Passing of the Golden Helix Award

Passing of the Golden Helix Award

By LCDR Patricia A. Kreuzberger, USN

ADM 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.

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.

“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.”