The Hook - Naval Aviation In Color - Spring 2000

On The Front Cover: Section of TraWing One T-45C Goshawks display the aircraft's vertical capability over the Mississippi countryside near NAS Meridian. Photo by Boeing, C22-602-16. GGA Image ID # 21ab32ee08

Introduction

The Spring 2000 issue of The Hook highlights the evolving legacy of naval aviation with a vibrant and diverse array of articles. The table of contents offers an engaging roadmap, from discussions on operational advancements like "Naval Time Critical Strike" to historical reflections such as "Naval Aviation in Color — The Mighty Spad Douglas Skyraider." With features on carrier operations, training innovations, and tributes to aviation legends, this edition celebrates the rich history and modern achievements of carrier-based aviation.

Table of Contents : Air Plan

• BRIEF
  • Naval Time Critical Strike: The Way Ahead
    VADM Dennis V. McGinn, USN, Commander, Third Fleet
  • From the Chairman: The View From Here
    RADM Thomas F. Brown III, USN(Ret)
  • From the Executive Director: The New Year Takes Shape
    CAPT J.R. Davis, USN(Ret)
  • Naval Aviation In Color — The Mighty Spad Douglas Skyraider
    photo essay by Robert L. Lawson
• FROM THE CATWALK
  • From the Catwalk
    conducted by CAPT Hook
  • The Further Adventures of Youthly Puresome: First Blood
    CDR Jack D. Woodul, USNR(Ret), artwork by Carl Snow
• LAUNCH
  • Shortening the Training Pipeline
    Vivienne Heines
  • Where are the Carriers?
  • Courtesy of VMFA(AW)-332: Kodak Moments in Kosovo
    Margaret Bone
  • U.S. Navy Non-Tactical Units
    LCDR Rick Burgess, USN(Ret)
• AT MARSHAL
  • Command Changes
  • Air Wing and Squadron Reports
• RECOVERY
  • Commentary: Potomac Currents
    Michael Dennis
  • The Last Crusader
    Bruce R. Boland
• IN REVIEW
• RESPOT
  • Trader Jon, Naval Aviation Legend, Dies at Age 84
  • Blue Angels 2000 Performance Schedule
• PATCH PAGE
  • Oldies But Goodies
• WAVEOFFS & BOLTERS
  • What is It?
    Steve Millikin and Hal Andrews

Tailhook Association Vision, Purpose and Objectives

It is the vision of the Tailhook Association to be nationally recognized as the premier organization for support of carrier and other sea-based aviation. The purposes of the Association as set forth in the organization bylaws are:

to foster, encourage, develop, study, and support the aircraft carrier, sea-based aircraft, both fixed and rotary wing, and aircrews of the United States of America; and to educate and inform the public in the appropriate role of the aircraft carrier and carrier aviation in the nation’s defense system.”

The objectives of the Tailhook Association in implementation of the stated purposes are:

• To uphold a commitment to the highest standards of professional and personal conduct
• To honor the service and sacrifices of all those who are or have been a part of carrier-based aviation
• To sponsor and participate in professional gatherings designed to constructively enhance public recognition of the importance of carrier and other sea-based aviation
• To provide an interactive forum for fleet aviator thought and opinion in carrier aviation matters, particularly that of the junior aviator
• To contribute to the enhancement of professionalism, camaraderie and morale among carrier and other sea-based aviators
• To honor and give special recognition to those who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of carrier-based Naval Aviation
• To contribute to improved communication among civilian and military communities regarding carrier aviation matters; and
• To develop an ever-widening membership base.

The Hook is published quarterly by the Tailhook Association, a California nonprofit corporation. 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 the USA. Bulk-rate postage paid at San Diego, Calif. Copyright ©2000 by the Tailhook Association. All rights reserved.

Subscription for The Hook is included in the $40.00 annual membership in the Tailhook Association. Regular Membership is open to anyone who has made a carrier landing as a pilot or aircrewman.

Associate Membership is open to anyone having the background and interest to support the goals of the Tailhook Association, as stated above. Subscriptions are also available to organizations or individuals.

A current corporation annual report, prepared in accordance with Section 8321 of the California Corporations Code, is available to regular members upon request.

Conclusion

The Spring 2000 edition of The Hook underscores the Tailhook Association's commitment to preserving the legacy and advancing the future of naval aviation. Through articles ranging from operational strategies to photo essays and historical retrospectives, the publication bridges past and present achievements. Whether reflecting on the bold legacy of the Douglas Skyraider or exploring the dynamics of modern training pipelines, this issue invites readers to appreciate the enduring importance of carrier-based aviation in national defense.

Executive Staff Members

• EDITOR : CAPT Steve Millikin, USN(Ret)
• MANAGING EDITOR : CDR Jan C. Jacobs, USNR(Ret)
• ASSOCIATE EDITORS
  • CAPT Wynn F Foster, USN(Ret)
  • Barrett Tillman
  • Carmelle Carter
• CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
  • Steven P. Albright
  • Hal Andrews
  • Margaret Bone
  • CDR Doug Siegfried, USN(Ret)
  • Mike Weeks
  • CDR Jack D. Woodul, USNR(Ret)
• CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
• Ted Carlson
• Rick Llinares
• Jose M. Ramos
• LCDR Chris Buhlmann, USNR

Printing by Neyenesch Printers, San Diego, Calif.

Articles and news items are welcomed. Submit material for The Hook to: Editorial Offices, The Hook, 9696 Businesspark Ave., San Diego, CA 92131-1643. (858) 689-9227 or (800) 322-HOOK, Fax (858) 578-8839,

Advertising: Truby Chiaviello, Potomac Publishing Services, 1200 South Courthouse Rd., Suite 535, Arlington, VA 22204. (888) 325-9943 Fax: (703) 920-1235

VOLUME 28 NUMBER 1 SPRING 2000

© 2000, all rights reserved

ISSN: 0736-9220