National President's Message Trust is the Cornerstone of Mission Success By CAPT Tommy "Smokey" Butts, USN
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reetings from NHA here in San Diego!
This Rotor Review issue discussing “Fix, Fly, Fight,” has me reflecting on the amazing maintainers who I’ve had the opportunity to work with throughout my career. These men and women are the “wrench turners” who work all day to ensure aircrews are safe when executing the flight portion of the mission, then upon aircraft return prep the birds for the next day. I could go on for pages listing names of these individuals and their amazing accomplishments. I’ll talk about one sea story specifically involving a judgment call made by a young Second Class Petty Officer. Underway in the 4th Fleet AOR during my OIC deployment and upon landing at the completion of the flight day, the post flight inspection revealed a minimal leak that appeared to be coming from the auxiliary fuel tank. Initial inspection determined the leak was “within limits” and the MO assured me that the aircraft would be ready to go the next morning for a two bird high priority mission. Early the next morning, just prior to pre-flight I, was told that it wasn’t clear whether the aircraft was up or down. The MO, Chief, and a young AD2 (brand new CDQAR) walked into the office to discuss the issue. There were maintainers on the detachment who felt the aircraft was safe to fly and aircrews who were willing to take it to execute the mission. I simply asked AD2 whether he thought the aircraft was up or down. This was the first “tough” call that he had to make as a CDQAR, and although the leak was teetering on the limit, he did not feel the aircraft was safe to fly and determined that it was down. Upon further troubleshooting, it was later determined that the fuel cell was delaminating, causing fuel to pool and could have led to a far worse, potentially catastrophic situation. I bring this story to light because that young AD2 had to make a tough call on an issue that not everyone agreed upon. He trusted his training and showed intestinal fortitude in making the correct call. At the end of the day, the detachment adjusted to execute the mission with one aircraft. That young AD2 is now ADC Probst. This story is just one example of the hero “wrench turners” who keep our aircrews safe and the trust shared amongst us that leads to mission success. Coming out of the holiday season, the team here at NHA is laser focused on preparation for the 2024 NHA Symposium that will return to Harrah’s Resort Southern California from 15-17 May. As in recent years, I expect that there will be community NARGs onboard NASNI at the beginning of that week leading into Symposium. You will see some similarities to the event last year, however, the NHA Team has taken your feedback to continually evolve and improve our marquee event. Take a look at the NHA Website for Symposium registration / hotel reservation information. It is an honor to serve as your National President of our professional organization. V/r, Smokey NHA LTM #504
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