Tailhook Association
Encyclopedia
The Tailhook Association is a U.S.
-based, fraternal
, non-profit organization, supporting the interests of sea-based aviation
, with emphasis on aircraft carriers. The word tailhook
refers to the hook underneath the tail of the aircraft that catches the arresting wire suspended across the flight deck
in order to stop the landing plane quickly.
The association was formed by active-duty naval aviators
in 1956, eventually growing into a national organization headquartered in San Diego, California
. During the Vietnam War
the annual Tailhook reunion and symposium also served to provide opportunities for aircrews from the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets to exchange information about events in Southeast Asia.
Among the Tailhook programs are publication of the quarterly journal "The Hook", addressing historical and current events coverage; college scholarships via the Tailhook Educational Foundation; and local/regional "ready rooms" for those active and retired members who support fleet activities.
in Las Vegas
featured a two-day debrief on Navy and Marine Corps
aviation in Operation Desert Storm. It was the largest such meeting yet held, with some 4,000 attendees: active, reserve, and retired personnel.
According to a Department of Defense
(DoD) report, 83 women and 7 men stated that they had been victims of sexual assault and harassment during the meeting. Several participants later stated that a number of flag officers attending the meetings were aware of the sexual assaults, but did nothing to stop them.
The issues were never quite settled, and as late as 2002, the Tailhook chairman spoke of "the alleged misconduct that occurred in 1991".
Frontline on PBS
reported:
Author Jean Zimmerman
developed the thesis that the scandal underscored the shifting status of women in the military and particularly the role of women in combat. As such, Tailhook can be seen as part of the evolution of the armed forces that continued through the losses of female soldiers in Iraq.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
-based, fraternal
Fraternal
Fraternal can refer to:*A fraternal benefit society is a non-profit, mutual aid organization that ensures members and their families and maintains an active lodge system. Members of a fraternal benefit society come together as local volunteer groups that conduct activities to benefit members and...
, non-profit organization, supporting the interests of sea-based aviation
Aviation
Aviation is the design, development, production, operation, and use of aircraft, especially heavier-than-air aircraft. Aviation is derived from avis, the Latin word for bird.-History:...
, with emphasis on aircraft carriers. The word tailhook
Tailhook
A tailhook, also arresting hook or arrester hook, is a device attached to the empennage of some military fixed wing aircraft...
refers to the hook underneath the tail of the aircraft that catches the arresting wire suspended across the flight deck
Flight deck
The flight deck of an aircraft carrier is the surface from which its aircraft take off and land, essentially a miniature airfield at sea. On smaller naval ships which do not have aviation as a primary mission, the landing area for helicopters and other VTOL aircraft is also referred to as the...
in order to stop the landing plane quickly.
The association was formed by active-duty naval aviators
Naval aviation
Naval aviation is the application of manned military air power by navies, including ships that embark fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters. In contrast, maritime aviation is the operation of aircraft in a maritime role under the command of non-naval forces such as the former RAF Coastal Command or a...
in 1956, eventually growing into a national organization headquartered in San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
. During the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
the annual Tailhook reunion and symposium also served to provide opportunities for aircrews from the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets to exchange information about events in Southeast Asia.
Among the Tailhook programs are publication of the quarterly journal "The Hook", addressing historical and current events coverage; college scholarships via the Tailhook Educational Foundation; and local/regional "ready rooms" for those active and retired members who support fleet activities.
James D. “Jig Dog” Ramage Award
| Year | Aircraft Carrier | Carrier Air Wing |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | CVW-17 Carrier Air Wing Seventeen Carrier Air Wing Seventeen , is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.-Mission:... |
|
| 2002 | CVW-11 Carrier Air Wing Eleven Carrier Air Wing Eleven is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.-Mission:... |
|
| 2003 | CVW-14 Carrier Air Wing Fourteen Carrier Air Wing Fourteen , is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.-Mission:... |
|
