Rotor Review Spring 2006 #93

Rotor Review

Number 93/ Spring ‘06

Index Focus

Departments

2006 Symposium Highlights Embracing A Dynamic Event A Symposium Experience LT Kristen Ohleger, USN

36

2006 Flag Panel LT Todd Vorenkamp, USN

11

2006 Captains of Industry Panel LT Todd Vorenkamp, USN

12

Reunions

41

Awards Luncheon

42

Sports

44

Features

Going Beyond The Call of Duty Navy Pilot Speaks at Elemetary School PHAN Brian Gaines, USN

9

Marines “Race for the Cure” at Al Asad LCpl Brandon L. Roach, USMC

10

Fourth Annual Navy Safety Conference JO2 Maja A Dyson, USN

12

East and West honors Veterans on Memorial Day Kaylee LaRocque, JAXAIRNEWS Editor JO1 Mike England, USN LCpl George J. Papastrat, USMC

14

Editor’s Log LT Clay Shane, USN

4

Chairman’s Corner RADM Mac McLaughlin, USNR (Ret)

5

President’s Message CDR Baxter Goodly, USN

6

State of the Association COL Howard Whitfield, USMC (Ret)

7

View from the Labs, Supporting the Fleet CAPT George Galdorisi, USN (Ret)

8

Museum Watch Press Released by Rotorhud.com

19

2006 NHA Scholarship Winners

20

Industry News

21

The Soapbox LT Todd “Stalker” Vorenkamp, USN

25

Max Beep Winners

27

Historical Vietnam Era Aircrewmen Receive Combat Wings CDR Joe Skrzypek, USNR (Ret)

The NHA Staff takes a moment to relax at the NHA Banquet after a long week of Symposium preparations. (l-r) Lucy Hasse (Membership), Col Howard Whitfield, USMC (Ret) (Executive Director), and George Hopson (Rotor Review Design Editor)

33

It’ll Never Happen To Me CDR Thomas E. Zinn, USNR(Ret)

52

In Memory

53

Change of Command

54

Marine Corps Update

72

Squadron Updates Stuff

1

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Rotor Review

Editor Clay Shane Enlisted Editor Shane Gibbs Community News Editors HSC Jen McCollough HS Kristin Ohleger HM Carlos Reyes HSL Bert Prosser Design Editor George Hopson Technical Advisor Chip Lancaster

NHA Photographer and Historical CDR Lloyd Parthemer, USN (Ret) Editors Emeritus

Wayne Jensen John Ball John Driver Sean Laughlin Andy Quiett Mike Curtis Susan Fink Bill Chase Tracey Keefe Maureen Palmerino Bryan Buljat Gabe Soltero Todd Vorenkamp Steve Bury

Next Issue Focus Rotor Review’s 25th Anniversary Submissions

The Editorial Board welcomes submissions from NHA’s general membership and corporate associates.

Articles should be of general interest to the readership and geared toward current Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard affairs, technical advances in the helicopter industry or historical anecdotes. Submissions should be e-mailed as attachments or provided on Mac or PC formatted disks using any current word-processing software.

Photos and graphics are encouraged and may be mailed or sent electronically.

Feedback

Comments, suggestions, critiques and opinions are welcomed, your anonymity is respected. Send to:

rotorrev@simplyweb.net PO Box 180578 Coronado, CA 92178-0578 Tel: (619) 435-7139 Fax:(619) 435-7354

Publisher

Naval Helicopter Association ISSN Number: 1085-9683

Deadline for Submissions 2006 Summer September 15 Fall November 17

Policy The Rotor Review is published quarterly by the Naval Helicopter Association and intended to support the goals of the Association, provide a forum for the discussion and exchange of information on topics of interest to the rotary wing community and keep membership informed of NHA activities.

As necessary, the President of NHA will provide guidance to the Rotor Review Editorial Board to ensure that Rotor Review content continues to support this statement of policy as the Naval Helicopter Association adjusts to the expanding rotary wing community.

Views expressed in Rotor Review are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the policies of the Naval Helicopter Association or official Navy Policy. NHA, Rotor Review and Helix logos copyright 1998 by The Naval Helicopter Association.

NAVAL HELICOPTER ASSOCIATION The Navy Helicopter Association was founded on 2 November 1971 by the twelve rotary wing pioneers listed below.

The bylaws were later formally written and the organization was established as a nonprofit association in the State of California 11 May 1978. In 1987 the bylaws were rewritten, changing the name from Navy to Naval to reflect the close relationship of the rotary wing community in the Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy, from initial training to operating many similar aircraft. NHA is a 501 ( C ) (7) nonprofit association.

NHA Founding Members CAPT A.E. Monahan CAPT M.R. Starr CAPT A.F. Emig Mr. H. Nachlin

CDR H.F. McLinden CDR W. Straight Mr. R. Walloch CDR P.W. Nicholas

CDR D.J. Hayes CAPT C.B. Smiley CAPT J.M. Purtell CDR H.V. Pepper

Objectives of NHA Provide recognition and enhance the prestige of the United States Naval vertical flight community.

Promote the use of vertical lift aircraft in the U. S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

Keep members informed of new developments and accomplishments in rotary wing aviation.

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

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Naval Helicopter Association

National Officers

Directors at Large

President......................................CDR John Miley, USN V/P Corp Mem......... CAPT Mike Middleton, USN (Ret) V/P Awards ..............................CDR Monte Ulmer, USN V/P Membership .................. LCDR Walt Morgan, USN V/P Symposium 2007 ...............................................TBD Secretary..........................................LT Ryan Hayes USN Treasurer ......................................... LT Tom Healy, USN “Stuff”.......................................LTJG Casey Bruce, USN

Chairman RADM Mac McLaughlin, USNR (Ret) CAPT John McGill, USN (Ret) CAPT Joe Purtell, USN (Ret) CAPT Mike Reber, USN (Ret) CAPT Tom Stites, USN (Ret) CAPT Mark Vanderberg, USN (Ret)

Regional Officers

Executive Director..Col. Howard Whitfield, USMC (Ret) Admin/Rotor Review Design Editor........George Hopson Membership/Symposium .............................. Lucy Haase

Region 1 - San Diego Directors.………………..........CAPT Curtis Chesnutt, USN CAPT John Hardison, USN CAPT Buddy Iannone, USNR President..…................................CDR J. Curtis Shaub, USN Enlisted Membership..............AVCM Sean McColgan, USN

NHA Scholarship Fund

President...............................CAPT Mitch Swecker, USN V/P Operations..............CAPT Dave Grupe, USNR (Ret) V/P Fundraising ............................CDR Art Garcia, USN Region 2 - Washington D.C. Asst. V/P Fundraising .................LT Mike Hoskins, USN V/P Scholarships .................CDR Bob Weissenfels, USN Director ..…………...…………........CAPT Glen Ives, USN Treasurer...................................LT Suzanne Harker, USN CAPT Bill Lescher, USN Corresponding Secretary..................LT John Dolby, USN President ......................................LCDR Todd Bahlau, USN Finance Committee.....................................Kron Littleton Region 3 - Jacksonville Director ...................................... CAPT Mike Martin, USN President.....................................CDR Joe Bauknecht, USN

Corporate Associates

AgustaWestland Inc. AirCenter Helicopters, Inc. American Eurocopter Armor Holdings Aerospace & Defense Group BAE Systems Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc Boeing Aircraft and Missiles Breeze-Eastern CAE Inc. G.E. Aircraft Engines Goodrich Corporation, Fuel & Utility Systems Harris Corporation Lockheed Martin Systems Integration-Owego L3 Communications / D.P. Associates Inc. L3 Communications / Ocean Systems L3 Communications / Vertex Aerospace Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems Raytheon Naval & Maritime Systems Robertson Aviation LLC Rockwell Collins Corporation Rolls-Royce Corporation Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Telephonics Corporation Thales Underwater Systems Thomas Group Whitney, Bradley and Brown Inc.

Region 4 - Norfolk Director ..........................................CAPT John Smith, USN President .......................................CDR Kris Croeber, USN Region 5 - Pensacola Directors......................................CAPT Dave Malony, USN CAPT Dave Callahan, USCG CAPT Peter Spaulding, USN President ...................................CDR Michael Steiner, USN Far East Chapter President ..................................... CDR Kevin Coyne, USN Membership ...................................LT Robert Maslar, USN Mediterranean Chapter President ...................................CAPT David Schnell, USN

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Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Editor’s Log

Signing Off Towards A New Adventure

By LT Clay Shane, USN

T

his will be an extremely brief Editor’s Log. I am turning over the reigns of the Editor to LT Kristin Ohleger.

But as I write this, I am already pressed for time to get this into our Design Editor, George Hopson. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank George for the great work that he has done on the magazine. We both took

over our respective jobs at the same time, and he has made great strides in improving the quality of NHA’s publication.

He creates a professional magazine every quarter, and he makes up about 98% of the staff. My hat is off to him, and I want to give him my heartfelt thanks.

There have been plenty of times in my life when I have turned control of something over to someone and had concerns.

There was that one time on det when I gave the helo to that ONE guy. There was that one time I turned over Ground Safety, and I knew that it would never be the same, and that all Safety Stand-downs from then on would suck. However, turning this magazine over to Kristin Ohleger is a smart move. She has been the one community editor who has been around and given Rotor Review 110%. I know that she will do a great job, and I feel comfortable leaving it in very capable hands. I look forward to reading this magazine in the future.

Thanks to everybody who has contributed their thoughts, ideas, and articles to this magazine. We wouldn’t have a magazine without you. See you in the fleet.

25 Years of Service W E L C O M E S

LT. Kristin Ohleger, USN as The new Rotor Review Editor

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

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(HS-10)

Chairman’s Corner

The Dynamic Future is Happening Before Our Very Eyes

By RADM Mac McLaughlin, USNR (Ret)

F

rom the Member’s reunion kickoff to the final evening banquet and everything in between, Jacksonville hosted a superb NHA symposium this year. With nearly all of our Jax HS squadrons deployed, Captain Bill Cuilik assumed the conn and navigated us through the challenges of the times, and as always, the helicopter community stepped up to the plate and executed to perfection. My sincere thanks go out to all of you, and especially CDR Jim Raimondo, our Jacksonville MVP for the symposium.

We received a lot of positive feedback on some of the changes we made for this years symposium and we will continue to build a symposium that works for our membership. The squadron polo shirts for the symposium were so well received that I suspect we’ll see the Flag Panel in NHA polo shirts next year in San Diego.

Following the Flag Panel, we’re looking at rolling right from that event into a cocktail reception where you can mingle with the Flags and discuss any issues with the leadership of the community in a less formal setting. That will probably be the wrap up of next year’s symposium, and we’ll forego the final banquet which formerly was used for our annual awards. Giving our annual awards at the luncheon increased attendance, and will hopefully drive more junior officer and enlisted participation for that event in the future.

We’re looking at other ways to concentrate the energy on a shorter, more flowing symposium that will be more enjoyable for our membership, while still reinforcing the outstanding industry support we enjoy. We simply must get more of our enlisted aircrewmen and equipment operators over to the symposium exhibits. You pilots are all good looking but the industry representatives would like to talk to the folks that operate their equipment as well as hear your sea stories on the floor. Your leadership will be working out the details, and I’m sure San Diego 2007 will be an even better event than the one we just enjoyed…if that’s possible!

Likewise, I am proud to announce that the Naval Helicopter Historical Society (NHHS) have formally agreed to reunite with NHA and assume the position in our Association of Curators for our Historical Committee and Leadership for reinvigorating our Retired membership, as so voted by your NHA Board of Directors. I’d like to welcome you all aboard, and I know that this group will add immeasurably to the long term health and vitality of NHA. We’re looking to double our retired members in the coming year….and that’s just the beginning. As we combine the professional performance and growth of our young active duty and reserve helicopter community with the constant support of our sizeable retired community for our young aviators and maintainers, we will continue to build our already outstanding organization into an even more effective organization we can all be proud of as we move “onward and upward.”

Finally, we are so fortunate to have such a professional and seasoned executive as the Director for NHA in Howie Whitfield, and his leadership was unquestionably the driving force for the success of our NHA symposium. As with all accomplished leaders, the key is finding the right personnel to build your team with, and Howie has certainly done that for us at NHA. George Hopson and Lucy Haase literally ran the symposium from behind the scenes, coordinating all the details, communicating with our membership and resolving issues as they arose. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and NHA membership, we offer our sincere thanks to the three of you for running the most professional NHA staff our organization has ever had.

Well done!”

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Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

President’s Message

It’s Been A Great Ride

D

By CDR Baxter A. Goodly, USN

ear Members, On behalf of the entire membership of NHA, let me start by offering my deepest appreciation for the work that went into making the 2006 Symposium one of the best in recent

memory. We all owe a debt of gratitude to CDR Jim Raimondo and his gang of professionals for their tremendous efforts in making our annual event such a huge success. I’d also like to thank our many sponsors and exhibitors – without their generous support, the symposium simply would not happen. And lastly, I want to thank all of you -- because your support is truly the lifeblood of our organization. In the end, NHA exists because of and for you.

This edition of Rotor Review highlights our highly successful symposium. If you were there, I trust that it will bring back some fond memories. If you weren’t able to make it this time, I hope that it will spark a renewed commitment to being a part of this great event next year in San Diego.

For the last 15 months or so, I have had the great honor of serving as your National President. I couldn’t be prouder of my

association with this outstanding organization -- and with the great folks who run the day-to-day operations: Col Howard Whitfield, USMC (Ret), Mrs. Lucy Haase, and Mr. George Hopson are truly the foundations upon which NHA is built and I can’t thank them enough for their unwavering professionalism and support. Thanks Howie, Lucy, and George!

I am pleased to announce that CDR John Miley (CO, HSC - 3) will be taking over for me. As NHA continues its journey of continuous improvement to better serve our constituents, I truly believe that John Miley he is the right person, at the right time to help keep us on course/on glide slope. I look forward to continuing that journey with all of you.

Warm Regards, photo taken by Lucy Haase, NHA Staff

CDR Baxter A. Goodly, USN

Naval Helicopter Association Welcomes

CDR John Miley (Commanding Officer of HSC-3)

as the new

NHA President Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

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CDR Goodly (l) passes the torch over to CDR Miley (r) as the new NHA President

State of The Association

Membership

By Col. Howard M. Whitfield

N

HA is doing well, but we can do better, particularly regarding membership- both active duty and retired.

Like all professional organizations, it is the membership and the volunteers who make the organization viable. A concerted effort will be made to expand our retired membership by the newly activated “Historical Committee”, adding retired membership to its responsibilities.

NHA is reinstating providing wings to the newly designated helicopter Naval Aviators, stamped on the back, “Compliments of NHA”. This practice was suspended for unknown reasons a few years ago.As a normal check-in process in an active duty squadron the CO and XO should consider informing newly joined officers that the squadron supports NHA and to check with their NHA JO representative on their membership currency. As a minimum, all squadrons should strive for 50% NHA membership. Our “Max Beep” membership drive (at least 85%) which we normally initiate in January/February, got a late start this year. It was initiated too close to the Symposium and the results were lack luster. Regions need to plan periodic NHA events that attract their members. In between the annual Symposium and the Fleet Fly-In at NAS Whiting Field, Regions are encouraged to have at least one major event the other quarters, such as a golf tournament, flight suit formal, professional luncheon, etc.

Squadron CO’s should also make sure their PAOs are submitting periodic articles about their activities. Rotor Review magazine depends on input from individuals and squadrons.

The HS community NHA membership is low. HS squadrons are frequently deployed during Symposiums. Operationally, HS squadrons work for the carrier air group commander and of course deploy aboard carriers. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t a part of the overall rotary wing community. NHA would like to feature more articles about HS deployments and their experiences aboard carriers. Also, HS squadrons might consider giving their CAG a membership in NHA. EVERY MEMBER GET A MEMBER!

Consolidated Membership Report Year June 2005 1 year 923 2 year “nugget” 681 3 year 664 5 year 397 Other* 104 Total 2,764

June 2006 791 534 634 419 103 2,465

* Commands and corporate

Military Membership

Active Duty & Reserve Retired

June 2005 2,043 327

June 2006 1,787 305

NHA Financial Statement Cash………..$ 189,830 Investments...$ 229,377 Total………..$ 419,207

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Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

A View From the Labs : ... Supporting the Fleet

Those “Other” Symposia Royal Australian Navy 2006 Sea Power Conference Australia’s Chief of Navy, VADM Shalders, opened this important international conference by stating: “It is impossible to predict the challenges of the future…national interests will remain the same but coalitions may be fluid.” As we think about the next generation of naval helicopters, this should help us think about what our future

By CAPT George Galdorisi, USN(Ret)

mission(s) will be and who we will be conducting them with.

T

Flexibility to do a wide array of missions well – rather than

he Rotor Review staff tells me that this

just one or two superbly – may be what we’re after.

issue is dedicated to our recently completed 2006 NHA Symposium and that’s great…I

Naval Institute/AFCEA West 2006 Symposium

look forward to reading it to relive the experience vicariously. When you work in a Navy “techie” lab

The U.S. Navy’s Chief Information Officer, Mr. Dave

and NHA week is the same week we host our annual

Weenergren reminded us all that: “Today it has to be about open

“Joint C4ISR Symposium,” well, you can fill in the

standards and things that fit together seamlessly.” What this

rest…there certainly weren’t any bubbas talking with

means to us is that if our future naval helicopters aren’t designed

their hands at our event (there I was, streaking along

to communicate and exchange data in an open architecture,

the deck at 150 knots)…you get the idea.

open standards environment, we risk being marginalized as just another stove-piped system.

But over the past few months there have been a number of other symposia where the Navy’s leadership

NDIA Expeditionary Warfare Conference

– and particularly the naval aviation leadership – has said some mighty important things, and this column

- The CNO spoke at this major Navy/Marine Corps event and

provides an opportunity to share those things with

after indicating that the Navy needs to be more Joint and that

you. As opposed to draft documents and power point

the Navy now has the lead in the Horn of Africa, he provided

briefings floating around inside the Pentagon and

three “takeaways:”

other places that carry their own plausible deniability,

- The Navy is a seagoing, warfighting force first.

when these senior leaders speak in a public forum

Expeditionary is where we go, what we do and who we are.

– often with reporters present – you know what they

- The Navy is in lockstep with the United States

say has been vetted up the chain of command and

Marine Corps

they are prepared to stand behind what they said. So

- The Navy must be able to carry out its mission in

here are some snippets from recent conferences and

major combat operations.

symposia that impact the naval (Navy, Marine Corps

This statement, delivered in an environment where there is

and Coast Guard) aviation business that we’re in and

enormous focus (appropriately) on the global war on terrorism

some thoughts on why we might find them especially

(GWOT), on the land campaign in Afghanistan and Iraq and

meaningful in the naval helicopter business we’re

on disaster relief, is a strong reminder that as we train for the

in:

Continued on page 17 Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

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Navy Pilot Speaks at Elementary School ‘Girls Can’ Career Day Story by Photographer’s Mate Airman Brian Gaines, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific on a Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps

“NROTC is a great way to pay for college,” Scherr said. “The Navy pays four years of tuition in exchange for four years of service.”

Scherr took questions from the students as they formed groups and took turns visiting the different speakers. Students asked questions about the Navy’s role in tsunami relief efforts, hair length

LT Renee Scherr assigned to Commander Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific speaks to a group of 5th grade girls during a career day at Meridian Elementary School. Scherr talked about the opportunities for women in the field of naval aviation. U.S. Navy photo by

and whether Scherr gets nervous while flying.

“No, I don’t get nervous,” Scherr said. “I am confident in what I learned and how the Navy has trained me.”

Photographer’s Mate Airman Damien Horvath

L

Margaret Carlson, the chairwoman of the

T Renee Scherr, a naval aviator assigned to , Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific, spoke with 129 5th grade girls during a “Girls Can Career Day” at Meridian Elementary School in El Cajon, CA., April 19.

American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) Career Day 2006, was pleased with the presenters and the enthusiasm that the students displayed.

Feature Stories

(NROTC) scholarship.

