Tailhook Daily Briefing

Hook 2011! The Centennial Celebration Continues

A mere 10 days from now many of us will be gathering in the warm desert sun of Reno NV for the 2011 Tailhook Reunion and Symposium! 

Here is an online reminder of the festivities we are all looking forward to:

2011 Tailhook Convention Schedule

Thursday, 8 September 2011
0830–2100 Tailhook Sales Booth Open
0900–2100 Registration — The Nugget Hotel, Pavilion A Foyer
0900–2100 Exhibits Open, Pavilions A–E
1800–2100 Welcome — Reunion Groups Reception (No Host), Pavilions A–E

Friday, 9 September 2011
0730–1200 ✈ Golf Tournament — Wildcreek G.C., Sparks, Nev., and Hidden Valley C.C. Reno
0800–1330 ✈ Tour of NAS Fallon and Lunch (Limited to the first 90 guests)
0800–1200 ✈ “Bullet” Bob Canepa Memorial Tennis Tournament
0830–2100 Tailhook Sales Booth Open
0830–1330 ✈ Lake Tahoe cruise on board the 85-ft. yacht Paradise with “Mark Twain” as narrator. Includes lunch. (Limited to the first 90 guests)
0900–2100 Registration — The Nugget Hotel, Pavilion A Foyer
0900–1700 Symposium Programs, Rose A Ballroom
0930–1400 ✈ Tahoe Ridge Winery Tour Includes lunch. (Limited to the first 90 guests)
1100–2100 Exhibits Open, Pavilions A–E
1630–1700 Annual Membership Meeting, Rose A Ballroom
1800–2400 ✈ “Bug” Roach Flight-Deck Mixer, Pavilions A–E and Rose A & B Ballrooms

Saturday, 10 September 2011
0530–0900 ✈ Balloon Race Shuttle (Limited to the first 40 guests)
0700–0800 ✈ Tailhook Association 5K Fun Run
0830–1500 Tailhook Sales Booth Open
0830–1500 Registration — The Nugget Hotel, Pavilion A Foyer
0900–1545 Symposium Programs, Rose A Ballroom
0900–1500 Exhibits Open, Pavilions A–E
0930–1100 ✈ Special Event — NMA/USAA/MOAA Spouse Financial Briefing,
Celebrity Showroom
1200–1345 ✈ RADM “Jig Dog” and Ginger Ramage Recognition Luncheon, Rose B Ballroom (Seating begins at 1130)
1500 Exhibits Closed
1800–1930 Pre-Banquet Reception (No Host), Rose A and B Foyer and Pavilion A Foyer
1930–2200 ✈ Tailhook Banquet, Semi-Formal, Rose A and B Ballroom (Seating begins at 1900)

Sunday, 11 September 2011
Breakfast is available at the General Store, the Farm House or the Rotisserie on the Nugget’s main floor.

✈ Ticket/Payment Required event. Casual attire for all events except banquet.
Flight suits encouraged for flight-deck mixer.

➢ Tailhook is proud to welcome the following reunion groups: Reserves Over Fightertown (VF-301, VF-302, VC/VFC-13), Viking Association/VS-37, VA-304, Prowler Desert Storm Squadrons, Air Task Groups, VF-92, VF-202, VF-24/VF-211, VA/VFA-127, Skyhawk Association and Intruder Association who are holding events in conjunction with the Tailhook Convention. The Thursday
evening welcoming reception, open to everyone, will salute these reunion groups. Visit the Tailhook Web site for more information.

➢The Friday evening “Bug” Roach Flight-Deck Mixer will salute 100 Years of Naval Aviation. Flight suits are encouraged. This event
includes three hosted drinks, beer, wine, soft drinks or cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres.

I’ll see you there!

-JC

Photos From the Tailhook 2010 Front Lines

Your Humble Scribe cannot be at this year’s Tailhook Symposium and reunion in Reno, but not to fear!  I have recruited a couple of stalwarts in the Tailhook Community to help me out, Hans and Kathy Schmoldt!