| 2004 | CVW-3 Carrier Air Wing Three Carrier Air Wing Three , known as the "Battle Axe", is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Harry S... |
|
| 2005 | CVW-3 Carrier Air Wing Three Carrier Air Wing Three , known as the "Battle Axe", is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Harry S... |
|
| 2006 | CVW-8 Carrier Air Wing Eight Carrier Air Wing Eight , is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS George H.W... |
Tailhooker Of The Year Award
| Year | Rank | Recipient | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | CAPT | Richard “Doc” Phillips, MC | USN |
| 1964 | CAPT | Robert M. Elder | USN |
| 1965 | VADM | Paul D. Stroop | USN |
| 1966 | VADM | Paul H. Ramsey | USN |
| 1967 | ADM | Roy L. Johnson | USN |
| 1968 | ADM | Thomas H. Moorer | USN |
| 1969 | VADM | Thomas F. Connolly | USN |
| 1970 | ADM | John Hyland | USN |
| 1971 | VADM | Maurice F. Weisner | USN |
| 1972 | VADM | William D. Houser | USN |
| 1973 | VADM | Damon W. "Hutch" Cooper | USN |
| 1974 | VADM | Frederick H. Michaelis | USN |
| 1975 | VADM | Robert B. Baldwin | USN |
| 1976 | VADM | James B. Stockdale | USN |
| 1977 | VADM | Robert P. Coogan | USN |
| 1978 | ADM | Thomas B. Hayward | USN |
| 1979 | VADM | Frederick C. Turner | USN |
| 1980 | VADM | G.E.R. “Gus” Kinnear | USN |
| 1981 | RADM | Robert E. Kirksey | USN |
| 1982 | ADM | Wesley McDonald | USN |
| 1983 | VADM | Robert F. “Dutch” Schoultz | USN |
| 1984 | RADM | Jerry Tuttle | USN |
| 1985 | RADM | Paul T. Gillcrist | USN |
| 1986 | VADM | Edward H. Martin | USN |
| 1987 | CAPT | Byron L. Duff | USN |
| 1988 | CAPT | L. Robert Canepa | USN |
| 1989 | CAPT | Archie Manning | USN |
| 1990 | RADM | Ed Allen | USN |
| 1991 | CAPT | Jay Campbell | USN |
| 1992 | No Award | ||
| 1993 | RADM | Lyle Bull | USN (Ret) |
| 1994 | CAPT | Fields Richardson | USN (Ret) |
| 1995 | RADM | Frederick L. Lewis | USN (Ret) |
| 1996 | CDR | Robert E. Stumpf | USN (Ret) |
| 1997 | ADM | Leighton W. Smith | USN (Ret) |
| 1998 | CAPT | Ken “Kilo” Parks | USN |
| 1999 | CAPT | Evan “Streak” Chanik | USN |
| 2000 | VADM | Michael L. Bowman | USN |
| 2001 | CAPT | George B. Dom | USN |
| LtCol | James L. Stalnaker | USMC | |
| 2002 | CDR | Sterling Gilliam | USN |
| LtCol | Raymond Damm | USMC | |
| 2003 | CAPT | "Shortney" Gortney | USN |
| LtCol | Gary Lee "Lurch" Thomas | USMC | |
| 2004 | CAPT | "Cyrus" Vance | USN |
| LtCol | Wade E. "WZL" Weigel | USMC | |
| 2005 | CAPT | Don Quinn | USN |
| Maj | Peter L "Mud Duck" McArdel | USMC | |
| 2006 | CAPT | Kevin "Kid" Donnegan | USN |
| LtCol | John "Dog" Jansen | USMC | |
| 2007 | CAPT | "Nasty" Manazir | USN |
| LtCol | Hunter "Hamster" Hobson | USMC |
Lifetime Achievement Award
| Year | Rank | Recipient | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | RADM | James D. “Jig Dog” Ramage James D. Ramage James D. "Jig Dog" Ramage is a significant figure in the history U.S. naval aviation. He was a combat leader in World War II and was a major factor in putting nuclear-capable aircraft aboard aircraft carriers. Before retirement he attained the rank of rear admiral.-Biography:Ramage grew up near... |
USN (Ret) |
| Mr. | Ron Thomas | ||
| 1994 | CAPT | Larry Flint | USN (Ret), |
| CAPT | W.D. “Bill” Knutson | USN (Ret) | |
| 1995 | VADM | William D. Houser William D. Houser Vice Admiral William Douglas Houser, USN is a former United States Navy officer who later served as a telecommunications executive.-Naval career:... |
USN (Ret) |
| CAPT | Robert M. Elder | USN (Ret) | |
| 1996 | CAPT | Richard “Chick” Harmer | USN (Ret) |
| RADM | Paul T. Gillcrist | USN (Ret) | |
| CAPT | Lou Kriser | USN (Ret) | |
| 1997 | CAPT | Wynn Foster | USN (Ret) |
| CAPT | C.A.L. “Cal” Swanson | USN (Ret) | |
| 1998 | CDR | Jack D. Woodul | USNR (Ret) |
| Mr. | Barrett Tillman Barrett Tillman Barrett Tillman is an American author who specializes in naval and aviation topics in addition to fiction and technical writing.Tillman's most influential book to date is On Yankee Station , written with the late John B. Nichols... |
||
| 1999 | RADM | Thomas F. Brown III | USN (Ret) |
| CAPT | Walter M. Schirra | USN (Ret) | |
| 2000 | CAPT | Lonny K. McClung | USN (Ret) |
| CAPT | Richard L. “Zeke” Cormier | USN (Ret) | |
| CDR | George “Buddy” Gilman | USNR (Ret) | |
| 2001 | CAPT | Richard G. Hanecak | USN (Ret) |
| 2002 | RADM | Glen W. “Corky” Lennox | USN (Ret) |
| CDR | Dean S. “Diz” Laird | USN (Ret) | |
| 2003 | RADM | Frederick “Bad Fred” Lewis | USN (Ret) |
| 2004 | CAPT | Jack Davis | USN (Ret) |
| 2005 | CAPT | Jerry Palmer | USN (Ret) |
| 2006 | CAPT | Steve Millikin | USN (Ret) |
| CDR | Jan Jacobs | USNR (Ret) |
The Hook Magazine Contributor of the Year
| Year | Rank/Title | Recipient | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | CAPT | Done East | USN (Ret) |
| 1988 | Mr | John Lundstrom | |
| Mr | Jim Sawruk | ||
| 1989 | CAPT | Bill Scarborough | USN (Ret) |
| 1990 | Mr | Mike Weeks | |
