Executive Director's View

Green Deck, Returning to Normal Ops”

By CAPT Jim Gillcrist, USN (Ret.)

After nearly 16 months of working remotely from home, the NHA Staff is back at full strength in our NAS North Island Office. It is a beautiful sunny day here and it feels great to be back in business with a “green deck.” Additionally, here are a few other noteworthy recovery data points:

• On 30 April, the World Famous I-Bar reopened at NAS North Island.

• On 11 June, my wife and I attended a Winging Ceremony at NAS Whiting Field replete with all three HT Squadrons in attendance (to include 16 Wingers) along with family and friends – NO MASKS. It was refreshing to enjoy the first normal Winging since COVID and memorable to pin a well-used set of “gold wings” on my son, Paul

. • On 25 June, HSC Wing Pacific conducted a hugely successful Soft Patch Ceremony at the World Famous I-Bar – very cool to see so many folks in flight suits, griping and grinning, hanging out together, and connecting. • On 28 June, Air Boss gave a “thumbs up” for Tailhook and NHA to conduct live events this Fall, namely Hook’21 (9-11 September) and the 2021 NHA Symposium (6-9 October).

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 Wing / Tilt Rotor Force which brings critical warfighting value to the fight.

I think you will enjoy this issue of Rotor Review – allow me to highlight several feature articles: • On Leadership Column: “Let Go of the Good Old Days” by RADM Chatfield • Commodore’s Corner: “Unmanned Integration within HSC Community” by CAPT Rocheleau • And a host of articles from JOs across the Fleet who are pushing the thought leadership envelope on warfighting.

Membership is the lifeblood of the organization, and it starts at the squadron level (in the wardrooms & aircrew shops).

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.

Allow me to take a moment to recognize our three Winging Clerks at NAS Whiting Field who help promote NHA to new wingers. The efforts of Ms. Barbara Pace (HT-8), Mr. Antquil Cage (HT-18), and Mr. Joe Sanders (HT-28) are deeply appreciated.

HT Winging Clerks, New Winger, & Executive Director” Winging Ceremony / NAS Whiting Field (6-11-21)

Warm regards with high hopes,

Jim Gillcrist.