Executive Director's View

Getting to Yes

By CAPT Jim Gillcrist, USN (Ret.)

Our efforts on the NHA Staff are focused upon “getting to yes” regarding a return to normal operations after a full year of disruption. Most important of which is to provide two extraordinarily successful premier events this Fall: 2021 National Symposium (6-9 October in San Diego) and Gulf Coast Fleet Fly-In (2-4 November in Pensacola). We are planning for live events and believe our active duty and retired members as well as industry partners will have good reason to gather and celebrate who we are. That is where “getting to yes” and finding ways to adapt and overcome will enable us to conduct these two events so critical to our professional growth, networking, camaraderie, and membership.

This year’s Symposium theme is “Force of the Future” which will provide a forum to discuss topics such as Air Wing of the Future, Project Overmatch, NAVPLAN 2021, fielding of the Advanced Helicopter Training System (AHTS), Future of Vertical Lift - Maritime Strike (FVL-MS), initial deployments for CMV-22B and MQ-8C, Helo CONOPS, and much more. The intent is to shine a spotlight on future programs and ongoing work that will impact the various Services and Communities – all of which contribute to a Naval Rotary Force which brings critical warfighting value to the fight.

Of note at Symposium, RADM Pat McGrath, USN (Ret.) will turn over his duties as NHA Chairman to RADM Dan Fillion, USN (Ret.). Early congratulations to both are deserving for pouring their time and talents into NHA to keep the organization viable and relevant.

I think you will enjoy this issue of Rotor Review – allow me to highlight several feature articles:

♦ On Leadership Column: “Resilience is Commander’s Business” by RDML Menoni

♦ Commodore’s Corner:“Rotary Wing Relevance” by CAPT Melody "What's Next? You DECIDE" by CAPT Whitfield

♦ HSM-40 Airwolves honor CAPT Robbie Roberts (Lifetime Member #107 and oldest Helix)

♦ Transitioning: “The COMMIT Foundation Difference” by CDR Scott Walgren, USN (Ret.)

♦ And a host of articles from JOs across the Fleet who are pushing the thought leadership envelope on warfighting.

The 2020 NHA Awards Program nomination and selection process is complete. National and regional award winners for both manned and unmanned recognition deserve a big shout out and hearty congratulations for their exceptional performance.

Finally, membership is the lifeblood of the organization. Connecting with new and expired members remains a team sport. Active members at all levels are in a great position to help drive membership. For those of you who are on the fence about joining or renewing – just “get to yes” and become a member of your professional organization!

♦ Please keep your membership / profile up to date.

♦ If you should need any assistance at all, give us a call at (619) 435-7139 and we will be happy to help – you will get Linda, Mike, Allyson, or myself.

Warm regards with high hopes, Jim Gillcrist / NHA LTM #43