From the Editor-in-Chief So Others May Live
By LT Annie "Frizzle" Cutchen, USN , f you have chatted with me about Rotor Review, you have probably witnessed me on my soap box about Aircrew involvement with NHA. One of my main goals during my tenure as Editor-in-Chief, (EIC) of this publication has been to get our Aircrew involved and excited to be here. We were able to get the NHA Team all in on dedicating this issue to unsung heroes of rotary wing aviation—United States Naval Aircrewmen. On my first tour and into my instructor tour I preach that I have learned as much from the Aircrewmen I have had the pleasure of working alongside as I have from my fellow Pilots. I'm sure many of us share more than one experience where these men and women saved the day.
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My hope with this issue is that you, Aircrewmen from all platforms, feel inspired and heard seeing art and reading articles by your peers. Furthermore, I hope this inspires you to continue to write for Rotor Review, submit your photographs, and engage with Naval Helicopter Association. I am so excited for readership to dig in and read articles from AWRCM Philips, AWSCS Estep, AWS2 Campbell, and the list goes on. I’d like to give a special shout out to Philip Johnson, a prior MH-60S Aircrewman and the artist behind the lens for the cover photo. I encourage you to explore more of his work at Philip James Studio—he is truly remarkable. Photo contestants, look out! I am sad to announce that this will be my last issue as EIC of Rotor Review. This opportunity has brought so much more engagement and positivity in my life than I ever could have imagined. It has been an absolute pleasure and honor to work with so many of you to create a magazine worth reading. A very special shoutout to CAPT G for all of the mentorship, encouragement, providing me the room to maneuver, and trust you have put in me to get the job done. Another huge shoutout to Allyson “Clown” Darroch for putting up with me balancing the magazine with my flying job and always being open to my constant requests for changes. It has truly been an honor working alongside you both and the rest of the NHA Team. Rotor Review is being passed down to excellent hands. LT Elisha “Grudge” Clark brings so much dang passion for Rotor Review and a very creative lens. She is the brain behind the crossword addition to the magazine and a woman who knows how to get it done. LT Quinn "Charity" Stanley, taking over as assistant Editor-In-Chief," is truly just an incredibly likable guy. Not only that, but everything he touches, he makes better. He brings a passion for helicopter aviation and shares Grudge’s ability to make things happen. Thank you, readership, most of all for making all of the work that goes into the magazine worthwhile.
A New EIC Takes the Helm By LT Elisha "Grudge" Clark, USN
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ello from sunny San Diego! My name is LT Elisha “Grudge” Clark, and I’m happy to introduce myself as your new Editor-in-Chief. A big thank you to LT Annie “Frizzle” Cutchen, who has faithfully served you in that capacity through four (going on five) captivating and impactful issues. There is nothing more human than a story. In a community spread far and wide across the world, it is crucial to tell the stories capturing the life and times of our rotary-wing and tilt-rotor brothers and sisters. That is why I am so grateful to have this platform to lean on, and so many voices with a story to share. This issue in particular represents the crew concept we helicopter pilots live and breathe. These pages include recent stories of heroics, along with stories from our past that are fully worth remembering. Inside you’ll find tales of one-wheel landings, rescues in the mountains, and fallen and recovered canyoneers by today’s best of the best in Search and Rescue. CDR LeRoy Cook’s story of the “Clementine Two” rescue may seem far off, but as he describes watching a forgettable movie in the wardroom and trotting groggily off to bed right before the call to action, I bet you can picture yourself there, too. Building our sense of community is something I am passionate about, and we do that by giving everyone a seat at the table. It would be difficult to fly without pilots and aircrew, this is true. However, it would be next to impossible to meet our mission without steady hands turning wrenches. Our next issue, “Fly, Fix, Fight,” will be focused on our tireless maintenance personnel. We want to hear your stories, your successes, your gripes, and your lessons. Consider this a call to action - do not let your story go untold. Rotor Review #162 Fall '23
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