“Girls need to be inspired and look to the

future when making choices,” Carlson said. “They need the knowledge to plan ahead to take courses that will enable them to go to college, university or a technical school. I would like to thank the presenters for doing that, and a special thanks to the Navy for showing girls they can achieve anything.”

Scherr discussed her experiences as an MH-60S Nighthawk helicopter pilot.

“It’s important for girls to understand they can do anything they want,” Scherr said. “I was excited about being a pilot during a field trip to a SAR (Search and Rescue) squad when I was at this age.”

Scherr, as well as the other speakers, placed significant emphasis on education, especially in math and sciences. She also spoke of her

Continued on page 10

educational background and how she attended Villanova University 9

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Features: Going Beyond The Call of Duty Continued from page 9 “Girls need to be inspired and look to the future when making choices,” Carlson said. “They need the knowledge to plan ahead to take courses that will enable them to go to college, university or a technical school. I would like to

“It’s important for girls to understand they can do anything they want,” Scherr said. “I was excited about being a pilot during a field trip to a SAR (Search and Rescue) squad when I was at this age.” thank the presenters for doing that, and a special thanks to

LT Scherr explain to the fifth grade students how it is very to plan out your goals and believe that anything can be accomplished if you give it your all.

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Damien Horvath.

the Navy for showing girls they can achieve anything.”

Other presenters for Career Day included civil engineers, a forest ranger, a pipe fitter and a veterinarian.

This is the 11th year that AAUW has sponsored this event.

Marines “Race for the Cure” at Al Asad

By Lance Cpl. Brandon L. Roach, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Photos by Staff Sgt. Chad McMeen

M

arines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 ran

a half marathon in support of the Susan J. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s Race for the Cure at Al Asad, Iraq on June 3, 2006.

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Two Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 run during a half marathon June 3, at Al Asad, Iraq. The run was in support of the Susan J. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s Race for the Cure. Fourteen Marines ran 14 miles and earned $240 dollars to go towards breast cancer research.

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Features: Going Beyond The Call of Duty

1st Lt. Evie L. Foist stops along the 14-mile course for a cup of water. Several Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 offered their morning to support the Marines running the half marathon.

Continued from page 10

Gunnery Sgt. Ryan S. Hermance leads the way during a half marathon Hermance is the engineer company’s first sergeant for Marine Wing Support Squadron 274

The drive and motivation for the 14 Marines was given by 1st Lt. Brandon E. Cooley, heavy equipment officer-in-charge, and Gunnery Sgt. Ryan S. Hermance, engineer company first sergeant, when they pitched the idea of a run to their co-workers.

for a good cause,” said Cooley. “Besides, not many

“I had the opportunity to run races for cancer awareness with her after her first battle with cancer,” said Cooley. “When she died, I decided to continue the tradition.”

people can say they’ve run a half marathon in Iraq.”

“Everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer,” stated Hermance. “Even though we are deployed to Iraq, we wanted to

Cooley lost his mother to cancer in 2001 and made the commitment

show our support to the cause and to Cooley.”

to running the Race for a Cure to remember her. “I had the opportunity to run races for cancer awareness with her after her

After two and a half hours and 14 miles, the Marines

first battle with cancer,” said Cooley. “When she died, I decided

crossed the finish line. They raised $240 for the

to continue the tradition.” The

foundation, which was donated by fellow Marines.

original plan was to run the three miles arranged by the Al

MWSS-274 operates under the umbrella of

Asad Marine Corps Community

Marine Wing Support Group 37 (Reinforced),

Services, but when that was

3 r d M a r i n e A i r c r a f t Wi n g , w h i l e i n I r a q .

cancelled they took it upon themselves to organize a run.

“We couldn’t back out and it was

1st Lt. Brandon E. Cooley keeps his mother’s memory alive by running a half marathon June 3, at Al Asad, Iraq. Cooley, heavy equipment officer-in-charge, Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, arranged the marathon in support of the Susan J. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s Race for the Cure. Cooley lost his mother to breast cancer in 2001.

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Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Features: Annual Navy Safety Conference

Fourth Annual Navy Safety Conference Brings Leaders Together

By JO2 Maja A. Dyson, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

A

n Aviation Safety Conference was held at Naval Station Norfolk, April 18 to 21 to promote safety awareness and better inform

the fleet of Operational Risk Management (ORM) tools.

Senior Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AW) Phil Lecroy, a maintenance analyst with NSC and an instructor for the safety conference, said it’s not only unsafe actions in the fleet that kill, but not

Rear Adm. George Mayer, commander of Naval Safety

practicing safety outside of the military work space can

Center (NSC), kicked off the conference and Capt.

kill as well.

Ken “NUBS” Nuebauer, head of the aviation safety

Lecroy, a victim of a 1980 drunk driving accident,

directorate, followed the admiral’s speech. “It’s vital to

said he uses his past experiences to help educate Sailors

have conferences such as these where we gather leadership

on how safety plays a role in our everyday lives.“My best

to share ideas so the best information can be distributed to

friend and I were driving

the fleet,” said Neubauer.

to Nulichucky River, TN.,

“Risk management is

when we were struck by a

a vital part of our job

drunk driver,” said Lecroy.

and hazards bring with

“Because of the hard impact

them a certain amount

and me not wearing my

of risks. Therefore, it

seatbelt, I don’t remember

is important to manage

much of the accident. But

risks brought to us. ”Neubauer said there are

LCDR Bert Ortiz who is one of the Navy leaders giving the safety lectures at the conference

many programs in place

the loss of my best friend and seeing the damage to my face and neck reminds me of

to help minimize mishaps and that leadership training

the importance of safety everyday. ”Lecroy suffered severe

is one of them. “Leadership is one tool the Navy uses to

damage to his face, his friend was decapitated and the

apply ORM,” said Neubauer. “By leaders demanding that

drunk driver suffered only minor injuries. “Safety comes

safety is a must and teaching our Sailors how to use safety

in different ways and forms,” said Lecroy. “It is important

techniques, we can minimize the amount of mishaps in the

we educate Sailors on as many as we can.”

fleet by a large percentage.”

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic (AW) Paul

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Features: Annual Navy Safety Conference product of a good readiness plan,” said Hofstad.

Hofstad, an airframes analyst for NSC said the turnout for

LCDR Bert Ortiz

the conference was great and

LCDR. Bert Ortiz, an Aviation Safety Maintenance officer

just what the center expected.

at NSC, said “These conference are not only good to

“It’s highly important to

educate, but they are also good to get different ideas on

hold a four-day conference,

ways to improve safety and make things at each command

because there is so much

better. We were able to bring in representatives from all

information to put out on

over the world including Japan

aviation safety,” said Hofstad.

and Guam to help learn about

“The first day includes the supportive lectures; second day

different techniques they use

includes the highest mortality rate lectures; third day are

at their commands.” Ortiz also

the surveyor’s input; and that fourth day is the validation

said “If Sailors learn how to

day. The more you get the word out, the better.”

employ ORM in everything they do and listen to their

Hofstad said the center wants to see the participants go

senior personnel who have a

back to their commands and share everything they’ve

vast amount of experience with safety management, we

learned. “Mission readiness is paramount; safety is a bi-

will not only reduce safety mishaps but save lives.”

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CAPT Ken Nuebauer

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Features: Memorial Day Commemoration

East and West honors highlighted the importance of remembering the sacrifices service members have made. ‘’Memorial Day is one of the most important holidays on our calendar. It connects us to our past and the men and women fought so that we could all have futures,’’ McCarthy stated.

Area celebrations honor veterans

‘’This day is one of remembrance and reflection. I think it’s important to remember the fallen for how they lived, not how they died,’’ Peyton stated.

After all of the speakers had concluded their remarks, a family member from each of the fallen service members, placed a wreath at the wall.

Nelson thought that it was important to remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice. However, it was more important to not forget those that are still fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. ‘’Today as a nation at war, we know there are more sacrifices ahead. Let us pray for those who serve today on freedom’s frontier,’’ he concluded.

By Kaylee LaRocque, JAXAIRNEWS Editor and JO1 Mike England, JAXAIRNEWS Assistant Editor

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he city of Jacksonville inscribed 16 new names on its Memorial Wall during an observance held at the Veterans M e m o r i a l Wa l l M o n d a y morning. Speakers such as Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton, U.S. Representative Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla. and Senator Bill Nelson, D-Fla. spoke to the more than 1,500 people in attendance about the sacrifices the fallen made.

The city of Green Cove Springs celebrated Memorial Day in Spring Park with several ceremonies to remember those

CAPT Chip Dobson, Commanding Officer of NAS Jacksonville gives his remarks during the Memorial Day Observance in Green Cove Springs

‘’When I look at this wall I see the names of people I went to school with. As we pay tribute to them, may we cherish their sacrifices and make the most of the future they no longer have,’’ said Crenshaw.

The ceremony began with a musical presentation by the Metropolitans, the parading of the colors and the invocation before turning the stage over to the speakers. City of Jacksonville Director of Military Affairs Dan McCarthy Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

who have died while serving our country and to honor all current military members and veterans.

The opening ceremony began with an invocation followed by the NAS Jax Honor Support Team parading the colors

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Features: Memorial Day Commemoration

our fallen veterans Veterans Honored At Mount Soledad

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Story Lance Cpl. George J. Papastrat, MCAS Miramar

he land of the free” is a phrase that describes the great country that we live in.

Some people do not realize just how free America really is.

The U.S. military has fought in many wars to preserve the beliefs America stands for. Many service members have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their life for their country. Memorial Day honors such men and women, and is celebrated throughout the country.

The Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial in La Jolla, CA., was the site of a celebration in honor of those who have fallen protecting our great country. The theme this year was, “Service to America.”

The ceremony kicked off in the afternoon with music by the Navy Band Southwest, directed by LCDR. Dale Yager.

“It is an honor to play here today,” said Yager. “It is not the first time we have played at this monument; we played here in November for the Veterans Day ceremony.”

The Navy band played patriotic songs before the ceremony, to try and set the mood for a solemn service.

RADM Joseph Maguire, commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, was the “Service to America” keynote speaker.

Navy Region Southwest honored the memory of our fallen veterans at the Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial in La Jolla, CA.

The memorial has more than 1,700 black granite plaques.

Each tells the story of a veteran’s military career. An enormous cross as well as a large American flag, stands atop the memorial, in respect to the living and deceased service members.

The memorial at Mt. Soledad was originally dedicated as a Korean War Memorial. However, it now honors veterans from all wars and conflicts.

“Today we honor those who gave their lives to our country,” said Maguire. “Some need no effort at all to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

As a nation at war, sometimes we forget to thank our troops for their service.

We are a nation at war this memorial day. For more than four years we have been at war on terrorism, which is longer than we fought in WW II, said Maguire.

Maguire went on to speak about a Navy SEAL team,

Continued on page 16 15

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Features: Memorial Day Commemoration Continued from page 14 as the Navy Band Southeast Brass Quintet played the national anthem. A special fly-by by the HS-3 ‘’Tridents’’ at NAS Jax to display the American flag brought many cheers from the hundreds of spectators at the event.

Green Cove Springs Mayor Deborah Ricks then presented NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson, Naval Air Depot Jax Commanding Officer Capt. John Scanlan and NS Mayport Command Master Chief CMDCM Deborah Davidson with a special proclamation designating May 29, 2006 as Military Service Day in the city.

A wall of plaques that were featured at the Mt. Soledad Memorial, which displayed photos and short stories in remembrance of those servicemembers who gave their life for our country’s freedoms.

Continued from page 15 which lost three of their four members during a patrol in June 2005. The team itself was reported missing June 28.

These SEAL’s were patrolling deep in the Himalayas’ when they encountered a large enemy force. The injured Lt. Michael P. Murphy exposed himself to enemy fire to radio for help.

Jacksonville City Mayor John Peyton speaks during the Memorial Day Celebration

A team of SEAL’s and Army Special Forces were sent to rescue them; however the transport Chinook was shot down by a rocket propelled grenade, killing the 16 troops aboard.

‘’As mayor of the city of Green Cove Springs and on behalf of my fellow council members I welcome all of you to the 18th annual Memorial Day celebration now known as Riverfest. A special welcome is extended to everyone in attendance that has served or is presently serving in our country’s armed forces. You’re contributions and sacrifices for the cause of freedom are the reasons for this tribute,’’ remarked Ricks. ‘’It’s important that we gather today in tribute to the men and women of our surrounding communities who answer the call and service to their country and to expose our children and grandchildren to the sacrifices others have made on our behalf.’’

Following Ricks’ heartfelt speech, Dobson took the podium. ‘’It’s a great honor to be here today. This is a magnificent and appropriate setting for a Memorial Day ceremony. Across our country today, this scene will be replicated many times but this Memorial Day has special significance,’’ he stated. ‘’The global war on terrorism and ongoing combat operations serve as poignant reminders of the sacrifices that many have made for our freedoms for

As Maguire finished his speech, the echo of taps sounded through the calm air during a moment of silence.

The ceremony concluded with the Navy band playing “God Bless America,” and the voices of hundreds of people, singing “God bless America, the land that I love.”

The ceremony concluded with the Navy band playing “God Bless America,” and the voices of hundreds of people, singing “God bless America, land that I love.”

Continued on page 17 Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

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A View From The Labs Features: Memorial Day Commemoration

NAS JAX honors Veterans

Continued from page 8

Continued from page 16

future and invest in future naval helicopter platforms, we

over two centuries.’’

need to keep our eye on the ball for major combat operations, principally in the littorals, and the likelihood that Navy,

‘’I’m honored to be here to not only represent NAS Jacksonville but to be part of the contingent representing the U.S. military. I hope everyone realizes the significance of the support that personnel based at NAS Jax are providing,’’ continued Dobson.

Marine Corps and Coast Guard helicopter platforms will need to work together will only increase.

SSC SD/AFCEA Joint C4ISR Symposium:

‘’HS-3 which provided the fly-by today, just returned home in April from a six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf. Many of our people from NAS Jax are going forward to the theater of operations individually or in small groups to man Marine Corps and Army units. These service members are your neighbors, friends, church members or you might know them through your children at school.

They are often gone for up to a year and that’s what impacts us locally,’’ he said. ‘’The proclamation today serves as symbolism of the long standing tradition and the continued support that Green Cove Springs provides to all military personnel and I appreciate it on behalf of all our Navy members,’’ he added.

A second ceremony was held later in the day in a special area marked with rows of white crosses to remember those service members who died in the line of duty including several from Green Cove Springs and to honor all veterans in attendance. ‘’On Memorial Day we honor those who put their lives at risk for the good of our country, we have veterans to thank for keeping the liberty that we love intact,’’ said Ricks.

The Commander of the Naval Network Warfare Command, Vice Admiral James McArthur, noted that; “The Maritime Operations Center is the wave of the future.” This reinforces the Navy CIO’s remarks about seamless communications and future naval helicopter platforms will likely need to communicate with and exchange data with these important maritime nodes.

Engineering the Total Ship Symposium While it might appear counter-intuitive that we’d glean any significant information from a ship-focused event – and an engineering one at that, Vice Admiral Massenburg, Commander of the Naval Aviation Systems Command was one of the panelists at this event. As the individual most invested in designing the naval aviation platforms of the future, what he thinks, says, and does, has a huge impact on our business. VADM Massenburg reminded the audience of how much the Navy has embraced “business rules” in industry and how it is often common that we get “caught up” in statistics and business metrics. Then he said something we all should remember, “The single fleet-driven metric for naval

Continued on page 18

In The Spotlight

Filipino children wave as the first patients from the Sulu Provincial Hospital take-off on an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) Hospital Ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19).

U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Edward G. Martens (RELEASED) 17

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

A View From The Labs Continued from page 8 aviation is aircraft ready for tasking.” That’s a major takeaway and

on the Navy Staff (and our CAG during our 1998 deployment in

should help us focus on what we’re really about in naval aviation.

Abraham Lincoln) provided the comments that perhaps were most

National Museum of Naval Aviation Symposium:

important to the naval helicopter community. Admiral Kilcline noted: “The right aircraft to enable the Navy to succeed in the GWOT are helicopters.” He also noted the importance of R&D to

- This annual event brings together the Navy, Marine Corps and

naval aviation, noting that “We are spending $7B in R&D to lead

Coast Guard’s senior aviation leadership and this year featured

naval aviation into the future.” He explained why that is important,

nine three- and two-star officers on the final capstone panel.

noting that: “We are at 80% of our expected service life in naval

While each senior officer on the panel shared some “gems” that

aviation and what keeps me up at night is wondering how we’re

were useful, and VADM Massenburg repeated his imperative for

going to avoid working through that final 20% of service life before

“The single fleet-driven metric for naval aviation is aircraft ready

we bring our new generation of naval aircraft on line.”

for tasking,” and VADM Zortman, “The Air Boss” supported that

These forthright comments from the leadership provide good “food

notion, Rear Admiral Tom Kilcline, N88, the Air Warfare Director

for thought” as we work together to lead naval helicopter aviation into the future.

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

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US/Tennessee: $8 Million Helicopter Museum Set for June 23 Grand Opening elicopter Headquarters, a new $8 million interactive facility devoted to the history of flight as told through displays and more than 10 different full-size helicopters, is scheduled to open June 23th in Pigeon Forge, TN.”We are thrilled to share our family’s love of helicopter aviation with the many families that visit Pigeon Forge each year,” said Dan Haynes, General Manager “We’ve assembled a fascinating display that will amaze, intrigue and educate guests of all ages in a fun and engaging setting that is unlike anything the city has seen before.”

The 25,000-sq.-ft. facility is home of Halson’s Helicopter Museum which traces the history of helicopter aviation as visitors explore the aircraft’s role in history, from world conflicts to Hollywood.

The Chinese flying tops and Leonardo Da Vinci’s Airscew, both forerunners to the modern day helicopter, are displayed alongside today’s most modern aircrafts including the Bell Jet Ranger and the Comanche. A special display is devoted to Igor Sikorsky, Arthur Young, Frank Piaseki and Stan Hiller, four of helicopter aviation’s leading pioneers. The spotlight then focuses on the helicopter’s role in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War where helicopters were first used for medical evacuation and reconnaissance missions. The aircraft eventually was used in troop delivery and ultimately as an offensive weapon in Vietnam in the 1960s. The museum guest experience is enhanced by actual radio communication between pilots on combat missions. The military helicopters featured include the OH-13 (Bell 47), The UH-1 (Huey) and the Cobra attack helicopter. On the second floor, Helicopter Headquarters takes visitors to Hollywood for a look at some of television and the silver screen’s most memorable helicopters. Visitors will get an up-close view of the helicopter made famous in the popular 1980’s television series “Airwolf” starring Jan Michael Vincent. Also on display is a 10-foot-long movie prop used in the filming of Terminator 3 starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Families will especially enjoy the museum’s interactive displays that allow visitors to step inside and sit at the controls of a Schweiser 269 an actual full-size helicopter.

Other scaled down models on display include Piasecki H-21, Hughes 500, .Blackhawk and Sikorsky S-76.

Adults and children alike will enjoy the excitement of creating their own in-flight experience with the aid of the modern technology.

Museum Watch

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Press Released by Rotorhud.com

own in-flight experience with the aid of the modern technology. Helicopter Headquarters is home to the Cybercopter Sims, the only three helicopter simulators of their kind in the world. Developed by the same engineer who built and supplied the state-of-the-art flight simulators found in the Smithsonian National Air and Space

Museum, the Cybercopter simulators feature the most advanced technology available today. Visitors will take the controls of their choice of helicopter as this simulated experience allows them to “fly” without ever leaving the ground. They can choose their mission from free flight through the virtual landscape to going head-to-head in an aerial dogfight against a family member or friend also, they can even team up with both Cybercopters and fight a mutual opponent.

Helicopter Headquarters also is home to Scenic Helicopter Tours, which was founded by the late Hal Haynes in 1983. An aviation enthusiast and pioneer in helicopter touring, Haynes enhanced the concept of aerial touring to the Smoky Mountain area more than 20 years ago.