I just received a couple of “Images from the Front Lines” that I am glad to pass on to our faithful readers. (Fair warning many of these images and comments are being transmitted direct from Han’s iPhone thus the details surrounding them are limited at best.)

Below is the award presented to NFO of the Year LCDR David Rueter (and I assume Hizzoner himself).  Lemme guess, call sign “Roto”?

 

Hans then pinged me with another quick brief regarding the awarding of the most “Straight Deck” landings (440) to Diz Laird pictured here with Hans. Diz Laird has the singular distinction of having shot down not only Japanese but German aircraft in WW II.

Additionally Hans forwarded a few of our resident Colorado Ready Room Members Bad Bart, and Spook!

Also included on the recon dump are images  of Bartlesville's Silver Star recipient Bru and his two employees.

Thank you Hans and Kathy!!!

Keep those images and stories coming in!  And if you too wish to contribute please forward your tales and images directly to me at carmichaelj@comcast.net

Ready on Arrival

As a reminder, the 2010 Hook Conference is just around the corner. [Details]

Many o squadron, ship, command are holding joint reunions at this year’s shindig, here’s a small list (contact information can be found in this month’s newsletter from the main site):

• CSFWP - LT Cori Kindig -
• VFA-154 - LTjg Clayton Heyward -
• VX-9/31 - LT Andrew Toll -
• TACSUPWING (VFC-13) - CDR Anthony Gilbert -
• CNATRA - LT Mike Galdieri -
• VFA-146 -
• NSAWC - CDR James Kuehl -
• AOCS - Brian Bell -
• Skyhawk Association - Marc Williams or Ralph Chairman -
• Intruder Association - RADM Rupe Owens -
• Skywarrior Association - Ralph Estes -
• Viking Association - CAPT Evan Piritz -
• VAQ/VAK-208/-308 - John Gruber -
• Navy Preflight Class 20-50 - Agnes Clare -
• VF/VFA-41 - LT Jimmy "WIFI" Haizlip -
• VF-51 - Don Bouchoux -
• VA-145 - Norm Lessard -
• VT-23 - Bill McVey -
• RAFS - Real Aviators Fly Stoofs (S-2F's) -

 

I thought as a prep for many of this year’s reunions I’d provide a stroll down memory lane… courtesy of Tailhooker and Navy Leaguer, Bill Schultz.

READY ON ARRIVAL!

Good stuff if you can get it!

Hook 2010 is Just Around the Corner

The 54th Annual Tailhook Convention is just around the corner, September 9-12 to be precise!  And it is not too late to get your reservations!  Simply click here:  [Reservation Form].

This year’s theme is  Naval Aviation Training, and promises to be as informative, entertaining, and downright fun as all of our other conventions.

This year’s schedule looks like this (keep an eye out for updates and details about the speakers etc… we’ll be sure to post them here and on the Mother Ship.)

                      2010 TAILHOOK CONVENTION SCHEDULE

Thursday, 9 September 2010
0830–2100 Tailhook Sales Booth Open
0900–2100 Registration — The Nugget Hotel, Pavilion A Foyer
0900–2100 Exhibits Open, Pavilions A–E
1800–2100 Welcome — Reunion Groups Reception (No Host), Pavilions A–E

Friday, 10 September 2010
0730–1200 ✈ Golf Tournament — Wildcreek G.C., Sparks, Nev., and Hidden Valley C.C. Reno
0800–1330 ✈ Tour of NAS Fallon and Lunch (Limited to the first 90 guests)
0800–1200 ✈ “Bullet” Bob Canepa Memorial Tennis Tournament
0830–2100 Tailhook Sales Booth Open
0830–1330 ✈ Lake Tahoe cruise on board the 85-ft. yacht Paradise with “Mark Twain”
as narrator. Includes lunch. (Limited to the first 90 guests)
0900–2100 Registration — The Nugget Hotel, Pavilion A Foyer
0900–1700 Symposium Programs, Rose A Ballroom
0930–1400 ✈ Tahoe RidgeWinery Tour Includes lunch. (Limited to the first 90 guests)
1100–2100 Exhibits Open, Pavilions A–E
1630–1700 Annual Membership Meeting, Rose A Ballroom
1800–2400 ✈ “Bug” Roach Flight-Deck Mixer, Pavilions A–E and Rose B Ballroom

