Signal Charlie CAPT Dick Catone, USN (Ret.) following a memorial service for a fellow helicopter pilot, is credited with the following statement: “I guess we are all in starboard delta waiting for Signal Charlie.” Starboard Delta is the holding pattern for the airborne Search and Rescue helicopters on the starboard (right) side of the aircraft carrier. They fly at a low altitude so as not to interfere with the fixed-wing aircraft recovery pattern, and only land when the last fixed-wing aircraft is safe on board. When tower calls the helicopter to pass “Charlie” to a landing spot, the crew knows the fixed-wing recovery is complete, all is well, and it is time to come back. Hence, the statement appears appropriate that someday we will receive our own “Signal Charlie” and will be called home for a final landing. Signal Charlie has been created to inform our membership and honor the passing of fellow unrestricted aviators. It is only as good as the information we receive. If you have an obituary or other information that you would like to provide concerning the passing of a shipmate, co-worker, or friend of the community, please contact the NHA National Office at signalcharlie@navalhelicopterassn.org and we will get the word out. CDR Robert Richard Niemczyk, USN (Ret.)
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DR Robert Richard Niemczyk, USN (Ret.),73, passed away peacefully at home on April 9, 2021, after a battle with ALS. Robert proudly served 22 years in the United States Navy as a helicopter pilot [ R- 11834 ], retiring as executive officer of Mayport Naval Station. He will be deeply missed by his family: Pamela, his wife of 50 years, Todd (son) and Meghan, Rebecca (daughter) and Keith, and his grandchildren, Hannah, Jack, and Chad. Robert was an avid fisherman and loved a good story. The family honored him at a Catholic Mass on June 1, 2021 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church followed by interment at the National Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the ALS Foundation, ALS.org/Florida or the Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org, in his honor. In his memory the following poem is dedicated:
A Pilot’s Final Flight Upon departing your last port of call, Regrets jettisoned into the blue sea, For the ocean is large and we are but small, The bosun pipes not for sorrow but glee. Strike eight bells, your earthly watch concluded, Take to the sky in a whir and hum, Men line the rails, white gloved saluting, Heaven bound, your duty honorably done. So lift to the sky, throttle increase, pitch rising, Fear not death, for in life’s joy we shared, And take to heaven’s never ending horizon, Be at peace, knowing we are under your care. Like an eternal star, over us you shine, While flying is heavenly, to hover, divine. Fair Winds and Following Seas.
Rotor Review #153 Summer '21
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