Today, his son Dan Haynes continues his father’s legacy by sharing the family’s passion for aviation with others. Helicopter Headquarters also features a helicopter-themed snack bar and “The Chopper Shop” retail shop featuring a full line of apparel and everything will be helicopter-related toys and models, and works of art along with remote-controlled helicopters.

Helicopter Headquarters is located at traffic light 2B on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission for Halson’s Helicopter Museum is $17 for adults and $12 for children ages 4-12. Scenic Helicopter Tours also operates seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, please call 865-453-6929 or visit www.helihq.com.

Adults and children alike will enjoy the excitement of creating their 19

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

John Landon Ream Memorial

Christine Cavallo

Award

DPA TP & L Award

Sergei Sikorsky

Jacqueline Soenneker

Award

NHA Region 4

Nathan Reaver

Laura Valdmanis

Hallet Conner

NHA Region 2

NHA Region 5

Other Scholarship Fund Winners

Kelly Govan....................................NHA Region 1 Sarah Doyle.....................................NHA Region 2 Justin Lusko....................................Postgraduate Award Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

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Press Released by Lockheed Martin

Additional funding to complete integration work on those aircraft is expected in 2007. Lockheed Martin will deliver all 25 fully-integrated aircraft to the Navy by mid-2009.

ockheed Martin has received two production contracts from the U.S. Navy to complete the integration of sensor and avionics systems on 12 MH-60R multi-mission helicopters and to begin integration work on 25 others.

Industry

Lockheed Martin Receives Two MH-60R Production Contracts Totaling $127 Million

The Navy authorized this advance procurement to ensure Lockheed Martin can purchase major systems “These production awards were based on a favorable in time to integrate them onto each aircraft. Major review of the aircraft’s acquisition strategy and a highly systems procured in advance include the Telephonics successful operational evaluation,” said Jeff Bantle, vice AN/APS-147 Multi-Mode Radar, which president and general manager of finds and tracks ships, and the Lockheed Multi-Mission Solutions for Lockheed Martin AN/ALQ-210 Electronic Support Martin Systems Integration - Owego.

Measures system, which detects enemy “During operational evaluation, radar targeting the aircraft. this weapons system passed all Both awards are the first to occur within of its performance requirements the MH-60R’s full-rate production phase, and demonstrated significant which was authorized MH-60R fullimprovements over current helicopters Lockheed Martin will provide rate production March 31. The Navy is to detect and track submarines and the MH-60R intergrated sensor expected to purchase a total of 254 MHsurface vessels.” and avionics system. U.S. Navy 60R aircraft through 2015.

Photo is provided by NHA staff Sikorsky Aircraft designs and The larger award, for $76.5 million, manufactures the MH-60R aircraft. is to complete work on 12 MH-60R Lockheed Martin is the prime systems aircraft, to be delivered to the Navy by integrator and the cockpit provider. late 2008. Lockheed Martin received $31 million in 2005 to order major systems from suppliers. The 12 aircraft Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin comprise the U.S. Navy’s Lot Four purchase of the nextemploys about 135,000 people worldwide and is generation anti-submarine and surface warfare aircraft. principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced The second award, worth $51 million, authorizes technology systems, products and services.

Lockheed Martin to order long-lead items to support the Navy’s Lot Five purchase of 25 MH-60R aircraft.

Raytheon awarded $45M MH-60R contact for six complete helicopter systems and six weapon replaceable assemblies Raytheon Integrated Defense Services, Portsmouth, R.I., is being awarded a not to exceed $45,000,000 ceiling-priced order against a basic ordering agreement contract for procurement of six complete MH-60R helicopter systems and six weapons replaceable assemblies for the MH-60R helicopter. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I., and is expected to be completed by September 2007. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.

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Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Industry: AH -1Z / UH - 1Y

AH-1Z/UH-1Y Start OPEVAL Press Released by NAVAIR

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our H-1 aircraft, two AH-1Zs and two UH-1Ys, left the Naval Air Warfare Center here on Tuesday morning, May 9, 2006 to begin the program’s long awaited Operational Evaluation period.

“This is a significant milestone in the H-1 Upgrades program and brings us that much closer to fielding this critical capability to the Fleet Marines who are anxiously awaiting these tremendously capable aircraft,” said Col. Keith Birkholz, H-1 program manager at NAVAIR. “This milestone also is a tremendous testimony to the government-Bell team that has labored so hard for the last few years to achieve it.”

“This is a great day for the U.S. Marines and the H-1 Program,” said Bell Helicopter Chief Executive Officer Michael Redenbaugh. “Over the next six months these aircraft will demonstrate and validate the significant improvements that have been made to make them more valuable to the Marines. These aircraft are among the world’s most technologically advanced and posses capabilities that the Marines need now but also in the future.” He continued.

An AH-1Z awaiting to begin the program’s long awaited Operational Evaluation period.

Photo courtesy of NHA Staff Editor

The aircraft will fly to China Lake Naval Air Station in California where they will spend the next six months undergoing numerous tests and evaluations to determine the H-1 aircraft operational suitability. Start of OPEVAL represents the last exit criteria before a Defense Acquisition Board is to decide on Low Rate Initial Production Phase III. The H-1 Upgrade Program will replace the current fleet of AH-1W and high time UH-1N aircraft by providing 180 AH-1Z and 100 UH-1Y new, zero-time aircraft starting in 2006. Key to the program is the fact that the two different models of aircraft have 84% commonality of parts. Initial Operational Capability is scheduled for 2008.

AH-1Z Super Cobra coming in for a landing

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Industry: Hellfire Missiles

Hellfire Missile Test Success Press released by NAVAIR Photo by HSM 41 Public Affairs Office

Two MH-60R helicopters ate preparing a test launch of the Hellfire missiles

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he Thermobaric Hellfire missile product team is closer to fielding another important technology to the warfighter on May 10, 2006 .

Two successful shots of the shaped trajectory Hellfire missile were completed on May 2 at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) land test ranges in Southern California. Both air launches were executed from an AH-1W aircraft based out of NAVAIR China Lake test squadrons.

The purpose of these air launches was to evaluate recently modified flight control software which allows the missile to fly a flatter trajectory and impact targets at a near zero obliquity angle. The launches were thirty minutes apart, and from the same mission. Each missile impacted separate targets, both of which were simulated hardened, urban targets. The impacts of both shots were near dead center of the target and

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appeared to match the predicted impact angle.

These test launches are in support of the trajectory shaping study, which is a software enhancement to the Thermobaric Hellfire Missile (AGM-114N). This effort began in late 2005, and is sponsored by the Office of Naval Research and Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

The goal is to flatten-out Hellfire’s trajectory in order to improve its use against buildings, concealed targets, caves, and a broad variety of military operations in urban terrain. This capability will be fielded on all Thermobaric Hellfire missiles delivered after October 2007. The Navy, however, expects to begin retrofitting its inventory of Hellfire missiles sooner.

The thermobaric warhead upgrade to the Hellfire missile began in 2002, and was a science and technology effort to quickly develop and field an improved lethality capability to legacy Hellfire missiles. After a series of developmental and operational tests, the AGM-114N was deemed operationally effective and suitable by the service’s test and evaluation force in February 2006.

Two months later, the Navy received approval for full shipboard operational use.

Manufactured by Lockheed Martin in Orlando, FL, the Hellfire program began in 1972 from an Army Material Need. Today, with the U.S. Army as the lead service, the Hellfire missile is fielded on U.S. Navy and Marine Corps helicopters including the AH-1 and H-60.

MH-60R heads in for a landing on deck after test launch.

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Industry: MV-22 Ospreys

Marine Corps Ospreys “writing the book” on long-range deployments Press released by Rotorhub.com

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Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 22 (VMX-22) launched two Ospreys from their home at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Monday, landing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA, nine hours and 2,100 nautical miles later. They returned to New River Thursday, making that flight in just eight hours. Altitudes on the flights ranged from 14,000 to 16,000 feet, with sustained ground speeds between 240 and 300 knots.

arine Corps crews successfully completed two nonstop, coast-to-coast flights this week with a pair of MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, as a precursor to a transatlantic flight to England with the same Ospreys in July.

The Marine Corps is conducting the long-distance flights to develop tactics, techniques and procedures for long-range, overwater movements of MV-22s, in preparation for the first combat deployment in 2007.

“Unlike conventional rotary wing aircraft, which must be transported into overseas theaters of operation aboard amphibious shipping or heavy lift transport planes, the V-22 can self-deploy thousands of miles over water to get itself to the fight,” said Col. Bill Taylor, V-22 Osprey joint program manager.

The aircraft were configured with two of the three available auxiliary fuel tanks. The VMX-22 crews completed two aerial refuelings en route with KC-130J tankers from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252), to further validate the Osprey’s long-range fuel system capabilities in support of future combat deployments.

That ability was proven during operational evaluation in 2005, when the Osprey demonstrated a projected range of more than 2,600 nautical miles on a single aerial refueling. The MV-22 can be configured with up to three mission auxiliary tanks in the cabin to enable these kinds of ranges.

“We didn’t have to do two aerial refuelings, but we wanted to fill up those [auxiliary fuel tanks] and burn them out a couple times, to increase our experience with the systems,” said Lt. Col. Chris Seymour, VMX-22 executive officer and pilot of one of the two Ospreys. “The flights have gone extremely well.”

“The mission planning computer systems onboard that help us manage our long range flights were accurate within a quarter percent of predicted performance,” said Col. Glenn Walters, VMX-22 commanding officer. Actual flight time, for example, was just three minutes off from the predicted flight time, on a trip of more than 2,000 miles. “That gives us a great deal of confidence in over-water flights ... enabling us to make good decisions on how to get long distances,” he said.

This week’s overland flights were structured as rehearsals for the transatlantic deployment to England in July. VMX-22 will depart from Goose Bay, Newfoundland, July 10, flying direct to Great Britain along with two tankers from VMGR-252.

Once across the ocean, the aircraft will be turned over under a lease agreement to manufacturer Bell Boeing, who will operate the aircraft in the Royal International Air Tattoo

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

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Industry: MV-22 Osprey / The SoapbBox Under the current program of record, the Marine Corps will purchase 360 MV-22s for missions including amphibious assault, ship-to-objective maneuver and sustained operations ashore. The Ospreys will ultimately replace all CH-46E and CH-53D helicopters for the Corps, delivering twice the speed and three to five times the range as those platforms. Manufacturer Bell Boeing began delivering the Block B combat configuration of the Osprey in December 2005.

and Farnborough International Air Show July 14-23. Farnborough and the Tattoo will be the Osprey’s first international air show appearances since 1995.

The Marine Corps, however, is interested in other firsts.

“This will be the first time that an assault support aircraft has ever flown across the Atlantic,” Taylor said. It will also be the first time in more than 20 years that Marine Corps KC-130s have supported a transatlantic deployment, he said.

Secretary of the Navy Dr. Donald C. Winter flew with VMX-22 earlier this year, to evaluate the aircraft first hand.

“This is invaluable as far as establishing the tactics, techniques and procedures for these types of missions in coordination with the KC-130s,” Seymour said. “We’re writing the book on how to do this.”

“The significance of this program to the Naval services is not about hardware or technology,” Winter said. “It’s about what it will mean to our people. The Osprey can deliver Marines to battle more safely, bring them reinforcements over greater distances in greater numbers, and evacuate wounded more quickly. That all equates to lives saved, as we continue to prosecute the global war on terrorism.”

The Marine Corps is using the opportunity to fly to England as a prudent first step to gain experience and refine skills, Taylor said, before VMM-263 takes the aircraft across the ocean into a theater of battle.

In March, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (VMM-263) was established as the world’s first tiltrotor combat squadron.

They began receiving Ospreys in May, and will deploy with the MV-22 after the aircraft reaches initial operational capability in Summer 2007.

By LCDR Todd Vorenkamp, USN My first look at an aircraft crash site is a sobering experience.

Saturday 4 March 2006.

I, along with LCDR Dave Schneider, and AW2 Marko Vignjevic are assigned to fly a team of accident investigators to the crash site in Oregon. The site is 2.5 hours flying time away from Whidbey.

The SoapBox

Crash Site

Passengers lining up to board the tightly-packed orange and grey Knighthawk for the flight are the PXO of Grumman EA-6B Prowler from VAQ-135 at NAS Whidanother Prowler squadron, a first class petty officer from bey Island crashes in northern Oregon state. On board the local EOD unit, and the VAQ-135 flight surgeon. are four crewmen. All The PXO has been eject safely. The search and We had some details of the mishap from the scuttleassigned to lead the rescue (SAR) horn sounds in butt around base and from the aircrew that returned investigation. The the middle of awards quarters. the lucky crew back to Whidbey.

Apparently they flight surgeon is headNASWI’s duty SAR MHwere on a low-level navigation route at high speed ing south to finish her 60S Knighthawk helo departs when something went terribly wrong with the aircraft. report on the mishap. immediately after hearing of The EOD sailor is the crash. The Prowler crew charged with checking is picked up road-side by a the pyrotechnics on the ejection seats and under-wing stores. The local passer-by and transported to the hospital. Minor injuries PXO and flight surgeon will be staying down in Oregon for sevare reported. The SAR aircraft waits in Oregon for the quartet eral days.

The EOD petty officer is hoping to return with us later of aviators to get released from the hospital and then flies them on Saturday, but he has a rucksack full of things he might need to home to their squadron shipmates and families.

Friday 3 March 2006.

A

Continued on page 26 25

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

The SoapBox Continued from page 25 spend the night, in addition to his EOD tools.

We take off from Whidbey at 0800. We had planned on a 0700 departure following a 0600 brief, but some of our passengers did not get to the rack until 0300 that morning after spending hours questioning the mishap crew at Naval Hospital Oak Harbor.

Heading through Snoqualmie Pass over Interstate 90 the crew takes in some of the gorgeous local scenery. Dave Schneider is flying and I am doing VFR navigation from the sectional. While we fly towards Pendleton, Oregon (KPDT) we talk to the PXO in the back of the aircraft on ICS. The flight surgeon and sailor are wearing cranials.

Two Prowler passengers are both tired, but in good spirits. I think about how uncomfortable this flight would be if some or all of the crew of the mishap aircraft had not ejected safely. It probably would have been downright miserable. Instead of taking in the scenery, waving at snow skiers at Snoqualmie Resort, and viewing wild elk on the eastern slopes of the Northern Cascade Mountains we would have probably been flying south in relative silence, engines and transmission whining overhead.

“I am glad everyone made it out OK,” I tell the PXO. “Yeah,” he replies over the ICS in a half sigh.

We had some details of the mishap from the scuttlebutt around base and from the aircrew that returned the lucky crew back to Whidbey. Apparently they were on a low-level navigation route at high speed when something went terribly wrong with the aircraft. The rumors told us that they ejected mere moments before the jet plunged into the Earth.

The PXO and flight surgeon are able to give us some more details. In my head I try to visualize the events of the crash and ejection.

Nearly two hours after departure we near the waypoint programmed into the Knighthawk’s computer and my Garmin V. Approaching the area from the north we fly over a wind farm of spinning white turbines. The distance to the crash site, as indicated by the GPS, leads me to believe that these wind turbines were some of the last man-made objects spotted by the Prowler crew before they ejected. I also wonder, out-loud, how close they must have been to striking one of the wind turbines.

Continuing south we find the crash site. The Earth has been scarred by the hurtling metal mass of a tactical jet aircraft as it impacted the ground. We orbit the site so that the PXO in the back can get a bird’s eye view of the wreckage and take some aerial photographs for the investigation.

The ICS comes alive with chatter. Well, my ICS comes alive with chatter. The first investigators on scene have already marked some of the wreckage with yellow tape. The crash site spans a small shallow valley and covers, by my estimation, the space of two football fields. One area is on the north side of the ravine. The other football field sized area is on the southern side. At the bottom of the shallow ditch is a one lane dirt road.

To the east of the southern football field is a prefabricated farm house – the nearest structure to the crash. On the road are various vehicles.

We see a scattering of small pieces in the northern part of the zone. The next things we see are parachutes. As we get closer my headset is filled with the annoying tone of the emergency transmitters still radiating from the ejection seat pans. The crew was not at the crash site long, and they never turned off their beacons. I wonder if airliners overhead - inbound to Seattle-Tacoma or Portland International - can hear the beacons. I wonder if the local approach or center controllers are tired of telling people to disregard the tones.

If there was any doubt as to the altitude of the bailout, there is not any longer. Within feet of each parachute rests the remains of an ejection seat. The seats are so close to the chutes it looks as if they never separated themselves from the aviator and streaming parachute. Wow. Everyone on the Knighthawk is shaking their heads in disbeI, along with LCDR Dave Schneider, lief. We and AW2 Marko Vignjevic are assigned are not to fly a team of accident investigators to forensic the crash site in Oregon. The site is 2.5 experts hours flying time away from Whidbey. in the science of aircraft mishaps, but from what I know about ejections seats, the Prowler ejection sequence, and the chain of events advertised to follow an ejection, this crew was extremely lucky to be alive. It is obvious that no members of that Prowler crew spent much time hanging in their chutes contemplating their situation.

Also in that northern football field sized area, not far from the two southernmost parachutes/ejection seats, was the first evidence that an airplane impacted the ground. Surprising us all, and correlating with the earlier rumors about the mishap, is the proximity of the aircraft’s impact to where the crew landed.

Again, the crew of the helo cannot help but think about how lucky these four individuals were to be sitting at home this Saturday after the events of their Friday flight.

The elongated oval shaped scar showing us the first place that the

Continued on page 27 Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

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The Soap Box Continued from page 26 Prowler met the Earth is on the down slope side of the northern debris field. On the uphill slope of the southern debris field is the rest of what used to be an EA-6B Prowler. A 35x75 yard area of charred grass and mangled, unrecognizable aircraft parts marks the area where, based on my hypothesis, the Grumman airplane slammed into the ground after skipping, unmanned, across the shallow ravine. The ground crew has tagged, with yellow tape, some of the scattered debris. Most of what remains is too small to see from the helicopter without the aid of the yellow ribbons marking the location of the wreckage. Some of it is well downrange of the second impact zone. The distance traveled by the bits and pieces of the aircraft up the hill give me some idea as to the immense energy of a high-speed aircraft crash.

There are some larger pieces. I see two large chunks of Navy gull grey aircraft. They look, from the air, to be parts of a wing or a horizontal stabilator, or of the tail. From my vantage point I cannot tell. The two large pieces look, from our vantage point, to be no larger than a card table.

internet. Now, for the first time, I laid my eyes on the smoldering wreckage of what used to be an airplane.

There were four parachutes laying on the ground next to four life-saving ejection seats. There was a small amount of debris and then an area of ground scooped away by whatever part of the airplane struck the Earth first. Right after the ground reached up to touch the pilotless craft, it fell away briefly. Across a narrow dirt road the ground rose again, sloping up towards the wounded aircraft, and then it was over. Tons of metal, fuel, and whatever else Prowlers are made of, came to a stop in the side of a grassy hill on a farm near Pendleton, Oregon.

At 1600 hours we shut down Firewood 17 back at Whidbey Island. The PXO, Flight Surgeon, and EOD sailor were all left behind with lots of unfinished work. The ride back was a bit more quiet than the trip south. I, for one, spend some time reflecting on how dangerous aviation can be and just how lucky four Prowler crewmembers were on that Friday afternoon.

Until the 4th of March 2006 the only aircraft crash sites I had seen were on television, in books about aviation disasters, or on the

MAX BEEP Award Winners

85%

91% 27

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Historical

U.S. Navy Vietnam Era Helicopter Aircrewmen Receive Combat Aircrew Wings At A Ceremony On Board USS Midway Story and Photos by CDR Joe Skrzypek, USNR(Ret)

(l-r) Richard Stone, Robert Reichard, Jim Keeney, Allen Gaynor, Nick Brake, Ed Davis, Robert Link, Daryled Bristol, Richard Lavigne, Bob Elerick, Roger Clemons, John Hultz, Michael Foley, William Collins, Matthew Szymanski, Mike Harlow, Doug Ankney, Robert Ford.