Saturday, 11 September 2010
0530–0900 ✈ Balloon Race Shuttle (Limited to the first 40 guests)
0700–0800 ✈ Tailhook Association 5K Fun Run
0830–1500 Tailhook Sales Booth Open
0830–1500 Registration — The Nugget Hotel, Pavilion A Foyer
0830–1600 Symposium Programs, Rose A Ballroom
0900–1500 Exhibits Open, Pavilions A–E
0930–1100 ✈ Special Event — NMA/USAA/MOAA Spouse Financial Briefing,
Celebrity Showroom
1130–1300 ✈ RADM “Jig Dog” and Ginger Ramage Recognition Luncheon, Rose B Ballroom
1500 Exhibits Closed
1800–1930 Pre-Banquet Reception (No Host), Rose A and B Foyer and Pavilion A Foyer
1930–2200 ✈ Tailhook Banquet, Semi-Formal, Rose A and B Ballroom

Sunday, 12 September 2010
Breakfast is available at the General Store, the Farm House or the Rotisserie on the Nugget’s main floor.
✈ Ticket/Payment Required event. Casual attire for all events except banquet.
Flight suits encouraged for flight-deck mixer.

 

                               CONVENTION INFORMATION

➢ Register Early. This year we are giving a discount for those who register on or before 1 August.We also expect a larger turnout this year, and hotel room choices could be limited. Make your room reservations as soon as possible! If you are active-duty military, please inform the hotel of this when you make your reservations to receive the active-duty rate.

➢ We want to emphasize that spouses are invited to the convention and the Saturday spouse’s financial presentation in the Celebrity Showroom. This year, Friday’s program includes a cruise on Lake Tahoe on board the 85-ft. yacht Paradise with “Mark Twain” as your narrator. Spouses are also encouraged to enter the golf tournament on Friday and to sign up for the Tahoe RidgeWinery Tour and the Balloon Race shuttle.

➢Tailhook is proud to welcome the following reunion groups: Skyhawk Association, Intruder Association, Skywarrior Association, VAQ/VAK-208/-308, Navy Preflight Class 20-50,VF/VFA-41 and VT-23 who are holding events in conjunction with the Tailhook Convention. The Thursday evening welcoming reception, open to everyone, will salute these reunion groups.Visit the Tailhook Web site for more information.

➢ The Friday evening “Bug” Roach Flight-Deck Mixer will salute The Training Command. Flight suits are encouraged. This event includes three hosted drinks, beer, wine, soft drinks or cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres.

➢ Register online and reserve your hotel room at the Nugget through the Tailhook Store: http://www.Tailhook.org

 

                              Hotel Reservations
                                  (800) 648-1177
                                      or online at
                                 www.Tailhook.org
                                           or
                                www.janugget.com

NAS Fallon Airshow at Tailhook

Just returned from the NAS Fallon Airshow and watching the Blue Angeles put on a superb Demo.  Not much time to post here, but the 2009 Tailhook Reunion and Symposium is going very well!

Here’s a few quick snaps from the Airshow for your entertainment…

 

Headed off to the Bug Roach Mixer…  More later…

-JC

Tailhook 2009 Schedule of Events

This week begins the 2009 “Hook” Convention.  I’ll be there… Will you?

