The Hook - Tailhook Salute - Spring 1982

LTJG Al Francher in his F9F-8P Cougar of VFP-61 Det C flying from USS Shangri La (CVA-38) was photographed over Hawaii in 1958 by CDR Bo Masek. Story pages 20-37. The Hook, Vol. 10, No. 1, Spring 1982. GGA Image ID # 16823fd4a6

Introduction

"The Hook - Tailhook Salute" is a quarterly publication that highlights the history, achievements, and developments of U.S. Navy carrier-based aviation. This Spring 1982 edition offers a rich blend of articles, photography, and first-hand accounts showcasing aircraft, aircrew, and operations. It pays tribute to the dedicated individuals supporting naval aviation, from flight deck crews to reconnaissance pilots. The publication also provides an educational lens on the strategic importance of aircraft carriers and their integral role in national defense.

VFA-125 ground crew assists F/A-I8A pilot at MC AS Yuma, 25 January 1982 during the squadron's ACM deployment. GGA Image ID # 16831d5d3b

MAJ Rob Savio brings VFA-12S F/A-18A ”over the top” on the backside of a loop near Yuma, 26 January 1982. Story pages 40-43. (Bob Lawson). GGA Image ID # 16837d764b

Table of Contents : Air Plan

• BRIEF
• FROM THE CATWALK,
  Peter Kilduff
  • "Where Are They Now?"
    Charlie Bolka and Barrett Tillman
• LAUNCH
  • "If We're Not Here, They Don't Go—Flight Deck Crew"
    Story and photos by Bill Powers
  • "Tailhook Salute to the Gang on the Roof"
    Photo essay by Bob Lawson
  • "Aerial Reconnaissance for the Fleet"
    LT Doug Campbell, USNR-R and Bob Lawson
  • "The Recce Hornet"
    Ralph Pruitt, McDonnell Douglas
• AT MARSHAL
  • "Rough Raiders at Yuma"
    Story and photos by Bob Lawson
  • Command Changes
• MANNING THE SPARE
• RECOVERY
• IN REVIEW
• WAVEOFFS AND BOLTERS

About the Publication

The Hook is published quarterly by The Tailhook Association, a non-profit corporation dedicated to foster, encourage, develop, study and support the aircraft carrier, the carrier-based aircraft and aircrew of the United States of America and to educate the public in the aircraft carrier's appropriate role in the Nation's defense system.

Views expressed in The Hook are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the policies of The Tailhook Association or the United States Navy. Printed in U.S.A. Bulk-rate postage paid at Bonita, California. Copyright ©1982 by The Tailhook Association. All rights reserved.

Subscription for The Hook is included in the $15.00 annual membership in The Tailhook Association. Regular Membership is open to anyone who has made a carrier landing as a pilot or air-crewman. Associate Membership is open to anyone having the background and interest to support the goals of the The Tailhook Association, as stated above. Ordinary subscriptions are also available.

Conclusion

This issue of The Hook exemplifies the dedication and expertise of U.S. Navy carrier-based aviation. Through its stories, images, and reflections, it honors the professionals who ensure operational excellence, whether in the cockpit, on the flight deck, or in support roles. The Tailhook Association continues to foster appreciation for naval aviation's legacy, inviting members and enthusiasts alike to celebrate the innovation and camaraderie that define this unique community.

THE TAILHOOK ASSOCIATION
Membership /Administration
P.O. Box 40
Bonita, CA 92002
(714) 479-8525

• PRESIDENT : CAPT Thomas A. Stanley, USN
• SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT : D.S. Laird, CDR, USN (Ret)
• VICE PRESIDENTS
  • CAPT T.C. Wimberly, USN
  • Thomas J. Kane, Jr.
  • Robert H. Thompson
• BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  • F.A.W. Franke, Jr. CAPT USN (Ret)
  • D.S. "Diz" Laird, CDR USN (Ret)
  • CDR Rod Knutson, USN
  • LCDR John P. Wrynn, USN
  • LCDR Gregory A. Cassady, USNR
• ADVISOR, NAVAL AVIATION MATTERS : James D. Ramage, RADM USN (Ret)
• EXECUTIVE SECRETARY : Ron Thomas
• GENERAL COUNSEL : R.E. Gallatin, CAPT USN (Ret)

CORPORATE MEMBERS

The following corporations exhibit their strong support of Naval Aviation through their membership in the Tailhook Association:

• Air Fuel Corporation
• Beech Aircraft Corporation
• Beech Aerospace Services, Inc.
• Cubic Corporation
• General Dynamics/Convair Division
• General Dynamics/Pomona Division
• General Electric Company-Aircraft Engine Group
• Grumman Aerospace Corporation
• Harris Corporation-PRD Electronics Division
• Hughes Aircraft Company
• Litton Systems, Inc. Guidance & Control Systems Division
• Lockheed-California Company
• McDonnell Douglas Corporation
• Northrop Corporation
• Northrop Corporation, Ventura Division
• Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Group
• Raytheon Company
• Rockwell International
• Sanders Associates, Inc.
• Teledyne Ryan Aeronautics
• Texas Instruments Corporation
• United Technologies-Norden Systems
• Vought Corporation