O

n 19 May 2006 on the foc’sle (Forecastle) of the USS Midway, nineteen US Navy helicopter aircrewmen were retroactively awarded the US Marine Corps Combat Aircrew Wings. The ceremony was witnessed by Admiral Mac McLaughlin and 268 enthusiastic HC-7 reunion participants. Department of the Navy authorization was granted in 2000 following a five year effort by CDR Lloyd Parthemer to gain approval, find eligible aircrewmen and present them the prestigious Combat Aircrew wings. The nineteen (one posthumous) awardees flew Combat Search And Rescue (CSAR) missions in the Vietnam era between the dates of October 1965 and February 1973 were attached to HC-7, HS-2 and HS-4. The posthumous award to ADJ-2 Richard Tinsley was for two daytime combat condition HC-7 rescues number 104 and 105 where LCDR Smith of RVAH-2 and LT Ringwood of VFP-62 were rescued. Fellow shipmate and aircrewman ADJ-3 Jim Keeney accepted the award for ADJ-2 Richard Tinsley, who will forward it to the Tinsley family.

Rutledge and HC-7 rescuee number 116, LT Jim Lloyd of VA105.

It was 19 September 1972 in a harrowing nighttime, hostile, overland opposed CSAR mission. LT Jim Lloyd was rescued by an H-3 helicopter piloted by LT Harry Zinzer with two aircrewmen; AE-3 Douglas Ankney and AMH-3 Matthew Szymanski. The three aircrewmen with wives dined with LT Lloyd and wife at the HC-7 reunion banquet.

Presentations on the foc’sle were made by past Commanding Officers: Lloyd Parthemer, Don Gregory, HAL-3 AECS Bill

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Continued on page 29

28

HC-7 Rescue # 116 (7 AUG 1972) Night

overland opposed, dark launch, in flight refueling, hostile situation over enemy territory. LT. Jim Lloyd who evaded, played dead was rescued. Pilot LT Harry Zinzer landed with under 200 pounds of fuel. Presenter – LT. Jim Lloyd VA-105

DOUGLAS G. ANKNEY , Aviation

Electrician’s Mate Third Class, was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for

Historical: Combat Aircrew Wing ADJ-2 ROGER LEE CLEMONS.

HC-7 Det 104 USS Worden - Rescue #3, (14 October 1967) & HC-1 Det 9 . Combat Daytime Conditions – Rescued LT Moser & ADJ2 Shaw VAP-61. Presenter – HC-7 Commanding Officer, CDR Lloyd Parthemer.

ADJ-3 JOHN G. HULTZ. HC-7 Det 104 USS Worden - Rescue #3 (14 October 1967) & HC-1 Det 9. Combat Daytime Conditions – Rescued LT Moser & ADJ2 Shaw VAP-61 Presenter – HC-7 Commanding Officer, CDR Lloyd Parthemer.

AX-3 ED “DAVE” DAVIS. HS-2 During

LT Jim Lloyd presented Douglas G. Ankney the Combat Aircrew Wings For his heroic achievement Heroism in Aerial Flight on 6 & 7 August 1972 and three Navy Commendation Medals with Combat “V” for heroic achievement on 6 April, 16 April and 1 May 10 1972.

ADJ-2 NICK BRAKE. HC-7 Rescue #122 (19 September 1972) Combat Daytime Conditions – Rescued LT Warren Robb of VA-192. Presenter – LT Jim Lloyd for HC-7 Commanding Officer CDR Dave McCracken.

ADJ-3 MIKE HARLOW. HC-7 Rescue

#122. 19 September 1972. Combat Daytime Conditions – Rescued LT Warren Robb of VA-192. Presenter – LT Jim Lloyd for HC-7 Commanding Officer CDR Dave McCracken

the period of 1 October thru 31 March 1968.

Vietnam combat conditions. Presenter – AECS Bill Rutledge

A M H - 2 R O B E R T “ PA P P Y ” ELERICK HC-7 Jan 69 – 1972 over 1700 helo flight hours HC-7 Rescue #70 24 May 1969. Combat Daytime Conditions – Rescued LTJG Ritchy VAP-63 Presenter – HC-7 Commanding Officer – CDR Don Gregory

AMH-2 MICHAEL J. FOLEY. HC-7 Rescue #98 (10 May 1972) Combat Daytime Conditions opposed – With shelling from enemy territory. Rescued LT. Randy “DUKE” Cunningham VF-96. Presenter – HC-7 Commanding Officer – CDR Don Gregory for CDR Dave McCracken ADJ-2 ROBERT J. FORD. HC-7 Rescue #119 and #120 (9 November 1972) Combat

AMS-3 ALLEN L. “GUPPY” GAYNOR

HC-7 Rescue #107. (19 June 1972) Combat Daytime Conditions – Rescued LCDR Cash VF-213. HC-7 Commanding Officer – CDR Lloyd Parthemer.

ADJ-3 JIM KEENEY ADJ-2 RICHARD TINSLEY

(POSTHOUMOUS) HC-7 Rescues, #104 (7 June 1972), #105 (16 June 1972) . Combat Daytime Conditions – Rescued LCDR Smith RVAH-1, & LT Ringwood VFP-62. HC7 Commanding Officer – CDR Lloyd Parthemer for HC-7 C.O. Ed Woolam

AX-3 ROBERT MICHAEL LINK.

HS-4 Detachment FOXTROT 1966 and During the period of 1 October 1965 Thru 31 March 1968. Vietnam combat conditions.

Presenter – AECS Bill Rutledge.

AMS-1 RICHARD R. LAVIGNE.

HC-7 Rescue #57 6 October 1968 Combat Daytime Conditions – Rescued LTJG Biery, VA-27. HC-7 Commanding Officer – CDR Lloyd Parthemer

ADJ-2 ROBERT REICHARD.

HC-7 Rescue #56 28 September 1968.

Combat Daytime Conditions.

Rescued LT Wright VA-55 HC-7 Commanding Officer – CDR Lloyd Parthemer for HC-7 C.O. CDR HIPP

AX-3 RICHARD “STONEY” STONE.

HS-2 During the period of 1 October thru 31 march 1968. Vietnam combat conditions.

Flew over 60 Combat Search and rescue missions as 1st aircrewman, door gunner or hoist operator on the SH-3 helicopters.

Awarded the Air Medal with six stars.

Presenter – AECS Bill Rutledge for Det OIN-C LCDR Mel Howell.

AX-3 DARYLED J. BRISTOL. HS-

4 Dets 2 and 3 during 1966 ETS 2 AND 3 DURING 1966. USS Enterprise, USS Kitty Hawk, USS Ranger --- Vietnam area combat conditions. Presenter - AECS Bill Rutledge

AE-3 WILLIAM T. COLLINS. HC-7 Rescue #99 (17 May 1972) Combat Daytime Conditions – Rescued LCDR Wilkerson – VA-147.

Presenter – LT Jim Lloyd.

Daytime Conditions – Rescued CAPT Cummings & MAJOR Lasetter VFMA-333.

Presenter – HC-7 Commanding Officer Don Gregory for CDR Dave McCracken.

LT Jim Lloyd presented AMH-3 Matthew Szymanski the Combat Aircrew Wings 29

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Historical

It’ll Never Happen To Me! Story By CDR Thomas E. Zinn, USNR(Ret) Photos courtesy of Naval Helicopter Historical Society

W

hile serving in the U.S. Navy as a search and rescue helicopter pilot (195765), I occasionally had to (1) train an already qualified helicopter pilot in a new helicopter, or (2) requalify a previously trained helicopter pilot, or (3) train a fixed wing pilot as a helicopter.

In this case, I was going to train a fixed wing pilot as a helicopter pilot. Bob was a very old salt, and had acquired all of his hours flying Navy transport aircraft.

The Operations Officer ordered him to qualify me in a Navy R4D and me to qualify him in a Navy UH-19F. We were doing just fine in this endeavor and - since I was already qualified as a multi-engine fixed wing pilot – I was not having much of a problem qualifying in the Continued on page 31

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

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Historical: It’ll Never Happen to Me Continued from page 30 R4D. Bob, however, was having problems flying the UH-19F. He wasn’t used to flying so low to the ground where he had to react quickly to simulated engine failures. Hour after hour we trained, taking off from the Naval Air Station at Kingsville, Texas and flying around and over the King Ranch. One of my demonstrations was to hover over a pond on the ranch and show Bob how much spray was kicked up by the rotor wash. After about 20 hours of practice, he was ready for solo and I turned him loose.

He returned safely after several hours, grinning from ear to ear.

While he was on this trip, I was being training in the UH-19F that replaced Kingsville’s UH-19s. My instructor had flown this helicopter for over 1000 hours and assured me that 2700 rpm would handle any problem, and to always fly at that rpm. (It has been over 40 years since I qualified in the H34, but I think my numbers are right.)

pressure. At about 200 feet he began to add power to hover. He noticed that the descent was too rapid and – instead of turning on the engine rpm- he panicked and pulled up collective to increase the manifold pressure. Unfortunately, this action increased the angle on the blades and – since there was not a corresponding increase in engine and rotor rpm – the helo began to fall faster as the blades slowed. POWER SETTLING! All this happened in about two seconds. I called into the mike, “I called into the mike, “I’ve got the helo!” I turned on the rpm but it was too late and the helo was dropping faster. I could not get the rpm back and the helo was in the depths of power settling. At about 50 feet I yelled, “Everybody out!”

When Bob returned from his trip, the Operation Officer wanted Bob to upgrade to the UH-34 and ordered me to train him. It was like the blind leading the blind, because I didn’t have more than 15 hours in the UH-34 when his training began. I still don’t know why the Ops. Officer didn’t use my instructor to train Bob. That would have been the safe thing to do.

The eight men in the cargo area all raced for the door and jumped – the first man dropped about 40 feet. Bob unbuckled his seat belt and rolled out the left window, bounced off the tire and into the water. They all swam frantically to get out from under the helicopter. I had lost approximately one ton of weight in about two seconds, and the helicopter – with its blades still slowly turning – hit the water with those huge, thin-skinned tires and floated! They combined with what little rotor rpm I had – held the helicopter partially out of the water.

On the last day of the month the Ops. Officer ordered me to take eight enlisted men for a four-hour flight. They needed those four hours in order to get their flight pay for the month.

Why they waited until the last day of the month, and why Bob and I didn’t take them up in the R4D. I’ll never know; because as it turned out, we almost crashed. Here’s what happened.

There was an earthen dam in front of me and I could not go forward. My senior mechanic walking along the dam and caught my attention. He signaled that the oil cooler lines were within a few inches of the water. If they began to suck up water, the engine would quit. Whatever I did, I had to do it slowly and gently.

It was a very hot day in Kingsville, but I got airborne - using 2700 rpm as I was instructed to do – and hovered with that heavy load. It seemed to hover all right, so I eased over into translational lift and we were soon flying at 500 feet over the Texas desert. I gave the controls to Bob and he flew around for awhile, getting used to the larger – and heavier – helicopter. I said, “Bob, let’s go over to the pond and I’ll show you that this helicopter doesn’t throw up much of a rotor wash. “ (Can you see it coming, folks?)

I thought, “I wonder what the other end of the pond looks like?” I gently pushed rudder, decreased the angle on the tail rotor, and slowly the helo turned. Looking the other way, it was so flat that I could see the tall buildings in Corpus Christi, 30 miles away. Slowly I eased the cyclic forward, just enough to move the helo. Finally, I had the tires on the solid ground at the edge of the pond. I began unwinding the rpm and lowering the collective lever, which decreased the manifold pressure. When

Continued on page 32

Bob approached the pond at 500 feet and began to slow down and drop down. As he lost altitude the wind coming up through the rotor system began to momentarily increase the rotor rpm, which increased the engine rpm. I had my hand on the collective, and I felt him do this; but I also knew that HE knew to increase the rpm BEFORE he increased the manifold 31

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Historical: It’ll Never Happen to Me Continued from page 31 I got the rpm back, I lifted the helo into a hover, and got the rest of it our of the water. I landed, put the crew back in the helo and flew it back to Navy Kingsville, some 20 miles away.

As we ground taxied into the gate area, the Operation Officer met us. The first thing he said was, “How come all these guys are wet?” We went to his office and I explained what had happened. He was not a helicopter pilot but said, “Sounds to me like you got on the back side of the power curve. What rpm were you using?” “2700, like my instructor told me to do.” He called me instructor to his office. While we waited, the Operations Officer and I got out the manual for the helicopter and did some checking of the charts.

UH-34 inflight

I

n early helicopters with piston engines, engine rpm (and rotor rpm) were controlled by a rotating throttle on the end of the collective, similar to a motorcycle throttle. Pulling up or down on the collective controlled engine power, measured in manifold pressure. Piston engines could be damaged by either under boosting or over boosting the engine. Additionally, engines and rotors could be damaged by over speeding rpm limits. In practice, you had to lead pulling collective by rotating the throttle to maintain engine rpm. Similarly, as you lowered collective you had to simultaneously back off on the thottle to prevent engine rpm over speed.

Also, at the same time you were adding or reducing engine power it was effecting aircraft yaw and you had to lead with rudder pedals.

All this required eye, hand, arm, and foot coordination and, is why flying early helicopters was considered more difficult than fixed wing.

On the last day of the month the Ops. Officer ordered me to take eight enlisted men for a four-hour flight. They needed those four hours in order to get their flight pay for the month.

When my instructor arrived the Ops. Officer said, “Did you tell Tom he should fly the UH-34 at 2700 rpm all the time?” “Yes, I did. Why? What happened?” When I told him this story, he could not believe it. “Why, I’ve flown that helo in the North Atlantic in the wintertime for a thousand hours and never had a problem at 2700 rpm.”

To which the Ops. Officer said, “Yeah, well, in the North Atlantic you were flying with low density altitudes, but today the density altitude is way up there and Tom needed 2900 rpm to fly safely. It’s lucky he didn’t crash that helo. Now go over to the hanger and pull the sumps and strainers and see if there is any damage to that engine. And you better pray there isn’t!” (Fortunately, there was not.)

I thought back to the many times I had said, “Power Settling? It’ll never happen to me!” No matter how many hours you have, don’t let it be YOUR butt puckering as you see the ground coming up and your rotor rpm going down. You may not have a ton you can lose quickly, and you may not have a pond under you to ease your fall.

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

32

In Memory

S TA N L E Y

H I L L E R ,

J R

The Passing of a Pioneer

By LCDR Chip Lancaster, USN (Ret)

33

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

In Memory: Stanley Hiller, Jr Continued from page 33

I

Using his father’s tools, workbench and devoted encouragement, Stanley at age 8 connected an old family washing machine engine to a homemade buggy frame and was driving it somewhat recklessly on neighborhood sidewalks. Sitting in his father’s lap, young Stanley learned to fly before he was 10, and naturally became interested in building and flying model planes, which to his consternation, tended to crash. Stanley’s response was to apply one of the airplane gas engines to a model racing car. It was a turning point in the boy’s career: the Hiller “Comet” sped around a back yard track at up to 60 miles per hour, and before long a local department store was selling Comets from a production line of neighborhood boys in the Hiller back-yard shop. By the time he was 17, Stanley Jr.’s Hiller Industries was turning out 350 miniature cars each month, at the rate of $100,000 a year.

With some help from his father and a draftsman, Stanley invented a die-casting machine based on a cooling process which increased the strength of aluminum castings for the Comet. Now a freshman at the University of California at Berkeley, Stanley was soon discovered by the U.S. military, not as a draftee, but as a resource for aluminum fighter plane parts. Although big aircraft builders hesitated signing subcontracts with a schoolboy, Hiller Industries was soon working in two shifts with seven casting machines, in a $300,000-a-year payroll. In his spare time, young Stanley designed cast aluminum kitchen utensils to keep his die casting machines operating when the flood of war orders dried up.

t was during the summer of 2002 that I had the opportunity to meet and briefly speak with Stanley Hiller. I met him on the ramp outside of the Hiller Museum at their annual Vertical Challenge air show.

Before me that day stood a tall stately gentleman with a casual, unassuming air about him who could easily have passed for just another helicopter enthusiast, but I knew I was standing in the presence of greatness.

If you’ve never heard of Stanley Hiller, or even if you have, consider if you will what he accomplished before you probably even first held a cyclic and collective: at 8 he had designed, built and driven his own motorized go cart; learned to fly by 10; at 15 was CEO of a $100,000 a year company employing 300 people; at 17 invented a unique die casting process resulting in a government contract; at 19 had designed, built and flown the first helicopter in the western U.S., a feat he accomplished only after having first taught himself how to fly a helicopter; and by 27 had designed, built and flown the world’s first jet powered helicopter, which was also the first aircraft to use composite materials in its construction.

Stanley Hiller was, in every sense of the word, a true genius. His intuitive aeronautical sense, ingenious ideas and willingness to go where others would not dare venture make him a true aviation pioneer. Before me that day stood a pioneer, in every sense the equal to the Wright brothers and Igor himself. The accomplishments that I mentioned above only scratch the surface of Stanley Hiller’s achievements and contributions to aviation and to the world. This past April we lost one of the greats of aviation. Let me share with you a little bit of his history by passing along his obituary from the Hiller family.

Stanley Hiller, Jr., had developed an interest in helicopters when at age 15 he had read about Igor Sikorsky’s experiments with rotary wing aircraft, noting that the early vehicles were compromised by elaborate ways of compensating for inherent instability. “I have ideas about how to correct that,” Stanley told his father, who suggested he put the ideas into some hardware. The teenager’s idea was a co-axial rotor design, which would avoid elaborate tail rotors and gears that controlled the inherent yaw of Sikorsky’s single-rotor models. The concept seemed to work initially, when a model co-axial helicopter was dropped from his father’s ninth-story office window. His schoolmates cheering below were witnessing the birth of a new career in aviation.

Stanley Hiller, Jr. A Life without Parallel Stanley Hiller, Jr., age 81, died peacefully at home on Thursday, April 20, 2006, of complications associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. Stanley Hiller, Jr. was born November 15, 1924 in San Francisco, California.

Stanley Hiller, Jr., spent his youth in Berkeley California.

Father Stanley was an engineer and a dedicated inventor.

He was one of the nation’s “Early Birds,” having built and flown his own airplane in 1910 at age 20. When son Stanley was asked by a reporter years later how he had achieved so much in so few years, the 23-year-old replied, “I was fortunate in my choice of a father.”

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Stanley finished high school despite the many extracurricular activities in his life, entering the University of California at Berkeley at age 16. His college phase

Continued on page 48

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Aircraft

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A Symposium Experience

L

et’s be honest here. When it comes to this year’s Naval Helicopter Association (NHA) Symposium, those helicopter pilots and aircrewmen who were experiencing it for the first time, had no clue on what it’s like. Most of them probably thought that it would be an event where they would go to endless hours of workshops to hear the old helo “salts” talk about how they used to do it in the “good old days,” and the industries would probably show the same old technologies that they have been trying to sell to the fleet forever.

Truthfully, who would have thought that this year’s Naval Helicopter Symposium in Jacksonville, Florida would be so much more than just another conference. This was the feeling that most first-timers and regular attendees left with after April 27th. Granted it doesn’t come close to the ol’ Rosario days, but, hey, it was an experience that all that attended would be talking about it for years.

This dynamic event was needed for this sometimes forgotten, but highly recognized community. The young and old helo bubbas from our Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard services needed to be recognized for the many efforts that they provide each day in our country, both past and present, on what a stellar job that they have done for us. And, if one word could sum up on what this Symposium was all about, then it would resound loud and clear, “Get ready for the future!”

The Symposium kicked off on Monday, April 24, 2006, with registration and a few meetings. The following day was when the NHA encounters accelerated with ADM John B. Nathman’s keynote address. He talked about the how far the community has come through the years and how far it will go in the future, because of its potent influences within our military forces. After his uplifting speech, he did not leave without appreciating the men and women that he is so proud of by awarding the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to AWC (AW) Kenneth L. Smith, AWC Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Story by LT Kristen Ohleger, Rotor Review Editor and Photos are courtesy of NAS Jacksonville Imaging Lab

ADM Nathman kicks off the Symposium with his uplifting Keynote Address to the Naval Helicopter community.