Here is the schedule of events for your perusal:

HOOK 09 CONVENTION SCHEDULE

CARRIER AVIATION – ON THE EDGE OF THE ENVELOPE

Thursday, 10 September 2009

• 0900-2100 Registration/Exhibits - Pavilion A-E/Store Open – Pavilion A Foyer
• 1300-1600 THA BOD Meeting, Southern Pacific E & F
• 1800-2100 Welcome to Reunion Groups Reception (no host) – Pavilions A through E
  

Friday, 11 September 2009

• 0730-1200 Golf Tournament – Wildcreek G.C., Sparks, NV - Overflow to the Top Gun reunion golf tournament. Buses depart from the Nugget main entrance at 0600 and 0645. Breakfast available at the golf courses. Shotgun start at 0730 (lunch included).
• 0800-1200 Round Robin Tennis Tournament – Reno Tennis Center. Bus departs from the Nugget main entrance at 0715
• 0830-1530 Blue Angels Show NAS Fallon – Buses depart from Nugget Hotel East Exit, Bus Transportation Area
• 0830-1330 Lake Tahoe Tour (lunch included) – Bus departs from Nugget Hotel East Exit, Bus Transportation Area
• 0930-1400 Tahoe Ridge Winery Tour (lunch included)
• 0900-2100 Registration/Store Open/Exhibits Open

SYMPOSIUM - Rose A Ballroom

• 0930-1015 Naval Aviation Safety Update – CAPT “Clyde” Langford.
• 1030-1200 Future Capabilities for Carrier Aviation - JSF Program Update and Capabilities Brief.
• 1400-1500 BUPERS UPDATE – CAPT Mike “Magwai” White, PERS43.
• 1515-1630 Warfighter Panel – Moderator - CAPT Kevin “Komrade” Kovacich; Panelists – (TBD).
• 1630-1700 Membership Meeting – Rose A Ballroom
• 1800-2100 Bug Roach Mixer, Pavilions A through E and Rose B Ballroom. Casual Attire, Flight suits encouraged.
  

Saturday, 12 September 2009

• 0530-1200 Balloon Race Shuttle
• 0830-1500 Registration/Store/Exhibits Open – Pavilion A Foyer
• 0930-1100 Special Event – “Cabaret Behind the Scenes” Celebrity Showroom
  

SYMPOSIUM- Rose A Ballroom

• 0900-1015 N880 Plans for the Future
• 1030-1145 Tailhook Aviation on the Edge of the Envelope - Moderator: CAPT Lonny “Eagle” McClung
  • Blues: CAPT Gil Rud, Kevin O’Mara, Current CO
  • Topgun: Monroe Smith, CAPT Rolland “Dawg” Thompson, CAPT (sel) Dan “Undra” Cheever.

 

• 1200-1330 RADM “Jig Dog” Ramage Recognition Luncheon, Rose B Ballroom
• 1400-1545 Aviation Flag Panel hosted by – VADM Tom “Killer” Kilcline, CNAF
• 1500 Exhibits Close – Dismantle and Pack Up
• 1800-1930 Tailhook Pre-Banquet Reception (no host) – Rose A and B Foyer
• 1930-2200 Tailhook Banquet, Semi-Formal (Jacket and tie for men, Cocktail dress for women), Rose A and B Ballroom, Guest Speaker, Admiral Pat “Sponge” Walsh, USN
  

Sunday 13 September 2009

Breakfast available at the General Store, the Farm House or the Rotisserie on the Nugget’s main floor.

Reunion Support: We are looking for volunteers willing to work on the Hook '09 Reunion Committee

• PowerPoint Ranger
• Camera Operator
• General Volunteers

Volunteers recieve a free room, tickets to all events and 2009 reunion shirts

Contact Marc Ostertag (800) 322-4665

2nd annual “Bullet Bob Canepa” Memorial Tennis Round Robin

• Friday, September 11th 2009 - 0830-1200
• Reno Tennis Center
• Space available for 32 players
• $15/player
• Prizes for everyone
• Sign up today!
• Sponsored by  Northrup Grumman & Raytheon

Hook '08 Photo Montage... part 1

Keep those photos coming, I'll post as many as I can.

Hope you all enjoyed the time!

Jig Dog and Ginger Ramage at Tailhook '08

Reporting direct from the Hook '08 Hangar Bay, aka the Nugget Hotel in Reno, Kathy Schmolt of the Colorado Ready Room brings us the following gem about James "Jig Dog" and Ginger Ramage! 

