Tailhook Association and Association of Naval Aviation
There is a large, international organization that features the slogan “To be one, ask one” and that is our purpose here today. The Tailhook Association and Association of Naval Aviation are two organizations focused on the unique aspect and specific and general needs of carrier (viz. “tailhook”) and naval aviation. Both do heavy lifting inside the lifelines as well as informing and educating the general public on the contributions and opportunities provided by naval aviation. As an example, here is the latest “Bullhorn” newsletter from ANA offering but one example of current/relevant news:
Both also publish outstanding magazines — Wings of Gold for ANA and “The Hook” by Tailhook Association. I will confess to being a little more partial to the “Hook” primarily because of the fact there is usually a great article or two on some aspect of carrier aviation heritage (e.g., squadron histories) and some unique reports, like the one on Streetcar 313 in the latest edition.
Membership or associate memberships are open to all. In Tailhook’s case, for regular membership the only qualifier is that you have taken one arrested landing — and that includes those who have ridden CODs. If you are on active duty and wear wings of gold (or, I would add, have an aviation warfare qualification badge), I would encourage you to join either or both organizations. Besides the good work they both do (see especially the Tailhook Organization’s scholarship programs and educational foundation) they also provide a fora for keeping track of shipmates and former units – something you will come to appreciate the longer you stay in the Service.
So, quick-links:
Association of Naval Aviation Membership
Tailhook Organization Membership
See you ’round the pattern!
Disclaimer: I am not employed, voluntarily or paid by either organization, though I am a proud life member of both. I have published articles in both organization’s magazines although in each case there was no payment involved and as frequent readers know, also post on Tailhook’s blog. This post is strictly my advocacy to join either or both of these outstanding organizations and add your voice in support of naval aviation. – SJS
Life member ‘Hook (and AOC & USNI). I’ve shied away from ANA mainly due to a feeling that they were mainly VP-oriented and during the dark days for Tailhook in ’93 – ’99, they seemed just a wee bit too eager to distance themselves from the Tailhook Association while quite cheerfully “volunteering” to take their place, if ya know what I mean. 😉
BWTFDIK?
VR,
Andy
Andy:
One of the reasons we have the TR around is because ANA lobbied so hard for it (at the time some were calling it ANA’s carrier). Concur re. your observations about the dark days of the fiasco-that-shall-not-be-spoken-of, I was in in DC at ground-zero of the witch hunt and it wasn’t any fun. Still, taking the long view each has their place and fora and is generally supportive of the other.
– SJS
Also life member of USNI…