RADM Jones visits the Team Romeo’s exhibit

AWC(AW) Kenneth L. Smith, AWC(AW) James D. Swanson, both of HSL-46 and AW2(AW) Jonathan D. Gardner of HSL-42 received the medals for their bravery during the Hurricane Katrina rescue efforts.

(AW) James D. Swanson, both of HSL-46 and AW2 (AW) Jonathan D. Gardner of HSL-42 for their bravery during the Hurricane Katrina rescue efforts. Tuesday evening was when the real fun began, as one walked out on the terrace of the River City Brewing Company and began to scan the crowd noticing faces that hadn’t seen each other for months and years.

Former flight school friends, squadron mates, department heads, commanding officers and commodores filled the outdoor patio. It was like a high school reunion. OK, maybe not exactly, but almost. Everyone was having a great time telling sea stories or updating each other on their new endeavors and their new jobs; JO’s were complaining about Department Heads, Department Heads were complaining about JO’s. A splendid time had by all!!

Wednesday morning was a day of competition among the squadrons on who was going the next Meb Keflezighi, Tiger Woods or the Navy’s very own, Rudy from Survivor. However, the 5K along the riverwalk, the golf tournament at St. John’s and the Adventure Race at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park were tests of wits, and performance.

Yeah, it was a day on which squadron could win the most gold, but the day didn’t end there. That evening, the Association got together once again to partake in some delicious barbeque and recognize the best of the best in all three of the sporting events 36

CDR Litchfield, Commanding Officer of HSL 46, makes the putt while his team watches in amazement

ADM Fallon ends the Symposium with his banquet address. Photo courtesy of NHA Staff

the Navy’s “Helo Master Plan.” It has been out for a few years, but to watch it get put into place has been and will continue to be a great learning experience. With the introduction of the MH-60R and the MH60S missions and systems, those who are in legacy platforms began to realize what is in the naval helicopter community’s future. Many questions were asked at each

The next morning at the Symposium, information continued to flow as the attendees spent the day going to the workshops and panels and hitting the exhibit hall about five times. One began to realize that this was more than just a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and do sports. Most importantly, it was a great opportunity to learn where we are going as a helicopter community. The future of helicopter aviation is starting now. Recent events have caused the helicopter community to step up and take its place in Naval Aviation. With the increase in need for Special Operations support and the recent relief efforts taken on by this community, helicopter pilots and aircrew are finally Winging presentation was conducted at the getting the well-deserved recognition and respect . It only grows from here. NHA Banquet. Photo courtesy of NHA Staff The Safety Symposium was conducted by the Naval Safety Center’s Deputy Commander, Colonel Jim Jamison, USMC. He presented the Association an update on helicopter and off-duty mishaps, in which he reviewed several helicopter case studies and discussed the most common causes of rotor-wing community mishaps.

Colonel Jamison expressed that “change is the mother of all risk and naval helicopter crews must be prepared to face it.” He continued to discuss “red threats” and “blue threats,” about which he stated the obvious factors of how their impacts can affect the safety of men and women.

Most importantly, the Symposium discussion continued with the ongoing development of

Something else provided by the Symposium was to be found in the exhibit hall. Vendors of all types were present to provide attendees with information on the latest technology and advancements in the equipment and systems that we use everyday. Honestly, helo bubbas from all walks of life felt like little kids in a candy store while looking at different things and thinking, “I want that” and imagining what it would be like to have it.” One can remember during his or her sea tour thinking on several occasions how something needed to be changed or improved. What they didn’t realize was that someone else was thinking the same thing and acting on it. The developments and improvements planned from each of these vendors will only help the community to advance even more.

Even though that a good thing had to come to a close on that day, it didn’t end without some fiery, but encouraging words from ADM Fallon, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, at the NHA Banquet.

Here’s a man, who has seen the helo community flourish from depths of Vietnam up to the heights of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). His experiences in the rotary wing community resounded loud and clear in his address, leaving all who attended with an inspiring message to carry along with them.

Overall, from what was learned at this Symposium, one can ask the question, “is the helicopter community making vast change in the next several years?” In perspective, no matter how much you love what you do, it is only going to get better with the improvements and transitions ahead. For all of you reading this, get ready for a dynamic future. It is happening as this article is being written. The experience at the 2006 NHA Symposium was definitely an event that can stand on its own. So get ready to gear up for April 10-13, 2007 in America’s Finest City on the West Coast as we continue to make the Navy’s rotary wing community’s future brighter.

of the workshops that helped paint a picture providing members with the knowledge of where our community is going. The understanding of the integration of these two helicopters and how each community is transitioning, helped provide aircrew with the information needed to understand where their careers will be taking them. This integration and transition was discussed at many workshops and was also addressed during the Flag Panel.

These topics are not More on the 2006 Symposium something that squadrons Highlights is featured on pages hear about everyday, and to have the opportunity 38-47. Also on August 14,2006, to hear about them from look for more Symposium photos the leaders of our Navy, at www.navalhelicopterassn.org under 2006 was something that Symposium. this Symposium provided.

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Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Focus On 2006 NHA Symposium Submarine Warfare Command. Earlier in the week he had the pleasure of sitting in front of two “peanut gallery” commenting lieutenants during the detailer’s briefing,. Had the two lieutenants known it was a two-star sitting directly in front of

2006 Flag Panel

By LCDR Todd Vorenkamp, USN Photos Courtesy of NAS Jacksonville Imaging Lab

RADM Bozin (center left) answered some tough questions from the audience dealing with the Navy Budget as (l-r)RMDL Shannon, RADM Waickwitz, and RADM Hall listened them, they may not have let their opinions of naval careers and detailing fly so freely.

RADM Bozin serves as the director of Office of Budget for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller as well as the Director of the Fiscal Management Division, N82. Go and try to fit that onto a business card. RADM Bozin, DOBASECNAV…..never mind.

RADM Hall led the Panel through a series questions and answer regarding the actualities and forseen changes that is being focused on the dynamic future for the helicopter communities within the Department the Navy

RADM Jones, who witnessed the events of last year’s flag panel, is the Commander of Naval Service Training, in charge of Great Lakes, and Commander Navy Region Midwest.

A

fter the entertainment of last year’s Flag Panel, the crowd at the Jacksonville Hyatt Hotel was not expecting much from this year’s gathering. After all, how could your top the 2005 Flag Panel for post-Symposium water cooler conversation? If you missed the panel in San Diego, find someone who was there and locate a copy of “The Letter.”

RADM Shannon is the Director of Naval Aviation Enterprise Total Force Readiness.

RADM Currier is the USCG Assistant Commandant for Acquisition.

In order to keep everyone interested this year we did have a singing moderator and some friendly jabs up and down the table of flag officers. While the ground rules laid out by moderator RADM Garry Hall prohibited any public career suicides, this year’s event did have the audience interested and, at times, humored, and, at other times - namely when RADM Hall was singing karaoke to no music - entertained.

RADM Garry Hall, the moderator and vocalist, is Commander of Amphibious Group TWO.

Honored guests at the Jacksonville gathering were Navy admirals RADM John J. Waickwicz, RADM Stanley D. Bozin, RADM Gary R. Jones, RADL William Shannon, and moderator RADM Garry Hall. Representing our sister sea service was RADM John P. Currier, USCG. RADM Waickwicz is the Commander of the Fleet AntiRotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

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RADM Currier responded to the questions that dealt with the Coast Guard’s helicopter community and the continuing disaster relief efforts

Focus On 2006 NHA Symposium

2006 Captains of Industry Panel

By LCDR Todd Vorenkamp, USN Photo courtesy by NAS Jacksonville Imaging Lab

T

he heat of Jacksonville welcomed this year’s Captains of Industry Panel to the NHA Symposium.

Honored guests included Mr. Larrie Cable, Vice President and General Manager of IDS for the Information & Electronic Warfare Systems of BAE Systems, Mr. Joseph Battaglia, President of Telephonics Corporation, Mr. Jeff Bantle, Vice President and General Manager, Multi-Mission Solutions of Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, Mr. Jeffrey Pino, recently named President of Sikorsky Aircraft, Mr. Robert Kenny, V-22 Program Director from Bell Helicopters, and the moderator of this distinguished panel was Mr. George Barton, MH-60R Senior Program Manager from Lockheed-Martin Systems Integration.

Mr. Cable, Mr. Battaglia, and Mr. Kenny were returning NHA Symposium regulars and it was a privilege for the audience to hear them speak once again.

New to the Captain’s of Industry panel were Mr. Bantle, Mr. Pino, and Mr. Barton.

The 2006 Captain of Industry Panel consisted of the following (l-r) Mr. Jeff. Bantle, Mr. Joseph Battaglia, Mr. Larrie Cable, Mr. George Barton, Mr. Robert Kenney and Mr. Jeffrey Pino. Mr. Barton was the Panel’s moderator.

Fans of NASA TV and space shuttle missions may have recognized Mr. Bantle. Bantle came to Lockheed Martin from the Chief of Flight Director’s office at the Johnson Space Center.

In the 1990’s he served as the Flight Director for over 20 space shuttle missions.

Mr. Barton, a former HSL aviator and Navy Captain, is the new face of the MH-60R program at Lockheed-Martin. Barton is former HSLWINGPACFLT and a past commanding officer of HSL-46.

The other new face on the panel, a retired Master Army Aviator who, weeks before NHA Symposium, was named to the position of President of Sikorsky Aircraft. Former President Steve Finger was moved to Pratt & Whitney. Pratt and Sikorsky are both part of United Technologies. Mr. Pino served in the US Army for 27 years before working for Bell Helicopters and then Sikorsky Aircraft.

(right ) Mr. Pino turns to Mr. Kenney to go in great details on how the dynamics of today’s system intergration and programs has shaped the operational readiness within the helicopter community.

Topics of discussion in this year’s panel ranged from acquisitions, contracts, supplies, and, of course, budgets.

NHA certainly welcomes the return of the Captain’s of Industry veterans and looks forward to seeing Mr. Barton, Mr. Bantle, and Mr. Pino at next year’s Symposium in San Diego.

Mr. Battaglia responds to one the questions asked by a member of the audience as Mr. Cable and Mr Barton (l-r) listened on.

Mr. Bantle gives insight on what the helo community expect for the future.

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Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

C’mon and Join Us in

© Naval Helicopter Association

San Diego

2007 NHA Symposium Town & Country Hotel San Diego, California April 10 -13, 2007 For further information on the 2007 NHA Symposium, the Naval Helicopter Association’s national headquarters is located in Bldg 654, Rogers Road NAS North Island, San Diego, CA.. To contact NHA , please call 619-435-7139 , by fax 619-435-7354, by website: www.navalhelicopterassn.org, or by email at rotorrev@simplyweb

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

U.S. Navy Official Photo is courtesy of HS-5 Public Affairs Office

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Focus On 2006 NHA Symposium

Reunions

Photos Courtesy of NHA Staff

There’s nothing better than chilling out while chowing down on some BBQ, having a couple of beers on tap and catching up on the “good times” amongst friends. What a way to enjoy the good life in the River City; and few of our NHA friends did just that at the reunions.

Members’ Reunion

River City Brewery

(r-l) LCDR Michael Stroll and his wife Heatther, and LT Rob “Solo” Danberg

(l-r) Sandy Bielen, LCDR Doug Thompson, CDR Jim Raimondo, LT Matt, and Bridget Fitzpatrick

(l-r) CDR Baxter Goodly and LCDR Wade McConvey

(l-r) CAPT Joe Purtell (Ret), Joan Coakley, CAPT Steve Coakley (Ret), CAPT Bill Zidbeck (Ret)

LT Tom Healy makes sure that everything is in order.

(l-r) LTJG Phil Krites, LTJG Geoff Glickstew, ENS Steve Harrington, LTJG Bob Kelly

HS - 15 Reunion, Orange Park

(l-r) Dan Oakey, LT Steve Bury, CDR Steve Rasch

(l-r) Matt Coen, RADM J.J. Waickwicz, LT Kristin Ohleger 41

(l-r) Mike Wanjon, CDR Dave Holl (Ret), RADM Andy Granuzzo (Ret), Dick Grahlman Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Focus On 2006 NHA Symposium

Award luncheon Photos Courtesy of NAS Jacksonville Imaging Lab

Jim Calhoun (l) of L3 Communications / Ocean Systems presents RADM Steve J. Tomaszeski (Ret) (r) with the Lifelong Service Award

RADM Hall, RADM Waickwicz and RMDL Shannon (l-r) present CAPT Michael Middleton (Ret) the Service to NHA Award

Fred Dickens (r) of Rolls Royce of North America presents LCDR William G. Frederick (HCS-4) (r) with the Pilot of the Year Award

Randy Bogle (r) of L3 Communication / DPA presents LT Joseph P. Thompson III (HCS-3) (l) with the Fleet Instructor Pilot of the Year Award Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Jim Calhoun (l) of L3 Communications / Ocean Systems presents AW2 Esmelin A. Villar (r) with the Aircrewman of the Year Award

Larrie Cable (l) of BAE System presents LCDR Paul Nix (HSL44) with the Maintenance Officer of the Year Award 42

RADM Currier (r) presents AST3 Kenyon C. Bolton (USCGAS) the Rescue Swimmer of the Year Award

Focus On 2006 NHA Symposium Randy Bogle (r) of L3 Communication / DPA presents AW1 Andrew Smith (HS-10) (l) with the Instructor Aircrewman of the Year Award

HT-8 Commanding Officer, CDR Michael Steiner accepted the Training Instructor Pilot Award on the behalf of LT Kelsey P. St. Louis , which was presented by Dean-o Fournier of L3 Communications / Vertex Aerospace, and NHA Chairman RADM Mac McLaughlin

Jeff Bantle of Lockheed Martin presents the following members of CG Rescue 6019, USCSAS Clearwater with the Air Crew of the Year (non-emarked ) Award

LCDR Craig J. Massello

LTJG David P. Sheppard

AMTT2 Robert L. Cain

AST3 Kenyon C. Bolton

Paul Martin of Sikorsky presents the following members of Blackfoot 5, HS-10 ESCU-1 with the Air Crew of the Year (emarked ) Award

CDR Matthew R. Swandberg LT Stephen J. Bury

AW1 William B. Simpkins

AW3 Jeremy L. Miller

Other Recipents not pictured:

Shipboard Pilot of the Year.....

LT Jeffrey D. Ketcham, USS Bataan (LHD-5) Maintenance Chief Petty Officer of the Year... ADC Antonio Agoncillo, HSL-44 The Bill Stuyvesant Best Scribe Award..... LCDR Colin S. Smith, HSL-37 43

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Focus On 2006 NHA Symposium Sports

O

n April 26, 2006 proved to be a day to remember for those who signed up to brave the Naval Helicopter Association “Adventure Race” 2006. The day started like most days in Mayport Florida with a nice cool ocean breeze, but very humid. The sun peaked over the horizon at the aircrews preparing for an adventure through Naval Station Mayport and Hannah Park. They had nothing to look forward to but a very hot day.

After the main brief the racers geared up and headed north on the beach for approximately 2 miles into the unknown. Their first obstacle was Swimmer Fitness Test Pull ups. Each member had to complete 4 ‘dead-hang” pullups. If anyone failed it meant a 2 minute penalty. Luckily no one did, but there was much more to challenge their wit and fitness.

Another mile and a half south on the beach and they found themselves racing canoes across Lake Wonder wood. Once they found the “quote” they ran three quarters of a mile to the Main Transition area (over-under-overunder-over-under), where they were challenged mentally with questions given by the Transition area official. If they were unable to answer the questions that meant 2 minutes to think about it until they were given their next set of instructions.

Story by AWCS (AW) Richard Quallio Photos by AWCS (AW) Richard Quallio and Captain Dave Grupe (Ret) the rest of the race. Many found the official the correct code themselves lost in the wilderness word. If they missed the target of Hannah Park amongst the it meant at the maximum snakes, raccoons, and alligators. 5 minute penalty. Some of the teams Knowing found this they need to be some to get out relief from of the the Florida woods so h u m i d i t y. to speak, many of the teams started thinking outside the box Senior Chief Quallio gives the Temperatures an d m ad e teams their final instructions were beginning their way t o re a c h t h e through the land navigation course and back middle to upper 80’s and to the Main Transition area with about 85 percent humidity.

The teams had to face the forces of nature just like this vemonous water moccassin here

a code word. As the teams initially Good thing they were carrying gathered the letters which spelled plenty of water in their out in order “M-O-O-R-E.” But hydration kits, because there during the transit back, the teams was much more to do before realized it really spelled R-O-M- this race would be over.

E-O, and where able to continue The last two tasks were The race then took on a new twist, to the next adventure. combined to challenge the meaning not only did the teams have to use compass bearings To the surprise of most, the teamwork abilities of all of the to find their way, they needed teams were challenged next with adventure racers. Some set out Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06 gun shoot once they gave44 by placing a simulated casualty to decipher a riddle throughout a paint

victim(the smallest team member) in a medieval litter and transported them to the next station, while some land navigated to the Hannah Park Lake for canoe navigation with a twist. They had to blind fold two teammates to paddle and the other two conned the team across the lake to a check point about a mile away.

The teams then found themselves cris-crossing each other in the woods of Hannah Park. First team back thought they might be the winner.

But when they started they were on a 2 minute stagger. So no one knew who actually won until most of the teams made it back to the Main Transition area.

The final results put the team from the Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific in first place with a time of 4 hours and 5 minutes. Second place was HSL-45 in a time of 4 hours and 21 minutes and third was Naval Aviation Schools Command, Aviation Rescue Swimmers School in a time of 4 hours 39 minutes.

As anyone can see this was no ordinary fun run through Hannah Park, these teams were put to the test and they all finished with respect.

The 2006 Winners are the following:

1ST-HSMWINGWEPSCOLPAC

2ND--HSL-45 3RD--NASC AVIATION RESCUE SWIMMER SCHOOL

in ed me rk a wo er ke y. es ds ck r. on w he in

m ng 4 ce rs as d, ol

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UE 45

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Focus On 2006 NHA Symposium Sports

O

By LT Jeff Franz

HSL- 40’s Skipper CDR Bauknecht makes the winning putt as his team watches

First Place

n A p r i l 2 6 th, t h e N H A symposium was highlighted by the Annual Golf tournament held at St. John’s Golf & Country Club in St. Augustine. This year’s event featured 140 golfers who enjoyed a day of sunshine and a little dose of rain. The event was successful thanks to the corporate sponsorships made by Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin, Pratt and Whitney, CAE and Coors Brewing Company.

In a closely contested battle for 1st place, the HSL-40 foursome of Skipper Bauknecht, LT Wickman, LT Franz and Ben Bauknecht, edged out their fellow competitors by making birdie on their final and hardest hole on the course to shoot 15 under. This years winners are:

Third Place

Second Place

(l-r) LCDR Bucey, CDR Failla, LCDR Boren, Mike Starzacher Fourth Place

(l-r) CAPT Hoffman (Ret), Mr. Jeff Pino, David Holt, CAPT Doyle Fifth Place

HSL-40 Finest (l-r): LT Wickman, LT Franz, CDR Bauknecht, Ben Bauknecht.

Photos courtesy of NAS Jacksonvill e Imaging Lab

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

(l-r) LT Dunlay, CDR Cottrell, LT Hanson, LTJG Arpi 46

(l-r) CDR Weissenfels, LT Haase,

CAPT Grupe (Ret), CDR Miley

Focus On 2006 NHA Symposium Sports Continued from page 45 #3

#5 #13 #17

Closest to the pin

Mr. George Barton (5’6”), CAPT Cuilik (8’4”), LT Hanson (12’2”) Mark Raimondi (2’2”), CAPT Doyle (6’5”), LCDR Simpson (9’5”) LT Kinsella (7’9”), Mike Starzacher (8’3”), CDR Bauknecht (10’3”) CDR Bauknecht (5’3”), Rich Holmberg (11’2”), Rich Linhart (12’6”)

Longest Drive 1st place...........................LT Hanson (340 yards)

2nd place .............................CDR Miley (320 yards) 3rd place...............................LT Kinsella (305 yards)

5K RUN on the

Riverwalk CDR Raimondo gives the command “ready, set, go” at the starting line. Photo courtesy of the NHA Staff

I

n conjuction with the 58th annual NHA

1st CDR Barry Buss, CHSWL.....00:20:19 2nd CDR Tim Fuller, HM-14.........00:20:24 3rd CDR Fred Latrash, FMBE......00:20:54

Symposium, a five kilometer run was held along the infamous Jacksonville riverwalk. It took

place on the morning of April 26 outside the Hyatty Regency. The runners took a break from the workship and exhibits to enjoy some of Jacksonville majestic views of Downtown Jacksonville. The race ended very close as CDR Barry Buss of CHSWL edged CDR Tim Fuller of HM-14 by 00:05:00 seconds for first place, while CDR Fred Latrash was not too far behind for third place. All participants that conpeted and finished, received an extension on their membership and an official NHA 5K Symposium T-Shirt.

