From the Editor-in-Chief Fix, Fly, FIGHT
By LT Elisha, "Grudge" Clark, USN
H
appy New Year! Yes, we are in month two already, BUT I know all of you have already been hard at work kicking off 2024 with some enriching and informative articles. In my last note, I told you I wanted to hear your stories, your challenges, and your lessons learned. I’m happy to announce that you all delivered. We have an exciting issue for you, packed with all of the above. Among these pages you’ll find stories of missing tools, rescue missions, and overcoming unanticipated obstacles. If there is one takeaway I could mention in my relatively short time as a Naval Aviator, it’s that I can always learn something new from our tireless and hardworking maintenance personnel. Today was no exception. As the first Romeo Editor-In-Chief in some time, I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to commend HSM-74’s actions in the 5th Fleet AOR. It is a not-so-subtle reminder of the importance of being ready for anything, including the order to utilize every piece of training you’ve had up to that point. This is one of those instances where the follow-on discussion can be just as consequential as the event itself. That conversation starts with you. Take advantage of the magazine’s next theme: "Be Ready." I cannot think of a more fitting title aligned with this year’s Symposium, purposefully broad, it is a theme designed to create the spark which will ignite a thousand fiery debates, conversations, and engaging trains of thought. I look forward to hearing from you. V/r Grudge
Letters to the Editor It is always great to hear from our membership! We need your input to ensure that Rotor Review keeps you informed, connected, and entertained. We maintain many open channels to contact the magazine staff for feedback, suggestions, praise, complaints, or publishing corrections. Please advise us if you do not wish to have your input published in the magazine. Your anonymity will be respected. Post comments on the NHA Facebook Page or send an email to the Editor-in-Chief. Her email is elishasuziclark@gmail.com, or to the Managing Editor at rotorreview@navalhelicopterassn.org. You can use snail mail too. Rotor Review’s mailing address is: Letters to the Editor, c/o Naval Helicopter Association, Inc., P.O. Box 180578, Coronado, CA 92178-0578.
Our Readers Write: Welcome aboard Grudge. The latest RR for Fall '23 is great. I really enjoyed your article on CAPT Sunita Williams. She is truly a helo pilot to astronaut rockstar. Some other facts about Suni: she was the first person to run a marathon in space, running the Boston Marathon in 2007 in real time along with participants on earth. She was the NASA Expedition 33 Mission Commander and subsequent Station Commander of the International Space Station (ISS) in 2012. While aboard the ISS in 2012, she was the first person to do a triathlon in space; running, biking and "swimming" the Nautica Malibu Triathlon. In 2018 she held the record for the most spacewalks and the longest spacewalk for a female astronaut. That year she was also selected to lead a team of nine NASA astronauts to augment and train crews for the SpaceX Crew Dragon and Boeing Starliner Space Flight Programs. Links to videos of the 2007 marathon run and the 2012 ISS Tour are below. Astronaut begins the Boston Marathon in space - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDCdDybegVc) Departing Space Station Commander Provides Tour of Orbital Laboratory - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doN4t5NKW-k) LCDR Chip Lancaster, USN (Ret.)
Rotor Review #163 Winter '24
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