As I write this, we are very near what is shaping up to be our best reunion ever. The Nugget and surrounding hotels are sold out, and we’ve established a great line-up of events to celebrate and further carrier aviation and our “family,” young and old alike.
Carrier Aviation Past and Present
Articles in this and recent issues have focused on current matters facing carrier aviation. It’s easy to get lost in the myriad of new terms that are so much a part of our Naval Aviation vision. Programs like Sea Strike, Sea Shield, Sea Basing, Network Centric Warfare, Fleet Readiness Plan and Cost Based Readiness are more than fancy titles. Our challenge across all facets of carrier aviation is to maximize readiness as we recapitalize our force structure while financing our considerable role in the War on Terror. These programs are an attempt to do that, and whether you attended Hook ’05 or not, you owe it to yourself to become familiar with the new terminology.
Tailhook 101
As many of you know, the Tailhook Association and its sister Tailhook Educational Foundation are more than just “clubs.” Both are California nonprofit corporations subject to specific rules and regulations. This isn’t a big deal if you have 100 people in your company, but we have nearly 12,000 members and made more than $1 million in gross income last year.
Our magazine is recognized as one of the finest aviation periodicals, and our “Send The Hook to School” delivers free copies of our magazine to more than 1,200 high schools. Our Web site continues to grow, and you’ll find it user-friendly and a great marketing tool for Naval Aviation.
The headquarters building in San Diego with its archive of historical material has become one of the best resources for Naval Aviation research. Our inventory of merchandise continues to grow and is a thriving business operated from the same building.
All of this activity is managed by a relatively small staff. Your executive director, CAPT J.R. Davis, manages four full-time and as many as four part-time employees. The Hook editorial staff consists of CAPT Steve Millikin and CDR Jan Jacobs, assisted by archivist CDR Doug Siegfried.
Patty Borich, Carol Irelan, Denyse Davis and Jan Webb are the primary administrators for all kinds of activity at the headquarters building. We couldn’t function without their dedicated work.
This year marked the debut of our new reunion coordinator, CAPT Marc Ostertag, who has exceeded all expectations in the countless tasks required to put the reunion together. From making arrangements that support countless events to orchestrating commercial displays and hundreds of other details, Marc and his 30 or so “volunteers” do it all.
The Tailhook Educational Foundation (a separate corporation) consists entirely of volunteers who have done incredible work. Led by VADM Mike Bowman, they awarded in 2005 a total of 45 academic scholarships to children of carrier sailors. And they need your interest and support in order to ensure this effort continues and grows.
None of these “great Americans” on the Tailhook staff is becoming rich with the salaries we pay. They do it because they believe in what Tailhook stands for. They deserve our gratitude. Next time you see the “Tailhook Staff” logo on someone’s shirt, let him or her know you appreciate their work.
The Future of Hook
What started in Rosarito Beach, Mexico, almost 50 years ago has evolved into Naval Aviation’s premier information forum. As you may know, I have a brother in another service. I’ll never forget the time that he accompanied me to Tailhook when we were both junior officers. While standing in the back of a packed conference room listening to the Aviation Flag Panel respond to questions from junior officers, my brother simply shook his head in amazement, saying, “You know, in our service, we’d never allow the junior officers to ask direct questions like they’re doing here today.” The social events and commercial display booths are really great, but it is that open forum of communication and ability to use this organization year-round that sets us apart.
I am retiring from the Navy and am stepping down as president of the Tailhook Association. CAPT Scott H. “Notso” Swift is taking the job, and I’m sure will receive the same great support I have enjoyed the last four years. We’ve seen tremendous growth and reinvigoration; we are financially sound; the Educational Foundation is growing stronger and the future is bright. To me, the most important fact is that active-duty membership has risen from less than 10 percent of those eligible to more than 75 percent.
While we “more mature types” can guide you, Tailhook is your organization, whether you’re on active duty, retired or a civilian interested in carrier aviation. I urge you to become involved. Don’t let the organization or the reunion stagnate. Take our message supporting Naval Aviation to the rest of the services and the public at large — our promotional video CD, which is now available, is a great place to start. Don’t forget about the Tailhook Ready Rooms. If there’s not one near you, think about creating one. If you’re on active duty, try our Tailhook Strike Force of supercharged junior officers, or maybe even running for a position on the Board of Directors.
Encourage Association membership, particularly from others on active duty, but also relatives and friends who are interested in supporting our goals.
Thanks for your support during my time as your president. See you at Hook ’06.