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CDR Buss is on the heels of CDR Fuller at the half way point. Photo courtesy of the NHA Staff Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

In Memory: Stanley Hiller, Jr Continued from page 34 lasted but a year: he was consumed with the history and technology of vertical flight, intensifying his designing of a co-axial with the aid of a draftsman, a welder and a parttime auto mechanic. Although many materials were frozen by the War Production Board, he managed to improvise a 100-pound model. Discouraged by Army officials, the 17-year-old inventor lugged his aircraft and drawings to Washington DC, where higher authorities not only permitted his proposed XH-44 helicopter to be finished, but granted Stanley a deferment from the draft board.

By 1944, Stanley Hiller, Jr., completed the first successful flight of a helicopter in the western United States. He flew his yellow fabric-covered contraption himself, although he had never flown a helicopter nor seen one fly. After at least one mishap, in August of that year a successful demonstration was made at San Francisco’s Marina Green, where a plaque today commemorates the historic event.

The flight propelled the young inventor, who had no engineering degrees and never finished college, into international headlines. He became the youngest person ever to receive the coveted Fawcett Aviation Award for major contributions to the advancement of aviation. Eventually, the little co-axial XH-44 “Hiller-Copter” would earn a permanent place in Smithsonian Institution.

Hiller presents one of rotary-winged model. promise that helicopters would revolutionize such utility chores as agricultural management, crop spraying, search and rescue missions, and remote field installations.

Markets across the globe began to respond, with the help of growing and ingenious world sales staff Hiller had been assembling.

The stable reliability of the 360 in utility jobs resulted in the helicopter’s recruitment as a medical evacuation vehicle in the French Indochinese war starting in 1949. The UH12-360 became the first light helicopter applied to that task under difficult jungle warfare conditions.

The early successes also attracted business investments in Hiller’s enterprise. After a brief association with renowned WWII shipbuilder Henry J. Kaiser, separate financing and stock sales were secured, and United Helicopters became a corporation in 1945, hopeful of opening a new age of commercial vertical flight with the Hiller “Commuter” helicopter. A crash of the co-axial airframe took him to another rotor design he had been pondering called the “Rotormatic Control System.” Although reverting to a single rotor-plus tail-rotor configuration, the system achieved remarkable stability with a simplicity in parts that again caught the attention of the aviation world. It was upon this design platform that the famed Hiller “360” began the Hiller ascendance as one of the few full-production helicopter companies in the world. The 360 was the third helicopter qualified by the Civil Aeronautics Administration in U.S. history.

When the Korean Conflict broke out in 1950, the U.S. Army finally responded to Hiller earlier pleas to create a light utility helicopter capability. The ensuing high-quantity orders were fulfilled by the stressed company through rapid conversions of commercial models. Soon Hiller Aircraft was delivering a helicopter per day for the Korean battlefronts, and a progression of technical advances provided Hiller a family of aircraft alongside the other major manufacturers, Bell, Sikorsky and Piasecki.

What differentiated Hiller was its prolific contribution to vertical flight technology. President Stanley Hiller had already established a management style that encouraged creativity, backed since the early days by a strong and independent Board of Directors. The result was a cohesive team that could turn out a stream of innovative, but remarkably reliable, vertical flight prototypes. While achieving in the Army H-23 series the first helicopter of any type to be approved for 1,000 hours of operation

Post-WWII aviation was not an encouraging environment for a young helicopter company. Now operating under its permanent name, Hiller Aircraft Company, adventurous steps were taken to commit the organization to a commercial market. Hiller became the first American company to produce helicopters without military sponsorship. Capital was acquired from businessmen who had faith in the new

Continued on page 49 Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

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In Memory: Stanley Hiller, Jr / Gary R. Barker Continued from page 48 between overhauls, all military services were coming to depend on the creative Hiller staff to convert the most unheard-of ideas into successful flying hardware. Experimentation into the future was in Stanley Hiller’s nature as a child, and it conferred to his company as an adult. As early as 1947, the Hiller creative group had experimented with rotor systems which tilted forward for higher speed horizontal flight. The company’s concepts of pure jet lift was the first in its genre proposed to the military. By 1951 Hiller was flying a two-place “Hornet” powered by ram jets at the blade tips, where, Stan Hiller had long maintained, “the power is needed,” eliminating much of the helicopter’s weight and complexity in transmissions and tail rotors. A fleet of H-32 Hornet evaluation aircraft were delivered to the Army, Navy and Marines in 1956. Huge Flying Cranes were studied under military contract, as early as the late l940s, later replacing the tip ram jets with more fuel-efficient turbojets.

Hiller Aircraft Corporation’s propensity for attracting headlines and life magazine covers was started when its soft-spoken but exuberantly promotional leader was a teenager, and by the 1950s a zenith in public awareness was reached as a corporate fountain of aviation ideas attacked yet another series of vertical flight technologies. The Hiller Flying Platform perched a pilot atop ducted propellers, requiring him to simply lean in the direction he wanted to go. Improbable as it appeared, the platform hovered and darted, with its standing passenger often using both arms to fire a rifle or take photographs.

Begun for the U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics in 1954, the Hiller XROE-1 one-man “Rotorcycle” could be parachuted in a pod behind enemy lines, assembled in nine minutes by its recipient on the ground, and take off to fly with all the speed, altitude and hovering capability of a large helicopter. Delivered in evaluation quantities for testing in world locations, the little Rotorcycle was known to fly in weather eschewed by full-size helicopters.

In 1956, as Hiller military and commercial utility helicopters continued to gain acceptance as dependable workhorses in the nation’s vertical flight realm of aviation, Hiller chose another daring step: the development of a high speed vertical takeoff and landing transport plane to deposit troops and equipment into restricted battlefield locations. The project’s X-18 test bed was made of borrowed engines and fuselage parts, but the 17-ton plane managed to complete test flights at Edwards Air Force Base in 1959-60, proving the long-held Hiller idea that a tilting wing-engine approach to high

speed vertical flight was feasible. The result was production of a evaluation fleet of Air Force tilt-wing XC-142 transports by the consortium of Hiller, Chance-Vought and Ryan. Challenged in jungles and on aircraft carriers, the XC-142 proved the point, as did all Hiller’s experimental hardware surprises: they did what they were supposed to do, safely, and with considerable fanfare, minus only full production contracts to follow. Clearly, these and many other Hiller creations were meant to teach the world what could be done in vertical flight in every possible field requirement.

Predictive of his oncoming career as a corporate turnaround specialist, Stanley Hiller was asked in the mid1960s when he was President of the U. S. Army Aviation Association, to describe in the Association’s magazine how he managed people to perform as creative teams so successfully. The resulting article, Hiller’s “Art of Looking Backward from the Future,” was noted by observers in the business world. Hiller eschewed the common way to advance technology based on rate of progress in the past.

His technique was to establish what goal in any technology was sought in the future, drawing a performance timeline from that future point back to the present. Dramatizing such goals to employees, and establishing individual roles in the ambitious timeline embodied Hiller’s management

Continued on page 50

In Memory Gary Ray Barker

February 7, 1939 - May 29, 2006 Gary Ray Barker, age 67, passed away on May 29th, 2006 at Oregon Health Science University Hospital in Portland after a valiant fight with Lymphoma.

Gary was born in Salem, Oregon, on February 7th, 1939 to Berta and Ray Barker. Gary is survived by his wife, Linda Barker; sisters, Jeanette Bushman of Sherwood and Lona Contreras of Eugene; two daughters, Linda Douglass and Leslie Bruni of Eugene, and five grandchildren, Alex and Andrea Douglass and Angela, Parker and Payton Bruni, all of Eugene.

Gary was a Lieutenant with Squadron HS-4 in the United States Navy as a helicopter pilot. He flew for the Forest Service and several private companies, fighting forest fires, crop dusting, crabbing and various other projects.

Gary spent his last years as facility maintenance manager for the Courthouse Athletic Club.

Gary loved racquetball, gardening, fishing, canoeing, rockhounding and singing barbershop music. Gary sang tenor with the Salem Senate-Aires and the Breeze Choruses.

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Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

In Memory: Stanley Hiller, Jr Continued from page 49

technique. That way, he was fond of saying, “each person owns the plan.”

In 1968, after merging Hiller Aircraft into what became Fairchild Hiller Corporation, Stan Hiller left aviation to open Hiller Investment Co. Its purpose was to realize the opportunities in bringing together strong management groups and effective boards of directors to revitalize companies with large asset bases not being employed as effectively as possible. Asked if he was entering the venture capitalism field, Mr. Hiller replied in an press interview, “We roll up our sleeves and get into the companies, so we are not passive investors. We become chairman or chief executive officer, and don’t take our money until employees have a turnaround, and the company’s shareholders realize their promised returns.”

Following this unique, personal-commitment approach, and backed by a reservoir of strong managers eager to participate in this non-hostile takeover process, the Hiller group launched a 20-year progression of corporate turnarounds, Hiller does an operational starting by “cleaning test with one of his helicopter up” mini-conglomerate projects at the NASA AMES G.W. Murphy Industries which the group changed Research Center into Reed Tool Co. and in 1979 sold it to energy giant Baker International. Soon after that success, the Hiller group took control of the nation’s largest moving and storage company, Bekins Co., reversing 20 years of declining earnings as a percent of sales.

Approaching age 60, the man who had started as CEO of his own company as a teenager now became deeply committed taking the roles of CEO or board chairman of challenging enterprises in a wide variety of industries, helping them become the innovative, flexible organizations he knew they had the potential to be. He took leadership roles in of all of them, including Baker International, for which he fashioned a merger with Hughes Tool Company to become today’s Baker Hughes Corporation. One of Mr. Hiller’s most successful turnarounds came close to the end of his career. At an age when most men contemplate retirement, he persuaded Borg-Warner to spin off to shareholders its failing York International, one of the world’s

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

50

largest air conditioning firms, and put him in charge as CEO. Stanley and Carolyn Hiller took up residence in York, Pennsylvania, until the job could be completed.

“The challenges are intimidating,” Business Week magazine reported at the outset. Borg-Warner Vice President Donald Trauscht said, “I sincerely doubt we would be doing this with anybody else but Stan and his team. In all my years in business and in life, I’ve never run into anyone like Stan.” A year after Mr. Hiller took the helm of the once floundering company he affectionately called “Yorkie,” the company posted a five-fold increase in profits, a 130% rise in stock price, and a stable employment.

Stanley Hiller was often quoted in the media on his abiding opposition to business practices which undermine the vitality of corporations.

Among them were the unfriendly takeovers; “slash-and-burn” tactics aimed not at building companies but draining their assets; the excessive remuneration of many American CEOs and the “feudal system” at the top of many companies that stifles change and innovation. A Hiller motivation throughout his long career, stretching from age 15 to beyond 70, was what people can do when motivated and enabled.

Acknowledging that aviation was an exciting career, Hiller created an education based aviation museum which is now one of the nation’s largest in San Carlos, California.

He considered it his contribution to the community which nurtured his own success. The Hiller Aviation Institute and Museum exhibits many of the Hiller innovations, but focuses on the considerable and often unheralded aviation technology contributed by westerners started before the Wright Brothers.

In his 78th year, Stanley Hiller was awarded Smithsonian’s 2002 National Air and Space Museum Trophy for Lifetime Achievement, “for your distinguished career as a leader in aviation innovation and excellence.” That year also, his aviation community honored his lifelong contribution to the progress of aviation with its Medal of Achievement, presented by the San Francisco Aeronautical Society.

2006 NHA FAR Dinner

2006 FAR Dinner

By Vincent Secades

T

he Formerly Active Duty and Retired Helicopter Personnel (FAR) group held their summer dinner at the MCAS Miramar Officers Club on 29 June 2006. More than sixty members attended the event skillfully organized by Arnie Fieser. The Officers Club provided a succulent meal and excellent service.

Finally, RADM Hering addressed the deleterious effects of the usurious practice known as payday lending on the welfare of our enlisted personnel and the readiness of our forces. To illustrate this fact, RADM Hering pointed out to the recent nineteen percent increase in security clearance deniThe attendees enjoyed a very interals due to unmanageable esting and informative speech by financial debt. Taking adRADM Len R. Hering, Commander, vantage of the lack of state Southwest Region. RADM Hering or federal laws prohibiting rendered a tribute to the professionthis loan sharking practice, alism of the men and women serving payday lending shops have in the front lines of the war on terror, multiplied, preying on serand offered anecdotal illustrations of vice men and women and their remarkably inspiring courage driving them into financial and patriotism. disaster. RADM Hering mentioned the case of a He emphasized the enormous impor$110 loan that became a tance of succeeding in our quest to $7510 debt in a period squelch the insurrection in Iraq and of six months to illusestablish a democratic foothold in trate the deviously drafted the heart of the Middle East. He then contracts, with exorbitant proceeded to address the three main hidden fees, that these topics in his speech: The San Diego usurers use to hook the new international airport plans, the RADM Len R. Hering address the audience of the FAR unaware young sailors.

Broadway complex redevelopment, Dinner by paying tribute to the professionalism and RADM Hering exhorted and unscrupulous payday lending patriotism of the men and women of Southwest Region the listeners to demand practices. action from our elected as they serve on the front lines against terrorism. officials.

While addressing the airport issue, RADM Hering chastised the San Diego Airport Authority’s ongoing attempts to force the After presenting RADM Hering with a small token of appreNavy Department to surrender the MCAS Miramar complex to ciation for his valuable participation, Arnie Fieser closed the the city. The Airport Authority has completely disregarded the event. He is already working on the next dinner. A prospecarguments submitted by RADM Hering’s office and ignored the tive speaker is being considered. Nevertheless, assistance US Congress resolution that prohibits the Navy from engaging in in finding guest speakers for future FAR dinners is always negotiations with the San Diego City Government regarding this welcomed. If you have a suggestion, or if you have not reissue. The bottom line is that the Miramar airfield is not avail- ceived past notices and want to be included, please contact able to the city, and shall remain so for the foreseeable future. him at akfieser@cox.net. Hope to see you at the next dinner.

Continuing his talk, RADM Hering explained the agreement signed by the Navy and the City of San Diego in 1992 for the redevelopment of the 14.7 acres at the Broadway complex. The final details of the redevelopment plans are still being worked out. The Navy will get a high-rise building with sufficient office floor space to accommodate its requirements, and the city will benefit from the rest of the property.

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Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Change of Command

CHSLWINGLANT

CAPT Michael Martin, USN relieved CAPT William Cuilik, USN on July 14, 2006

VX-1 Pioneers

HT-8 Eight Ballers

CAPT Timothy J. Boothe, USN relieved CAPT Steve Smith, USN on April 20, 2006

CDR Michael S. Steiner, USN relieved CDR Jim Alger on April 14, 2006

HS-11 HSM-41 Dragonslayers Seahawks

CDR John Nettleton, USN relieved CDR Steven Yoder, USN on May 1, 2006

CDR J. Curtis Shaub, USN relieved CAPT Daniel H. Fillion, USN on May 18, 2006

HSL-45 Wolfpacks

HSL-44 Swamp Foxes

CDR Dave Edgecomb, USN relieved CDR Timothy M. Wilson, USN on May 25, 2006

CDR Gary A. Mayes, USN relieved CDR Doug Cochrane USN on June 1, 2006

HSL-46 Grandmasters

CDR Charles E. Litchfield, USN relieved CDR Carl Bush on June 4, 2006

HS-10 Warhawks

HSMWSLANT

CDR Marc D. Homan, USN relieved CDR Baxter A. Goodly, USN on June 23, 2006 Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

HSMWSPAC

Herbert R. Race, USN relieved CDR James Roick, USN on July 13, 2006

CDR Andrew W. Miles, USN relieved CDR Michael J. Hammond, USN on July 13, 2006 52

HS-3 Tridents

CDR Michael R. Moore, USN relieved CDR T. Fitzgerald, USN on June 22, 2006

HC-4 Black Stallions

CDR Robert H. Buckingham, USN relieved CDR Eric S. Shirey, USN on July 31, 2006

HML/A - 269

G u n r u n n e r s s u p p o r t a i r, ground forces at Al Asad Story by Lance Cpl. Brandon L. Roach, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

The slim, grasshopper-like powerhouses and barrel-chested gunships belong to the pioneers of close air combat support, the Gunrunners of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, Marine Aircraft Group 16 (Reinforced), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Both the AH-1W Super Cobra and the UH-1N Huey, are organic to the squadron. The aircraft, as a team, are capable of distributing massive amounts of firepower to both ground and air opposing forces.

Waiting on ‘skid row’ an AH-1W Super Cobra soaks up the setting desert sunlight April 24 at Al Asad, Iraq. This slim- bodied war machine belongs to the Gunrunners of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 who will be providing constant on-call close air support. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Brandon L. Roach

T h e G u n r u n n e r s returned to their home away from home to once again patrol the skies, after a short five months in the states.

According to the official website for the Gunrunners at www.2maw.usmc.mil/MAG29/HMLA269, the Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C.-based squadron was activated July 1, 1971, as the first designated attack helicopter squadron.

With 35 years in service, the squadron has been the leaders in several technological advances throughout their time.

They have been the first Marine Corps squadron to fire the tube launched, optically tracked, wire guided antitank missile from an airborne platform, the first to fire the sidewinder air-to-air missile and many more.

The Gunrunners have received numerous awards including the Marine Corps helicopter squadron of the year in 1986, 1995 and 1998 for their achievements during operations.

Marine Updates

A

distinctive beating is heard overhead as two attack helicopters circle ground forces patrolling the western Al Anbar Province of Iraq.

months and they are ready to return if they get the call.

“Our mission while deployed is to provide (around the clock) on-call close air support and casualty evacuation escorts from Al Asad and Camp Korean Village,” said Lt. Col. Jon M. Hackett, executive officer, HMLA-269.

“We also support a variety of specific planned operations including escorts for raids, convoys and reconnaissance missions.”

With an extremely high operations tempo, the squadron has exceeded its re-enlistment goals almost two months ahead of schedule. “Although tired, the Marines remain motivated to get the job done,” said Hackett. “They have never let us down.”

With the more than 200 Marines deployed to Iraq the flight of the Super Cobras and Hueys will continue to provide support for air and ground operations during OIF.

With several deployments to Iraq in the history books, the Gunrunners are now here for their third time in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Their deployment to Iraq will last seven 53

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Squadron Updates

HC-4 Gives HS-8 A “Heavy Lift” Story and Photo by LT “Skinny” Pete Firenze

Never ones to turn down a challenge, the pilots and aircrew of “The Deuce” sprang into action. After a couple of initial logistical runs to the PEL site, the lift was set for 19 May 2006. Flown by seasoned pilots, LT Walt “Colonel” Sandell and LT Lauren “Majik” Majchrzak the lift went off without any problems. Doing all the real work in the back, AW1 Sean “Sully” Sullivan and his team of AW1 Chris “Frodo” Earheart, AW3 Roberto “Big Al” Alvarez and AWAN Robert “Hollywood” Wood kept the pilots honest and got them right over the load in a tricky brown-out situation for a great pick. On the ground AW1 William “Wild Bill” Sikkink, AW1 Carl “Big Stew” Stewart, AW2 Joe “Okie” Cox, AD1 Dan “The Flight Line Guy” Lane, AWAN Chris “Chester” Mouritsen, AN Eric “Bad Larry” Gustofson, and AEAA Paul “Big Chet” Nowortowski hooked up the load and kept the area on the ground safe.

