Editor Spolight Enjoy a Q&A with one of our Editors, Capt. Mike “Chowdah” Ayala, USMC Editor since: Fall 2023 Location: New Orleans, LA Past Squadrons/Commands: HMLA-773 Det A “Red Dogs” ;HMLA-267 “Stingers” VMM-163(REIN) “Evil Eyes” MAG-39 Favorite Tour: VMM-163(REIN) as part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group WESTPAC 19.2. It’s true what they say: you won’t recognize you’re experiencing the good times until those times have already passed. Take photos at every opportunity you have when you’re away from garrison. The more photos the better. Favorite EP: Np Overspeed and Underspeed. Because it’s the one EP I’ve seen happen the most to pilots in the Fleet. Favorite Color: Torn between Red and Black. Favorite Food: Torn between Tacos and Pizza! Favorite Hobby: It’s snowboarding but there’s not a lot of snow, or hills for that matter in Louisiana. So now it’s camping and working on my caravan-style travel trailer. Why did you decide to become a Rotor Review Editor? Didn’t see a whole lot of Marine representation on the list of editors and felt obligated to try and change that. Luckily I didn’t have to ask, Grudge asked me and I’m grateful for that. What is your favorite memory in Naval Aviation? Flying low altitude through the Philippines with the best friends I’ll ever have. If you ever get a chance to fly through the Philippines do it. Plan a route that goes from sea level all the way up to the higher elevations. If you’re in Subic Bay, fly up towards Mount Pinatubo. You won’t regret it. Jordan was also pretty rad.
Rotor Review #163 Winter '24
What are your goals for the future? Right now my sights are on giving precious time back to my family after a long Fleet tour. But professionally I’d like to stick around long enough to maybe do another Fleet tour and hopefully have a shot at a MEU or something cool like a Marine Rotational Force - Darwin. They do some great training out there. The Australians also have sick, off-road caravan-style travel trailers I want to get my eyes on… Anything else you’d like our readership to know? I can’t reiterate enough how important it is to be technically and tactically proficient. Our jobs are all incredibly important and demand maximum preparation, effort, and commitment from all of us no matter how seemingly small or unimportant your job may seem right now. Our profession is truly a team effort and we need everyone on the team to operate at a high level. At the same time though, it’s equally important to not lose sight of who you are and why you took your oath in the first place. Staying humble, and approachable, while also choosing to be receptive to training and growth (especially in uncomfortable or dynamic situations), will help expand your box and make you and ultimately your team better. Stay motivated.
22