"Jig Dog" for whom the awards luncheon is named for, and his beautiful wife Ginger were sitting next to the registration desk after they walked every aisle of the booths. I asked if I could take their picture and they both just beamed.  And they stated that they were more than happy to share information for the Daily Briefing.

I asked him, "What was the highlight of your career?"

And with no adjectives verbs or anything, he rattled this off:

"Commanding Officer of Bombing 10 USS Enterprise, Battle of Philippines Sea June 19 & 20, 1944!"

For those of you who are not familiar with The Battle of the Philippine Sea, it was the fifth and last major carrier-vs-carrier battle of the Pacific War and setting for the well known Marianas Turkey Shoot!  Pitting the US Task Force 58 and it's fifteen carriers against the Japanese Mobile Fleet of 9 carriers.  Details can be found here [link].

Kathy continues...

I then asked Ginger, what was the highlight of her "career?"

She smiled slyly and said, "It was ALL a highlight!"

They were married in Rome in 1964 where he said that culture's 'rules' were:
#1  Husband was head of household
#2  Everything owned was the husband's
#3  Everywhere he went, she went

I thanked him for his service to our country and with a humble smile, he nodded at me.  Then I thanked her for her service, too. She said, "Oh, I was just in it for the paycheck !" 

Not to let that go... "Jig Dog" was quick to point out, "And she got 100% of it!"

They both exuded sunshine with their giggles and smiles and adoration for each other.

I explained once more that this could possibly be posted on the Internet, to which she said, "Oh, we have nothing to hide in our lives."  He quickly interjected, "Maybe not in YOUR life..."

A Bit Weary but Still Reporting Live from Sparks,
- "The Boss"

Let's Get this Party Started!

As promised I'll try to keep a continuing repository of the stories and photos from this year's Hook '08! 

I begin with contributions from The Colorado Ready Room, headed up by Hans "Big Guns"and Kathy "The Boss" Schmoldt.  They arrived early at the Nugget to set up the Colorado Ready Room Booth and then headed out with other Colorado Chapter Members to enjoy some time at the NAS Fallon O'Club.  Here's some of the fun courtesy of Kathy!  Keep 'em coming! 

 

Elvis is in the building!

 

(L) As always, the Nugget is a very welcoming facility! (R) Hans "Big Gun" Schmoldt setting up the Colorado ready Room Booth.

(Above):  Hans Schmoldt and Bart Flaherty "Bad Bart" from Golden,CO - State Dept.  just returned Sunday from his 7th time in Mongoliaand and Phantom Dude! Enjoy the finest nature has to offer, a pint of Guiness at the O'Club!

 

(Above): (L) Doug Thompson well known FBO manager at NAS GJT, enjoys a conversation with "Cyrus" Vance. (R) Kathy "The Boss Schmoldt" mugs for the picture with her Sundowner (VFC-111) Buddies Jason "Lickma" Boles and David "Boats" Bowen.

 

(Above):  (L) CAPT Chet Alexander  US Navy retired with Bart Flaherty  (see above), Roy  Rogers and Sr. Chief Robert Prater retired, President Navy League - said there were streets in Reno named for him...they are all ONE-way streets.  (R) "Boatsie" shows the best kind of "Fat Tire" to have after landing at Fallon!

More to come...

Reports from the MODLOC to Follow!

        

It begins today!  HOOK '08 is underway, with a fairly light load today!

Thursday, 4 September 2008

• 0830-2100 Tailhook Ship’s Store Open – Pavilion A Foyer
• 0900-2100 Registration – Pavilion A Foyer
• 0900-2100 Exhibits Open – Pavilions A through E
• 1300-1600 THA BOD Meeting, Southern Pacific E & F
• 1800-2100 Welcome to Reunion Groups Reception (no host) – Pavilions A through E

I will continue to update The Daily Briefing with reports from Reno as they come in!

If you would like to contribute tales or photos! (ESPECIALLY PHOTOS!) please send to me at carmichaelj@comcast.net . 

When you provide Photos it is useful if you provide character names and context (what's happening in the photo?)

-JC