HC-4 Det II executes a heavy lift mission with HS-8 during PEL exercise in a desert environment near NAF El Centro, CA.

F

In the right place at the right time, Det II was glad to help out and put their training to the test. Deploying in July, Det II is eager to relieve their shipmates and continue to prove the importance of the Heavy Lift Mission.

rom Jan 06 to Jun 06, HC-4 Det II trained in the desert environment of NAF El Centro, CA. The unique training opportunities afforded in El Centro were vital to getting the Detachment ready to deploy and relieve Det I in Kuwait to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.

However, no one knew that the Det’s recently honed desert flying skills would be put to an operational test sooner then expected. Det Ops received word from HS-8 that one of their aircraft had executed a PEL near NAF El Centro and they were going to be unable to fly it out of its current location. Looking across the flight line and seeing the Big Iron, HS-8 personnel were wondering if HC-4 could flex some of its heavy lift muscle to help them out and external their bird back to El Centro.

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Pilots and Aircrew of HC-4 test out their skills by heavy lifting this HS-8 helicopter out of a distressed environment and returning it to a safe grounds 54

Squadron Updates: HC-85

HC-85 Golden Gators Support The Fleet, Stand Ready To Fight Wildfires

forces were overwhelmed, but bureaucratic challenges and a lack of cross-training kept military helicopters from assisting.

A need for closer ties and methods of joint operations between the military and state agencies was identified, and HC-85 began training with CDF in fire-fighting

Story and Photo by Journalist 2nd Class Susan VanVeen,

techniques, communications and established procedures

A

for interoperability.

Fleet Public Affairs Center Pacific warm winter sun hangs low in the sky. A cool breeze

In the event of another large wildfire, helos from HC-85

carrying the scent of JP5 blows across the airfield. The blue Pacific Ocean is visible a few hundred yards away.

will be able to bring 324 gallon Bambi buckets filled with water to provide fire supression. A Bambi bucket is a

It’s just another day in paradise for the Golden Gators of HC-85.

collapsible bucket slung below a helicopter, used to dump water on a target with great accuracy.

Homebased at North Island Naval Air Station in Coronado,

On January 22, HC-85 squadron members met with

California, HC-85 supports the Southern California Offshore

Congressman

Range (SCORE) surrounding San Clemente Island, approximately

Duncan Hunter,

75 miles offshore. Currently flying the venerable Sikorsky UH-

who represents the

3H Sea King helicopter, the squadron is tasked with launching

52nd Congressional

targets and retrieving expended weapons used in anti-submarine

District in

warfare training. The squadron also supports fire-fighting efforts

California and

on the southern half of San Clemente Island, which is used as a bombardment area, to keep collateral damage to the environment at

serves as chairman of the House

a minimum.

Armed Services Committee. Hunter

HC-85’s expertise and ability in fire supression has drawn the

was exploring the

notice of the state officials as an additional tool for the California

role HC-85 would

Department of Forestry (CDF) to call upon in the event of large

play in

uncontrolled wildfires in Southern California. During fall 2003,

the event

San Diego County suffered fires that burned an estimated 143,734 acres, destroying 4,874 structures, and causing 15 fatalities and $819 million in property damage. The county’s civilian fire fighting 55

HC-85 Maintenance crew prepare this UH-3H Sea King for its next task Continued on page 54

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Squadron Updates: HC-85 Continued from page 53 of another wildfire disaster and how the military would support CDF’s mission. He came away with a favorable impression of the capabilities HC-85 brings to the fight.

“This is an excellent addition to San Diego’s fire fighting capabilities,” Hunter said. “The new water-drop capabilities will give us better access to hillsides and other tough-

Aviation Machinist’s Mate Senior Chief (AW/NAC) Hugh J. Peterson works as a carpenter in Carson City, NV., in his civilian job. He came to HC-85 because he wants to remain a viable part of the Navy Reserve and assist in the transition from the UH-3H to MH-60S helicopters.

“Flex drilling allows me to provide contributory support

to-reach spots.”

HC-85’s expertise and ability in fire supression has drawn The Golden Gators’s reach extends beyond sunny Southern California and the offshore

the notice of the state officials as an additional tool for the California Department of Forestry (CDF) to call upon in the event of large uncontrolled wildfires in Southern

area. In January 2005,

California.

to the fleet year round, while reducing the Navy’s and my travel costs,” he said. “I love being a chief, flying and mentoring the young sailors.”

HC-85 supplied indirect Aviation Structural

support for the tsunami relief to the USS Ronald Reagan (CV-76) by providing a two-helicopter detachment that provided search and rescue capability and logistical support as the carrier traveled from San Diego to Pearl Harbor and back. During this time, squadron aircraft delivered

Mechanic (safety equipment) 1st Class (AW/NAC) Fred Nelson, lives in San Marcos, CA. He spent four years on active duty and has served several 180-day ADSW periods.

Serving in a Reserve squadron allows him to stay Navy.

approximately 10,000 pounds of cargo, completed 11 Plane Guard/Channel Guard Sorties and transported 67 passengers.

“Nowhere in civilian life can I find the level of professionalism, dedication and commitment to a job well done that I find here. I get to meet a variety of people who bring

The squadron consists of 129 full-time support and 92 enlisted selected reservists, and 29 officers, including 24

a variety of skills to the table. And of course, the flying keeps bringing me back.”

pilots and 22 aircrew. HC-85 is scheduled to transition to MH-60S Seahawks in May to replace the Sea Kings it currently flies, some of which are now more than 40years-old. Though the workhorse aircraft has performed admirably over the years, it is getting harder to find parts to maintain the aging airframe.

HC-85 Commanding Officer CDR Pete Van Stee is proud of his squadron and proud to wear a Navy flight suit: “The Navy’s been nothing but good to me. The Navy paid for my college and post-graduate education. Even after 21 years of service, I want to continue to give back and serve.”

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Squadron Update: HCS-5

HCS-5 Earns Navy Unit Commendation

By Journalist 2nd Class Jennifer Franco Navy Reserve Fleet Public Affairs Center Pacific

lasted from March 2003 to April 2004, with most Selected Reservists demobilizing in April. However, in July 2005, the squadron deployed again to Iraq, with a continuous rotation of Full Time Support personnel, volunteer Selected Reservists, and Active Component augmentees.

T

he “Firehawks” of Helicopter Combat Support Special Squadron (HCS) 5 received the Navy Unit Commendation (NUC) in February 2006 for exceptionally meritorious service from March 2003 through April 2004.

HCS-5 is comprised of 51 percent Full Time Support and 49 percent Selected Reserve personnel who train and deploy together as operational detachments. The seamless integration of Reservists allows the squadron to optimize manpower to complete joint force missions while maintaining readiness and effectively meeting the needs of the Navy.

During this period, the squadron completed more than 1,700 combat flight hours and 900 combat air missions in direct support of U.S. and multinational special operations forces in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

“The Firehawks of HCS-5 are honored to receive the Navy Unit Commendation for operations conducted during Operation Iraqi Freedom in support of the global war on terrorism,” said CDR. Patrick A. Baccanari. “The presentation of the NUC to the Sailors of HCS-5 and the recognition that accompanies this unit award is appreciated by all who will proudly wear the ribbon. It is a testament to the many HCS-5 operational accomplishments and the Firehawk fighting spirit.”

During their ongoing support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Firehawks have worked side by side with U.S. Navy, Marine, Army and Air Force special operations forces. In addition, they have also flown missions in support of Iraqi and coalition forces.

“The HCS community is proud of the outstanding operational reputation it has earned while representing the Navy in the joint operational environment and especially within the special operations community,” said Baccanari.

The NUC presented to HCS-5 marked both the anniversary of the global war on terrorism and the squadron’s participation with missions in Iraq since the inception of the war. Since 2003, the Firehawks have played an integral role in the global war on terrorism by providing direct support to the special operations community during Operation Iraqi Freedom . The NUC commended HCS-5 for its rapid response to deploy to Iraq and commence combat operations within 10 days of receiving mobilization and deployment orders.

But for the Firehawks deployed in Iraq, the job satisfaction they get from working at the tip of the spear is worth the additional effort.

“We have guys come back that feel they’ve had a direct impact,” said Senior Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic (AW) Wayne Kloss. “You see it every day we’re out there.”

The Firehawks’ initial mobilization in support of OIF 57

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Squadron Updates: HSC-21

HSC-21

DET-9 “You call ... We Haul”

By LT Melissa Hawley, HSC-21 Public Affairs Office.

I

n support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Twenty-One (HSC-21) Blackjacks, Detachment Nine (DET 9), deployed in January on the USNS Rainer (T-AOE 7). Rainer is an integral link in the fleet logistics Fifth Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Vertical Replenishment along with internal transfers of Passengers, Mail, and Cargo (PMC). DET-9 has been busy VERTREPing to the Ronald Reagan battle group, cruiser destroyer ships, allied vessels, as well as the Kuwait Naval Base (KNB), and Iraq’s offshore oil terminal Al Basarah Oil Terminal (ABOT).

Numerous perimeter self defense weapons (.50 cals) are manned 24 hours a day along the terminal. MSD personnel subsist on MRE’s and bottle water and live with limited fresh water shower and head facilities. An Aegis CRUDES command ship heads a consortium of Navy and Coast Guard vessels, Spec War boats, and allied ships. Together these ships provide sector protection and also provide the MSD personnel with warm meals, and supplies via small boat runs.

Recently, HSC-21 DET 9 rose to the challenge by responding to a short notice MSD transfer. This mission required both Detachment aircraft to fly 14 MSD team personnel, and over 15,000 lbs of their support equipment and personal gear from the CRUDES command ship to KNB. After making our first run of passengers to KNB, it was brought to the Detachment’s attention that approximately 14,000 lbs of water and supplies needed to be transferred back to the CRUDES Command ship along with a Tech- Rep for the MSD support teams deployed on ABOT. By the close of the evening, both aircrafts had flown 18/9 hours to complete multiple runs between KNB and the CRUDES Command ship.

Located in the northernmost tip of the Arabian Gulf, ABOT is Iraq’s largest single contributor to it gross domestic product. This offshore oil terminal has the ability to pump more than two million barrels of oil a day into four supertankers at a time. This output translates to approximately 130 million U.S. dollars per day. Since the commencement of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in 2003, coalition forces have been protecting this and other high value assets against possible this and other high value assets against possible terrorist attacks.

Iraq’s ABOT has become to permanent Mobile Security Detachment (MSD) for force protection purpose.

In The Spotlight A MH-53E Sea Stallion sits on the flight deck of the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) after a long day of flight quarters. The Iwo Jima is currently deployed in support of global war on terrorism as well as conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO). U.S. Navy photo by Lithographer Seaman

Apprentice Bryant A. Kurowski

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58

Squadron Update: HSC-26

HSC-26 Post Re-designation Capabilities

By Journalist Seaman Brandon Shelander, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

I

t was just over a year ago since Helicopter Combat

“We have always provided them a training platform,” Banister

Squadron 6 (HC-6) was re-designated to Helicopter Sea

said. “We would go over to Naval Amphibious Base Little

Combat Squadron 26 (HSC-26) as part of the Navy’s

Creek and let them fast-rope, take them up and let them do

efforts to combine the combat support and anti-submarine

para-drops, but we never did much of anything out in the field.”

communities. The goal was to create a highly flexible Navy helicopter force capable of adapting to future missions while

Banister also commented on HSC-26’s expanding capabilities

maintaining their previous mission duties.

to support special operation forces.

“Progress was good in that regard,” explained CDR. Grady

“It’s going to continue to grow. As we get more systems on the

Banister, HSC-26’s Commanding Officer, “From that day in

airplane that allow us to do more, we’re going to do more with

April, we were still the same people as we were before, the

it,” Banister added, “We’re going to become an integrated part

designation was just an acknowledgment that the airplanes

of what the SEALs do. This airplane, maybe not us, but this

have changed and the missions were becoming much broader

airplane is here to replace some of the other aircraft that have

than just simple search and rescue.”

supported the SEAL for years.”

Although the primary mission of HSC-26 is to disperse

Banister isn’t the only one excited about the future of HSC-

supplies to ships and other units and conduct search and

26. “I see our mission expanding a lot more into the SEAL

rescue operations, the Navy is searching for new ways to use

community,” said HSC-26’s Command Master Chief Terry

HSC-26’s highly adaptable MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter.

A. Newhart, “as well as special warfare in Iraq and on the ground.”

One idea includes supporting special operations such as Sea Air Land (SEAL) and explosive ordinance disposal (EOD)

Newhart has been HSC-26’s command master chief since

teams.

August 2005 and understands the Navy’s expanding role in Iraq.

“Basically, we have the same helicopter as the Army except

Continued on page 60

59

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Squadron Updates: HSC-26 / HSC-28 Continued from page 59

job training. “A lot of the skills that are used on the H-3 and

for the attack helicopters. We do a lot of practice with

H-46 helicopters translate almost directly to this,” Banister

them, so we know their mission and they understand the

added. “I’ve got the best, most capable Sailors around. They

capabilities of our helicopters,” Newhart said.

bring a lot of capabilities to the fight.”

A well-trained crew and a versatile platform will help HSC-

But with all the new capabilities of the MH-60S come a

26 adapt to a variety of missions.

host of new training and equipment. “We’ve upped our training on all of the equipment and helicopters,” Newhart

“This aircraft though, has so many capabilities,” said Lt.

said, “We make sure that they’re ready to operate the new

Martin Wright, an HSC-26 pilot and Naval Air Training and

gear before it goes out.”

Standardization (NATOPS) officer, “So many new ways it can be used, that everyone from the youngest airman to the

Banister said much of the learning happens through on the

top echelon of command sees it’s very capable and how it’s going to be applied in the future.”

HSC-28 Sailors Return Home After Six-Month Deployment

S

By Journalist 1st Class (SW) Rachael Leslie, Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs “There is a tremendous amount of emotion here right now,” said Tessin. “This has been the most rewarding and best experience I’ve had in the Navy.”

ailors from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, Detachment 6, returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., May 4, after a six-month deployment. The detachment was part of the USS Nassau (LHA 4) Amphibious Ready Group.

CDR Christopher G. Rapp, HSC-28 commanding officer, also welcomed the Sailors home in a brief speech after their arrival.

LCDR Craig Tessin, Det. 6’s officer in charge, had a lot to say about their return home and the work his crew did during the deployment.

“Det. 6 did great things throughout the last six months,” said Rapp. “They executed their mission expertly every time they were called upon during this deployment.”

“There was a constant team effort throughout, from the most junior airman to the chiefs and officers, and the results were tremendous,” said Tessin. “No matter what they called on us to do, we were there.”

Det. 6, which operates two MH-60S Seahawk helicopters, is primarily a search and rescue platform. During the deployment, the detachment also completed several anti-piracy operations. They flew more than 700 mishap-free flight hours consisting of both day and night flight operations, carried more than 900 tons of external cargo and transported more than 700 passengers.

Upon their return, the Sailors first exchanged hugs with their family and friends on the tarmac where their aircraft had touched down only minutes before.

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60

Focus On 2006 NHA Symposium

61

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Squadron Updates: HSC-28

Bay Raider 47 Selected as NHA Region 4 Air Crew of the Year

T

Story and Photos by Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 Public Affairs

he crew of “Bay Raider 47” attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, based at Naval Station Norfolk, received the Naval Helicopter Association (NHA), Region Four 2005 Air Crew of the Year (Embarked) award during a ceremony held April 3 at the Breezy Point Officers’ Club on base.

always out there excelling in what they do, and the perfect example of that is two of the recipents are back in Iraq helping in the war on terrorism.”

Two of the four crew members attended the ceremony to receive the award.

An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter assigned to the “Bay Raiders” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two Eight (HSC-28) conducts a vertical replenishment (VERTREP), while the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) commences her approach prior to conducting a connected replenishment. U.S. Navy Photo by

“Just the fact that my crew and I were even nominated is humbling,” said Burroughs. “I would have to say that even though my crew received the award, we were just a speck in the Joint Task Force operation. It’s flattering to think that our crew is now in the running for the NHA Air Crew of the Year award.”

The crew of Bay Raider 47, which included LT Matthew Meyers, helicopter aircraft commander, LTJG. Joseph Maggi, co-pilot, Aviation Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Rob Gaston Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class All of the NHA Region winners go (NAC/AW) Royce Burroughs, on to Jacksonville, Fla., to compete crew chief, and Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class for the national title during the NHA’s National Symposium, (NAC) Nicholas Kontodiakos, rescue swimmer, were which will take place at the end of April 2006. presented the award by RADM Garry Hall, commander, Amphibious Group 2.

To be selected for the NHA 2005 Air Crew of the Year (Embarked) award, the crew must have accomplished the most notable embarked helicopter mission during the preceding year and demonstrate the most professional airmanship and overall performance as a crew during helicopter operations. Bay Raider 47 received the award as a result of all of their hard work assisting with Hurrican Katrina relief efforts.

Photo 2:

“Bay Raiders 47’ coming for a landing after a day of helo evolutions. U.S. Navy Photo by

“These individuals are the best of the best,” said Hall.

“Giving out this award gave us a chance to recognize the hard work and dedication Sailors do every day. They are Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Rob Gaston

62

Squadron Update: HS-3

HS-3

Highlights of the “Tridents” Deployment Released by the HS-3 Public Affairs Office

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fter “the best deployment ever”, the Tridents of

and Ogden received leadership awards based on the input of

Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron THREE

their peers. LT Persiani, along with LT Kevin Cronau, has

were happy to return to friends, family and

recently detached from HS-3, and LCDR Ogden will soon fol-

loved ones. Their time supporting Carrier Air Wing EIGHT

low. Each will be missed.

on board USS Theodore Roosevelt included a total of 1031

LCDR Ogden, LTJG “Pookie” Chambley nearly slipped into

sorties and 2733.2 flight hours.

depression, fortunately, he was also informed that he would

Highlights of their cruise

On hearing of the departure of

included defending the Iraqi oil infrastructure by conduct-

soon be relieved as the squadrons Legal O, PAO and NHA

ing pipeline reconnaissance. The Tridents flew in and out of

Rep. He hasn’t stopped smiling since.

Basrah to transport British ground troops to and from vehicle check points, MEDEVACS, one rescue at sea, one interview

Aviation Electrician’s Mate Senior Chief Nathan Moore was

with the Smithsonian’s Air and Space magazine, and one

recently awarded the LCDR Joseph F. King Memorial Leader-

poorly timed phone call from the duty desk.

ship Award. This award highlights the tireless efforts and dedication of Senior Chief Moore and reflects the hard work

Now in surge status, the Tridents continue to work short

and dedication shown by the enlisted Tridents.

detachments. Recently, they flew to AUTEC and conducted ASW exercises. LCDR “Cheech” Moreno, reminiscing of

The Tridents will also soon bid farewell to CDR Tom Fitzger-

the detachment, fondly cites AUTEC as the birthplace of the

ald, “Skipper Fitz.” CDR Mike “Droopy” Moore will take the

new tropical drink, “The Sneaky Steve.” On other detach-

reigns as CO of the Tridents. CDR Moore hails from Alexan-

ments, the Tridents have flown plane guard while both east

dria, Virginia and his previous commands include two tours

and west coast FRSs conducted carrier qualifications. In

with HS-5, Test Pilot School, and ASW/CSAR Operations Of-

the coming weeks, they are also scheduled to take part in a

ficer in Carrier Air Wing SEVEN. CDR Mark Truluck, from

sustainment det, helping to ensure Carrier Air Wing EIGHT

Hall County, Georgia, will assume the duties of XO.

remains ready for action.

Along with CDR Truluck, the Tridents also welcome LTJG The Tridents are pleased to congratulate LT Matt “Trashman”

Blackwell and LTJG Reynolds (“Wes and Walt”) who have

Persiani and LCDR Frank “Oggie” Ogden. Both Persiani

reported from HS-10.

