Executive Director's View

from Rotor Review Fall 2022 # 158 "Past Informs the Present"

by Naval Helicopter Association, Inc

Redefining the HSC Expeditionary Model: LCS MCM Mission Package, RIMPAC, EABO and More!

Rotary Force / NHA HIT Check Improving

By CAPT Jim Gillcrist, USN (Ret.)

As an MH-60 Romeo or Sierra Pilot, performing daily HIT Checks on the first flight of the day is standard operating procedure, serves as an indicator of engine performance, and establishes a baseline against which future engine performance can be measured. Similarly, NHA Staff Members routinely perform organizational HIT Checks at helicopter community events (by seeking feedback from JOs / Aircrew) to assess our value proposition. My takeaway is that the health of the Rotary Force and NHA is trending in the right direction. Here are a few data points:

• Post COVID, regions are hosting NHA Regional Events again such as Region 2’s Nationals vs Cubs Baseball Game, Region 3’s Wild on Wings Golf Tournament, and Region 4’s Tides Baseball Game.

• The 2022 Symposium in Norfolk was different and less traditional with a number of “first evers” as HSC-2 JOs leaned in and tried new things.

• For the first time, active membership exceeded 3,000 members.

• VCNO championed for NHA right up to his recent retirement by conducting JO and DH Calls at Symposium and authoring the “On Leadership” column in the Summer Issue of Rotor Review.

• HSC-4 JOs planned and executed the Helo Admin at Hook ’22 and crushed it.

• HT-8 JOs are spearheading Gulf Coast Fleet Fly-In with a theme of “Next Gen.”

• The first Annual Loosefoot 616 Memorial Run created a powerful sense of community across the Rotary Force (San Diego, Norfolk, and virtually).

• HSM-41 and HSC-3 JOs and Aircrew established the theme for the 2023 Symposium: “Forging Legacy – Legends Past and Present.”

• Lifetime Membership reaches 677 Lifetime Members.

Membership is the lifeblood of the organization. It is also a team sport – as we need every member to help promote our professional organization. More JO and Aircrew involvement will help grow the organization and keep it vibrant and interesting – this is our “human advantage.”

Other notable events include:

• ADM Bill Lescher receives NHA Lifelong Service Award sponsored by Sikorsky.

• VADM Jeff Hughes becomes newest “Golden Helix” (oldest active-duty unrestricted Naval Aviator).

Lastly, 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.