Flight plan

Where has the summer gone? I was going to use all the free time after the ANA Convention to get myself organized in this "soft" job. Well, there is no free time, the job ain't soft, and I'm still not organized. Things have been happening, and I'll share the highlights.

First, the San Diego ANA Convention. We had about 515 people come and go and every delegate got much valuable information and had a good time. CAPT (Ret) Ken Hutchinson, CO and the members of the San Diego Squadron, did a great job organizing the event; the Harbor Island Hotel took good care of us throughout, and their food was spectacular. On the first day we got a thorough howgozit on Navy aircraft, weapons, and aircraft carriers. We don't have enough of any of those systems, but the quality of what we have is first class, and getting better. Hats off to all of the active duty briefers who did a superb job of telling it like it is. USMC MGEN Chuck Bolden, Jr., CG-3 MAW, gave our Keynote Address, and it was evident from his remarks that the Marines are in good hands and have their priorities for the future in order. At the last moment, we got the word that LT Shane Osborn, the Plane Commander of the EP-3 that suffered the mid-air with the Chinese fighter had cleared his schedule, and he arrived and shared the events of the mid-air and his crew's days in China. This was a very moving presentation, and Shane got a standing ovation.

The next day the Captains of Industry gave their perspective on present and future procurements and discussed the common problems they share with the military. These men know what we need and are trying to give it to us, but they face the same resource limitations as the military. We appreciate these company officials giving us their time, and the continuing support of industry to ANA. Our Awards Luncheon followed. As always, hearing the stories of what each awardee accomplished to deserve his or her award was a moving experience that made everyone proud of the magnificent job our men and women in the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard are doing. Pictures of all the awards are on pages 38-44. That afternoon the Flag Panel discussed many of the issues facing Naval Aviation today. It's no secret that readiness is a major problem for our forces. Our deployed forces generally have what they need, but the forces at home are suffering as they work up for the next time they go forward. We heard vivid descriptions of the dilemmas faced by Naval leadership as they labor to split meager resources between fixing our older systems, which will soon be obsolete, and setting aside the funds necessary to replace the force. It was evident from the presentations that the top Naval Aviation leadership understands the problem and will cope with it.

The final day was devoted to our annual membership meeting, and the grand finale, the address by CNO, ADM Vern Clark. In our meeting we voted some minor changes to our board and officers as reflected on p.3. All members present were unanimous in the need to grow our membership, continue to make the organization vital in its support to Naval Aviation, and to ensure that we have the fun and fellowship that comes from being a part of ANA.

CNO WAS SUPERLATIVE. He made clear that the U.S. Naval Forces are stronger and better than any in the world because they have Naval Aviation - the force that makes the difference! He pledged that he will devote his maximum efforts to readiness. He will give the people what they need to do the job. People remain his number one priority and they must have safe, reliable equipment to accomplish the mission. After many moving remarks, he charged us to go out and tell everyone about our people. "Tell them who we are and what we do! Pass the NavAir story so that the young members of our service can build on their heritage and build a new heritage of their own." He ended by going into the audience and reading a "Who We Are" statement written by VADM Nathman and the Air Board. That statement is printed on the inside front cover of this issue. As requested by CNO, PASS IT ON!!! And thank you ADM Clark for being a highlight of our convention.

And we shared lots of camaraderie and fun. See pages 75 and 76 for some of it.

Secondly, I just returned to the office after two glorious days aboard the USS Caron (DD-970) traveling from Newport to Norfolk. I was fortunate to be invited on a Tiger Cruise that was the last cruise of this Spruance Class destroyer, commissioned October 1, 1977. She is to be decommissioned in September to make way for new ships coming into the Navy. What a great ship. Her condition looked like she could sail forever. You would expect low morale and sad faces from a ship that was on her last voyage. This was not the case. I had numerous chances to talk informally with the crew. When you hear bad remarks about Naval people of today - don't believe it! These young people were upbeat about their jobs, proud of what their ship had accomplished, smart, and ready to take on the new challenges. Many of them will move on to the crew of the USS Cole and get that ship back and ready for future action. And I was again impressed with the enormous responsibilities these young people face every day. These, as well as many other active duty members, are the people CNO asked us to talk about. If the public ever had the chance to talk to, and observe them, there would be no doubt that they deserve all the support their nation can give to its sea services.

Finally, I have had the honor of visiting several ANA squadrons this summer. And I've conducted numerous phonecons and traded e-mails with many other COs and members. It's obvious that we continue to be a strong organization. All the people I've talked with are spirited and understand the needs of our services. Many of you want to do more. I believe we all are frustrated and want to be heard as we go through the long wait to see what the new administration decides for the future of the Armed Forces. (See "From Capitol Hill" page 19 for the Navy Department strategy on relationships with The Hill.) I have been in contact with many of our Naval leaders and I can report they are optimistic about the future. There will be problems and there will be times when our help is needed. For now, let's do what CNO asked, and what other Naval leadership is requesting: Tell our national leadership and the people of our nation about the people in the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Remind them that young people in their late teens and early twenties are out there every day and night willingly putting it on the line for their country. If we say it enough, perhaps we can make them understand what a bargain they are getting from these fantastic people.

Keep your comments coming, and keep up your great work!

Copyright Association of Naval Aviation Summer 2001
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