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Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Squadron Updates: HS - 4

HS-4

Ain’t Your Ordinary Squadron Update

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By LCDR Gabe “Rican” Soltero, HS-4 Black Knights suit and overcoat for those cold San Diego winters. Others took advantage of the port call and brought their wives over, as did LTs Doug “Dougie” Chase and Dave “Tuff Guy” Sechrist. And our fearless XO, CDR Paul “Pauly” Pensabene, began looking for an addition to his enviable watch collection. He insists his Rolex isn’t fake…

re you tired of reading the same old article every time you browse through the squadron updates?

Isn’t it strange that every single squadron boasts about “setting the standard”, being the “first ever” at something, and flying missions at “the tip of the spear”?

Doesn’t make for really exciting reading, does it? Well, we’re not about to bore you with the basic PAO 101 article.

Read on for what we hope is a different take on what we did for Spring Break ‘06.

But enough about our port calls, lest our readers think our cruise was nothing but a love boat. Once we got to the Persian Gulf in late February, Reagan took her station in “the box”, where she launched aircraft daily to support our troops on the ground in Iraq. The Black Knights were a part of that effort. Capitalizing on the groundwork that the HS-3 Tridents laid out for us and the support mustered by our Skipper, CDR Scott “Bisch” Bischoff, we sent a twohelicopter detachment into Basra, where we worked with British forces and the Multinational Division-Southeast for our entire three-month stay. The Brits have a solid presence in the area, including Merlin, Sea King, and Lynx helicopters. Our two HH-60Hs were a welcome addition to the mix, becoming fully integrated with the UK forces and flying on a daily basis. The missions ranged from fairly mundane passenger transfers to more challenging patrol inserts/extracts and convoy escort duties. Pretty soon flying around the city and its surroundings became as familiar as following course rules back home. The greatest challenge, perhaps, was to remain alert to the threat and not get complacent. We divided our combat crews into two teams of 3 and rotated them every few weeks to maintain some continuity while at the same time sharing the mission load. We also sent a team of maintainers ashore to keep our helos in good shape. The Brits were great with both maintenance and operational support, helping out whenever asked and making us a part of the team. The living conditions were spartan – tent camps laid out in the city’s international airport, with the occasional rocket attack to keep you on your toes. But the Brits know how to make up for the environmental shortcomings.

The Black Knights of HS-4 have had a pretty interesting year so far, and as of this writing are returning home following a 6-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf on board the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). All in all, it’s been a great experience, with great port calls and excellent flying all around. We began our adventure in Brisbane, Australia, where despite 7th Fleet’s incredibly restrictive liberty policies our admin queens – LTs Josh Fagan and Steve “Quagmire” Yargosz - managed to find some fun things for us to do. LTJG Brandon “Shizzo” Sheets channeled some of his vast reserves of energy into a local 10K race and did quite well, coming in first among American helicopter pilots. The wine flowed smoothly and the sheilas were out in full force, doing their best to corner LTJGs Josh “Henchie” Zelfer and Rudy “Sadie” Hawkins by offering free pole dancing lessons with the purchase of a steak. While it was a tempting piece of meat, our brave Knights took the high road, not wanting to be med-down for the rest of cruise with a mysterious ailment from Down Under.

Singapore was our next stop, a melting pot of cultures where – incredibly – Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians all seem to live in harmony. And they all speak English! Has anyone thought of asking these guys to sit at the table for the Middle East peace talks? Perhaps it’s because of their vibrant economy that Singaporeans are too busy to quibble among themselves. In any case, this was a great port call.

LT Jason “Frank the Tank” Bely was the first Black Knight to test the skills of the local tailors, getting a custom-made Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

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Squadron Update: HS - 4 monkeys his team encountered along the way, as ENS Bob “Rug” Burns lost his wallet to an enterprising primate who promptly disappeared into the jungle. Did I mention that Malaysia is like, the worst place in the world for identity theft? We now know why…

The Black Knights of HS-4 and Royal Navy Helicoptet Air Crew onboard the USS Reagan.

They’ve hired a chef from Bangladesh who makes a mean curry, as LT Juan “Mole” Mullen, a self-described curry connoisseur, found out. The dog machine is excellent – though we have to say that our hosts were quite amused at our explanation of the term. LCDR Brent “Fever” Alfonzo took full advantage of the large volume of food available, packing in about 3500 calories a day. Where it all goes, nobody knows…skinny as he remains, the guy can eat! All told, the food is quite good; and somehow they’ve managed to do it without charging a cent (or pence) to the troops! If only our service were that bright…

The Brits also know how to unwind, having set up a small soccer pitch for games at night and a local watering hole – aptly named the Camel’s Toe. There is nothing quite like drinking Australian beer on a British base in Iraqi soil – and paying for it with US dollars. Truly an international experience!

Hong Kong, one of the great cities of the world, would be our last stop before heading back across the Pacific. Amid the skyscrapers and bustle of this packed metropolis, LT Laura “McGee” Reeves completed her Christmas shopping with knockoff Louis Vuitton purses, while LTJGs Ryan “Big Mac” McAllister and Lukin “Lois” Lain bartered with street vendors to get the last season of Lost on DVD for $5. Meanwhile, LCDRs Mike “Danny” Noonan and Greg “Sluggo” Leland visited a local tailor to get custom made suits.

The last two weeks of our cruise would provide no rest for the weary. Someone had the bright idea of having this huge exercise with 3 aircraft carriers in the middle of the Pacific. We even invited Chinese naval officers to come take a look, if you can believe it! So as we created the typical post-cruise paperwork mountain and planned for our upcoming Tiger cruise, we dusted off our sonars and put them back in the helos to play a little ASW. LT Steve “Metro” Huber was at the forefront of this exercise and was very excited to actually find a submarine, but once he reported it, the reply over the radio was akin to a Jedi mind trick: There is no submarine there. Now get outta there.

Hmmm…

We’re looking forward to seeing our loved ones soon and taking a break after being away for so long. The fall will be a busy one – aren’t they all? But we’d rather not think about that just yet…

Having two helos on the beach permanently made for a greater challenge on the boat. But our maintainers made it happen, working tirelessly to keep them flying. At no time did we have to revert to bringing the HHs back from the beach, which is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Were it not for these efforts, our detachment would not have been nearly as successful.

We eventually had to leave the Gulf, and fortunately that time came just as the temperatures were beginning to climb into the stupid range (i.e. it’s just plain stupid to be out when it’s that hot). So back across the Indian Ocean we went, stopping in Kuala Lumpur for a few days of R&R. LT Bill “Crotchety” Guheen led an expedition to climb a local mountain, but did not plan for the trained

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Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Squadron Updates: HS - 4

Maiden Deployment for USS Reagan - Black Knights Play Key Role

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Story by HS-4 Black Knights’ Public Affairs Office

t’ been barely four weeks into the USS Ronald Reagan’s (CVN 76) maiden deployment, yet these helicopters have seen plenty of action. In addition to training for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), surface surveillance control (SSC), logistics, combat search and rescue (CSAR), and naval special warfare missions (NSW); the Legendary Black Knights of Helicopter AntiSubmarine Squadron Four (HS-4) have been training daily to maintain SAR readiness. While deployed aboard the largest and newest carrier in the Fleet, the maintenance team of HS-4 is working all hours to keep the six H-60 Seahawks ready for flight. The technology on board Reagan has allowed the Black Knights to hold training/ safety lectures and intel briefs weekly. Digital systems and flat screen monitors have been integrated throughout every squadron ready room on the ship; allowing for time-sensitive briefs, navigational updates, and weather information to be passed simultaneously to each squadron.

call to the moment the survivor arrived safely on Reagan’s deck. The flawless execution of a junior crew - which included the squadron’s youngest aircraft commander - spoke volumes of the professionalism the Black Knights espouse. RADM Michael Miller, Commander of the Ronald Reagan Strike Group, recognized the accomplishments of the crew by awarding each member a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

MEDEVACs Taken in Stride HS-4’s transit across the large expanse of the Pacific was not without its share of exciting moments, as the squadron executed 3 separate MEDEVAC missions. Two of those took place on the second day of our current six-month deployment, as Reagan completed CQs off the Southern California coast. The crew of LT Doug “Mensa” Chase, LTJG B. “Shizzo” Sheets, AW2 Ben Chavez and AW2 David Rankin raced to transport a heart attack victim from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) to Balboa Medical Center in San Diego. Upon their return to Reagan, they learned of an additional MEDEVAC mission, but this one was assigned to the relief crew of CDR Scott “Bisch” Bischoff, LTJG Bill “Crotchety” Guheen, AW2 Colin Koss and AW3 Garrett Keller. This crew made a return trip to San Diego with a patient who had become seriously ill on board the carrier.

Quick Response to Fixed-Wing Incident In a matter of seconds, the Black Knights were thrust into the spotlight as routine flight operations turned into near-disaster. The pilot of an F/A-18C ejected from his aircraft while attempting a night trap on board USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) off the coast of eastern Australia.

Without hesitation, the crew headed by LT Dave “Tuff Guy” Sechrist was on the scene and wasted no time in directing AW2 Colin Koss to lower AW2 Matt Louviere into the black ocean. Though the heavy seas presented a challenging environment, AW2 Louviere swam towards the survivor and successfully hoisted him back into the safety of the hovering helicopter. The low-light conditions demanded that LT Sechrist and his copilot, LTJG Stephen “Metro” Huber, maintain an aggressive instrument scan to keep the helicopter in place and complete the mission.

Just eighteen minutes passed from the time of the mayday Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

The most challenging mission was still ahead for the Black Knights, however. As Reagan steamed towards the Hawaiian Islands, the Strike Group received a distress call from the MV Princess Jasmine, approximately 815 miles northeast of Oahu. One of the members of her crew was complaining of severe chest pains. The USNS Rainier (AOE 7) was the closest Navy vessel, and their HSC-21 det retrieved the patient to begin medical care.

Meanwhile, Reagan began to steam at best speed to close Rainier and get the Black Knights within range. A flight 66

Squadron Update: HS-4 / HS-6 Continued from page 64 The Black Knights’ contributions have certainly not gone of two launched on an extended open ocean transit, led by LCDR Andy “Mad Cow” Jouhal, LT Josh Fagan, AWC Rich unnoticed. As RADM Miller commented, “HS-4 continues to maximize their resources of aircraft and personnel alike Ham, and AW2 Paul Caudillo. The second helo had the to provide a multi-mission helicopter platform for the USS crew of LCDR Mike “Danny” Noonan, LTJG Huber, AWC Reagan.” Each department in the squadron including admin, Matt Shicks, and AW2 Josh Rothrock. The weather coopermaintenance, operations, and safety, has contributed to the ated, allowing the crews to safely fly a 300-mile round trip early success of the 2006 and transfer the patient back cruise. As the Black Knights to Reagan for proper mediIn a matter of seconds, the Black Knights were have shown, the HS commucal care. thrust into the spotlight as routine flight operations nity continues to provide the turned into near-disaster. The pilot of an F/A-18C Navy with a highly capable HS-4’s Commanding ofejected from his aircraft while attempting a night helicopter platform. Any ficer, CDR Bischoff, is trap on board USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) off mission, any place, any time. quick to acknowledge that the coast of eastern Australia. it takes the entire squadron to be ready for these types of flights, and commended the efforts of all Black Knights: “That is how the months of practice, grooming aircraft, and attention to detail pay off. All of you play a role in this.

When we stick together, do by-the-book maintenance/ flight procedures, and strive to be the best in our business, we get positive results.” Skipper Bischoff has pushed this teamwork mentality since his arrival in the squadron, a credo that has undoubtedly paid off.

The Black Knights say farewell to CDR Elmer Nagma, LCDR Pat Keyes, LCDR Andy Jouhal, LT Tony Bruno, LT Brian Norris, LT Ray Miller, and LTJG Brooke Waller.

Welcome aboard to CDR Paul Pensabene, LCDR Gabe Soltero, LT Josh Fagan, LT Steve Yargosz, LT Bob Pinski, LTJG Bill Guheen, LTJG Brandon Sheets, LTJG Rudy Hawkins, and ENS Bobby Burns.

HS - 6

Indians Celebrate 50 Years of Service

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Story and Photos By LTJG Lora Gorsky

ifty years of Indian history and talent gathered at NAS North Island between May 31st and June 2nd 2006 to celebrate both the successes of HS-6 since establishing on June 1, 1956 and the promise of the future. Current Indians were honored to be in the presence of several plank owners who were among the attendees. These plank owners include retirees CDR George Dubois, LCDR Charles Porter, and LCDR Al Wheeler. The stories of the old HS-6 “Indian Gals” from these men were sought out and enjoyed by all.

The 50th anniversary/reunion festivities began with a social at the I-Bar, bringing together generations of Indians to meet and mingle. During the reunion, former Indians had the opportunity to gain insight into the multitude of missions that the community now accomplishes and tour the squadron spaces. Showcasing both the legacy and

Continued on page 66

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Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Squadron Updates: HS - 6

Former and Current Indians came together to celebrate HS-6’s 50 Year Anniversary at a dinner on June 1, 2006 Continued from page 65 current might of HS-6, static displays of an H-3 and SH-60F were available. Current Indian pilots and aircrew answered questions about present day advances and technology of the SH-60F while former Indians enjoyed seeing and reminiscing about the mighty Sea King. Simulator time and a NVD lab were also offered. A dinner reception was held at the Island Club where CDR John Leach (retired), former Indian One from 1976 to 1977, was the guest speaker. At the end of the evening, a cake cutting ceremony brought together HS-6’s oldest (plank owner, CDR George Dubois (retired)) and newest (HS-6’s newest nugget, LTJG Justin Ott) pilots in attendance to mark this historical event. The celebrations concluded on June 2nd with a spirited golf tournament at Sea ‘n Air and then a beach party for all members of the tribe, complete with great food, volleyball, and our own karaoke that could rival American Idol!! The current Indians of HS-6 were honored to be able to host such a successful and momentous milestone. Thanks to all those who attended and who helped make this an enjoyable event!

In addition to celebrating our 50 Year Reunion since the last issue of Rotor Review, HS-6 has been busy training and maintaining proficiency. During the last week of April, the Indians embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) to support FRS carrier qualifications off the coast of Southern California. During this underway period, Indian One, CDR Greg “Grinch” Eaton, and LTJG Rob “Sugar Sweet” Turell participated in an outstanding training opportunity against a Swedish AIP-equipped diesel submarine during SHAREMEX 2006. Additionally, the Indians tested their precision and handling skills during an ammo-onload VERTREP of over 80 loads, totaling more than 60,000 pounds of ordnance, from USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). The superb efforts of all Indians onboard resulted in the successful accomplishment of all carrier qualifications as well as the squadron’s training goals.

weather, which they found in the sand at NAF El Centro. Indian Two, CDR Mike “Shack” Baratta, LT Eric “Howdy” Dewar, LT Ben “Jammin” Foster, and former Indian LT Josh “Mumm-Ra” Ellison dominated a night integrated CSAREX near Yuma along with other CVW-11 assets. Valuable overland CSAR training was completed by all, and the squadron thankfully returned to cool and breezy San Diego after a week of hard work in the desert. Back home in San Diego, the squadron has continued to hone their skills with DLQs onboard USS Shiloh (CG 67), live fire GUNNEX, TORPEX, and SAR jump events. The squadron also successfully completed Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection (CWTPI) ahead of schedule and is eagerly preparing for the upcoming Maintenance Program Assist (MPA) and Aircraft Maintenance Inspection (AMI).

Since the last Rotor Review issue, HS-6 has welcomed new Indians LTJG Lora Gorsky, LTJG Justin Ott, and ENS Kevin Duncan into the squadron. The squadron also bid farewell to seasoned Indian warriors LCDR Ben “Smack” Teich, LT Eric “Howdy” Dewar, and LTJG Ed “Farva” Bergen as they move on to new assignments and pursuits. The squadron would be remiss if it didn’t recognize the outstanding achievements of AVCM Donohue (HS-6’s MMCPO) who retired on March 29th after 26 years of dedicated Naval service.

Indian Plank Owners (right to left), Al Wheeler, Charles Porter, and George Dubois cut the anniversary cake with newest Indian pilot LTJG Justin Ott. Meanwhile, Indians have continued to attain greater proficiency and qualifications in the cockpit. The squadron commends LT Jack “Snack” Kruse on becoming the squadron’s newest HAC, and LT Vic “Satchel” Lange and LTJG John “J-Biz” Hampton for qualifying as H2Ps. In the next few months, all Indians will be making the most of the San Diego summer with friends and family before beginning workups in the fall.

In May, the squadron packed up and headed for warmer Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

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Squadron Update: HS-4

HT-8 reaches 1,000,000 mishapfree flight hour milestone Story and photo by AE2(AW/NAC) Lee Chasco HT-8 Public Affairs

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n March 17, 2006 marked a milestone for HT-8, as it joined its sister squadron, HT-18, to become the second squadron in the Navy ever to reach 1,000,000 Class “A” mishap-free flight hours. LT Kenneth Kerr and AEAN J.P. Fitzmorris were the pilot and crew chief of this monumental flight.

HT-8 former Commanding Officer CMDR Jim Alger and HT-8 HT-8 present CDMR Michael Steiner had many words of praise for all the people and their efforts throughout the years that made this achievement possible.

“Everybody who has ever had anything to do with HT-8 is a part of this, and we are not just talking students and staff,” Alger said. “We are talking anyone that works at Whiting - whether it is Supply, the barbers, anyone from food service, or Security.

Special thanks has to go to those in the towers and the Air Traffic Control Division, which assists us while we are in the air, and all those who have ever turned a wrench on the aircraft who make flying possible.”

The feeling within the aviation community is that this event is enlightening, because flying is an inherently dangerous profession, especially in today’s military. The fact a squadron can fly 1,000,000 hours without a loss of aircraft or crew is both astonishing and amazing.

It has taken nearly 30 years for HT-8 to get to the million hour mishap-free mark. “We are working on our second million,” Alger said.

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From left, HT-8 present Commanding Officer CDR. Michael Steiner, AEAN J.P. Fitzmorris, LT Kenneth Kerr and HT-8 former Commanding Officer CDR Jim Alger, cut a cake during HT-8’s 1,000,000 hour mishap-free celebration.

Photo by AE2(AW/NAC) Lee Chasco The HT-8 Instructor Pilots, aircrewman, civilians and everyone on Whiting Field who supports the squadron will continue to be major contributors to HT-8’s goal of reaching their next million mishap-free flight hours milestone.

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

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Squadron in the Spotlight

HSL-42 “Proud Warriors”

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HSL-42 Commanding Officer, CDR Doug Tenhoppen (center) and his “Warriors” are wearing it “Proud” at the NHA Members Reunion, River City Brewery

he namesake of the “Proud Warriors” of HSL-42 is derived from the heritage of the Southwestern Native American Indian: principled . . . disciplined . . . confident, preferring to live at peace, respectful of their world, under the leadership of one. Yet, once wronged, these peoples were cunning, savage, and merciless in combat. Able to single-handedly inflict severe damage upon the enemy by operating in small, well trained scouting parties, or direct coordinated attacks of the entire tribe.

Armed with the lessons of their fathers, they gained the upper hand by exploiting their environment and the weaknesses of their adversaries.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR TWO, located at Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville, Florida, commenced operations as a small cadre of 7 officers and 24 enlisted personnel.

Formally established on 5 October 1984 as the East Coast’s first LAMPS MKIII squadron, the command now includes 61 officer and 230 enlisted personnel, and 13 aircraft assigned to 10 permanent, independent detachments.

If you feel that your squadron desires to be “The Squadron In The Spotlight.” Please send articles and photos to us updated what’s been happening with your squadron been doing to rotorrev@simplyweb. net or contact the NHA national office at 619.435.7139. The Squadron with the best photos and articles will be featured in the next Rotor Review.

The Next Issue of the

will focus on “Rotor Review’s 25th Anniversary.”

All Photo and Article submissions need to be no later than September 23, 2006 to the NHA Design Editor. Any further questions, please contact the NHA National Office at 619.435.7139 or rotorrev@simplyweb.net

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Rotor Review # 93 Spring ‘06

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