Naval Helicopter Pilot. CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.), NHA Historical Society Vice President presented the Oldest Helix Award to CAPT Paul “Scratch” Hryskanich, USN (Ret.). Scratch was designated as Naval Helicopter Pilot #2771 on February 3, 1956.

The 2021 “Mark Starr Pioneer Award” winner is CAPT Dave Zinger, USN (Ret.) for his efforts in establishing the first helicopter mine countermeasures squadron. The award was presented by CDR Joe Skrzypek,USN (Ret.), on June 15, 2022 to CAPT Zinger at his home in Camarillo, California. You can see the video here:

https://www.nhahistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/ uploads/2022/06/CAPT-Mark-Starr-Award-2021CAPT-Zinger-June-15-2022.mp4

The Golden Crew Chief award is presented to the oldest and most experienced Naval Helicopter Aircrewman on Active Duty. This award is sponsored by Ultra Sonobuoy Systems and was presented by Mr. Travis Hamilton. The Golden Crew Chief winner is AWRCM Drew Smith. Master Chief Smith enlisted in the United States Navy on July 17, 1992. He is currently serving as the Senior Enlisted Leader of Cryptologic Warfare Maritime Activity 61. Accepting the award on his behalf is CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.), NHA Historical Society Vice President. The Silver Crew Chief Award is presented to the oldest living Naval Helicopter Aircrewman. This award was sponsored by Ultra Sonobuoy Systems and was presented by Mr. Travis Hamilton. The Silver Crew Chief winner is AFCM Bill “Red Dogg” Moss, USN (Ret.). Red Dogg received his aircrew wings at HT-8 in April 1968.

CAPT Chuck Deitchman, USN (Ret.) received a Lockheed Martin Farewell Gift in the Sikorsky Exhibition Space at the 2022 NHA Symposium before industry peers. Onlooking are NHA Chairman, RADM Dan Fillion, USN, (Ret.) and renowned aviation caricature artist, Hank Caruso, who created a unique “Helicature” in recognition of Chuck’s combined 50 years of service to the Navy and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Corporation.

CAPT Chuck Deitchman, USN (Ret.) receives a Sustained Recognition Award from NHA Chairman, RADM Dan Fillion, USN, (Ret.) at the 2022 NHA Symposium VIP Lunch for his 20 years of support of the organization while serving as the Navy Strategy and Business Development Lead for Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Corporation.

The Service to NHA Award is presented to the individual who has contributed most significantly to achieving the goals of the Naval Helicopter Association. This award was presented by NHA Chairman, RADM Dan Fillion, USN (Ret.) to CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) for his dedicated efforts as NHA Historical Society Vice President and NHA Retired Affairs Director, and Ms. Allyson Darroch for her dedicated efforts as Managing Editor, Rotor Review Magazine.

The Association of Naval Aviation Awards

The ANA Helicopter Aviation Award is presented annually to the individual or unit whose specific actions in support of flight operations most clearly and dramatically demonstrate Naval Aviation ideals of courage, resourcefulness, perseverance, innovation and concern for the well-being and freedom of the United States of America. The 2021 Helicopter Aviation Award was presented to to AST1 Jonathan Kreske, USCG, CG Sector Columbia River, OR for service as follows:

“On 13 February 2021, AST1 Kreske’s aircrew responded to a distress call from a vessel that had lost propulsion and was taking on water with three fishermen on board. They located the vessel, listing in 45-knot winds and 20ft seas while drifting towards the dangerous coastal surf zone. AST1 Kreske deployed into breaking surf and swam through the raging seas to the wallowing boat. He battled the massive breaking waves, calmed the panicked survivors, and wrestled them into the helicopter's rescue basket. When AST1 Kreske returned to retrieve the third survivor and his dog, the survivor became tangled in the vessel’s lines drifting through the debris and was trapped between the vessel and the oncoming breaking surf. AST1 Kreske untangled the survivor from the lines, and swam the survivor to the helicopter’s rescue basket just before the boat capsized. AST1 Kreske’s heroic actions were instrumental in the rescue of three fishermen and one dog.”

The award was presented by CAPT Rick Rudell, USN (Ret.) along with AETCM Jaime P. Young, USCG and RADM Melvin Bouboulis, USCG and NHA National Chairman, RADM Dan Fillion, USN (Ret.) to AST1 Kreske, USCG.

The ANA Fleet Support/Special Mission Award recognizes an individual or unit whose specific action or achievement relates to flight operations of Fleet Support/Special Mission aircraft. The 2021 Fleet Support/Special Missions Award was presented to HSC-22 Det 3. LCDR Chris Cabatu, Det 3 OIC accepted the award on behalf of Det 3. The ANA CPO of the Year Award is presented annually to the Chief Petty Officer whose specific actions relate to flight operations of the U.S. Navy.

The ANA 2021 Chief Petty Officer of the Year Award was presented to AECS Stephanie Palen. CDR Kevin Chambley, Commanding Officer, HSC-7 accepted the award on her behalf.

The ANA Instructor Pilot of the Year Award is presented annually to the CNATRA Pilot whose specific actions related to flight instruction most clearly and dramatically demonstrate Naval Aviation ideals of courage, resourcefulness, perseverance, innovation and concern for the well-being and freedom of the United States of America. The ANA 2021 Instructor Pilot of the Year is LT Alex Chang, HT-28. LCDR Bill Teal from HT-28 accepted the award on his behalf.

The Winging Ceremony

The pilot receiving his wings is LTJG Guillen, USN, who will be joining the Airwolves of HSM-40 in Jacksonville, Florida to fly the MH-60R. Presenting his wings are CAPT Laguens, USN, Commodore, HSMWL and CAPT Justin Banz, CO of HSM-40 along with RADM Dan Fillion, USN (Ret.).

The Winging Ceremony at the NHA Symposium is a way to recognize and welcome the upcoming generation of rotary wing pilots and aircrew and was sponsored by Elbit Systems of America. RADM Dan Fillion, USN (Ret.) and CAPT Keys, USN, Commodore, HSCWL presented aircrew insignia to AWSAN Matthew Rodriguez, USN and AWSAN Cameron Weiss, USN. They will be joining the Dragon Whales of HSC-28.