Features Passing of the Golden Helix Award By LCDR Patricia A. Kreuzberger, USN DM Bill Lescher passed the Golden Helix Award to VADM Jeff Hughes during an unofficial ceremony at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, home of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, August 26, 2022.
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The Golden Helix Award honors the Naval Aviator on active duty with the earliest date of designation as a naval helicopter pilot. ADM Lescher serves as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations and Hughes serves as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development. He was designated a Naval Aviator in 1981, flew in the HSL/HSM Community, and has flown every helicopter in the Navy and Marine Corps inventory since. Hughes was designated a naval Aviator in 1989 and has flown MH-60R and SH-60B Seahawk Helicopters throughout his career in the HSL/HSM Community.
ADM Bill Lescher passes the Golden Helix award to VADM Jeff Hughes.
“It has been an honor to represent this community for over 40 years,” said ADM Lescher. “Passing this award to Jeff Hughes is awesome because I can think of no better role model for rotary-wing pilots. His commitment and service to the country are unsurpassed.” “It’s the honor of a lifetime to represent the Naval Rotary Wing Community in this capacity. I’ve had the privilege of serving for ADM Lescher since my first operational squadron tour and will strive to support our aviators, aircrewmen and technicians as ably as he has over his four decades of distinguished service,” said VADM Hughes. “It is particularly meaningful to pass this award at the home of Naval Test Pilot School,” continued ADM Lescher. “The Naval Aviators and Test Engineers trained here conduct some of the most consequential flying impacting the future of Naval Aviation.”
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WS1 James Philip Buriak, USN, died 31 August 2021 in a Naval helicopter crash off the coast of San Diego. Where he served as a Naval Aircrewman Rescue Swimmer (AWS) with HSC-8. The legacy of a hero is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example. This foundation was created in the wake of Jimmy's death as a way to honor him and his memory but also keep his purpose alive - to help others. Jimmy served as a rescue swimmer whose motto is, “So others may live.” We’ve embraced this motto for the foundation and its purpose of being there everyday, but on your worst possible day, knowing that we are here to walk that journey with you. Our mission is to ensure the sacrifices of those in the aviation community are honored and those who are left behind are supported, empowered and continue to be part of the community.
Rotor Review #158 Fall '22
We are an all-volunteer, military and military spouse organization dedicated to providing pre-mishap education and immediate post-mishap support for the Navy and Marine Corps Aviation Community and their families. We offer three programs. Program 1: PreMishap Education: Pre-mishap education includes talking to squadrons, commands, and families about important “need to know” information and how to best prepare a service member and a family. We discuss POA’s, wills, commercial life insurance policies, etc. Program 2: Post Mishap Support: Post-mishap support includes providing immediate financial relief for the service members’ children, such as childcare, diapers, wipes and formula, in the month following the mishap. Program 3: 90 Day Road Map and Advocacy: The Foundation will provide families with information of what is needed, and an overall picture of what the first 90 days will look like. The Foundation also strives to provide support, information, resources, and advocacy as needed during these times.
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