| 1991 | LT Lieutenant (naval) LieutenantThe pronunciation of lieutenant is generally split between or , generally in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Commonwealth countries, and or , generally associated with the United States. See lieutenant. is a commissioned officer rank in many nations' navies... |
Mark Morgan | USNR |
| 1992 | No Award | ||
| 1993 | CDR Commander (United States) In the United States, commander is a military rank that is also sometimes used as a military title, depending on the branch of service. It is also used as a rank or title in some organizations outside of the military, particularly in police and law enforcement.-Naval rank:In the United States... |
Ernie Mares | USN (Ret) |
| 1994 | CDR | Jack Woodul | USNR (Ret) |
| 1995 | LCDR Lieutenant commander (United States) Lieutenant commander is a mid-ranking officer rank in the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, with the pay grade of O-4 and NATO rank code OF-3... |
Rick Morgan | USN |
| 1996 | CDR | John B. Nichols John B. Nichols John Bennett Nichols, III was a United States Navy aviator and author.Raised in Hialeah, Florida, Nichols enlisted in the United States Army and served as a combat medic during the Korean War. After attending college he was accepted for NavCad training and commissioned in 1957... |
USN (Ret) |
| 1997 | Mr | Thomas F. Gates | |
| 1998 | Mr | Mark Morgan (2) | |
| LCDR | Rick Morgan (2) | USN (Ret) | |
| 1999 | Ms | Margaret Bone | |
| 2000 | LCDR | E. Leigh Armistead | USN |
| 2001 | Ms | Vivienne Heines | |
| 2002 | Mr | Fred Tannenbaum | |
| 2003 | CDR | Peter Mersky | USNR (Ret) |
| 2004 | PHCS | Bob Lawson | USN (Ret) |
| 2005 | Mr | Tony Holmes | |
| 2006 | CDR | Robert R. “Boom” Powell | USN (Ret) |
Honorary Tailhooker of the Year
(Sponsored by the Boeing Company)| Year | Rank/Title | Recipient | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Ms | Barbara Woodbury | |
| 2002 | Mr | John Ascuaga | |
| 2003 | Hon | Gordon England | SECNAV |
| 2004 | Hon | Richard Danzig Richard Danzig Richard Jeffrey Danzig is an American lawyer who served as the 71st Secretary of the Navy under President Bill Clinton... |
SECNAV |
| 2004 | Gen General (United States) In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, general is a four-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-10. General ranks above lieutenant general and below General of the Army or General of the Air Force; the Marine Corps does not have an... |
William L. "Spider" Nyland William L. Nyland William L. "Spider" Nyland , a veteran of the Vietnam War, is a retired United States Marine Corps four-star general who served as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps from 2002 to 2005... |
USMC |
| 2005 | Mr | Jon Winthrop | |
| 2006 | AVCM | John Porter | USN (Ret) |
| 2007 | CDR | Ed “Tick” McCabe | USN (Ret) |
The Tailhook scandal
In September 1991, the 35th annual symposiumSymposium
In ancient Greece, the symposium was a drinking party. Literary works that describe or take place at a symposium include two Socratic dialogues, Plato's Symposium and Xenophon's Symposium, as well as a number of Greek poems such as the elegies of Theognis of Megara...
in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
featured a two-day debrief on Navy and Marine Corps
Marine corps
A marine is a member of a force that specializes in expeditionary operations such as amphibious assault and occupation. The marines traditionally have strong links with the country's navy...
aviation in Operation Desert Storm. It was the largest such meeting yet held, with some 4,000 attendees: active, reserve, and retired personnel.
According to a Department of Defense
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
(DoD) report, 83 women and 7 men stated that they had been victims of sexual assault and harassment during the meeting. Several participants later stated that a number of flag officers attending the meetings were aware of the sexual assaults, but did nothing to stop them.
The issues were never quite settled, and as late as 2002, the Tailhook chairman spoke of "the alleged misconduct that occurred in 1991".
Frontline on PBS
Public Broadcasting Service
The Public Broadcasting Service is an American non-profit public broadcasting television network with 354 member TV stations in the United States which hold collective ownership. Its headquarters is in Arlington, Virginia....
reported:
Ultimately the careers of fourteen admirals and almost 300 naval aviators were scuttled or damaged by Tailhook. For example Secretary of the Navy H. Lawrence Garrett III and CNOChief of Naval OperationsThe Chief of Naval Operations is a statutory office held by a four-star admiral in the United States Navy, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Navy. The office is a military adviser and deputy to the Secretary of the Navy...
Admiral Frank KelsoFrank B. Kelso IIFrank Benton Kelso II is a retired admiral of the United States Navy, who served as Chief of Naval Operations in the early 1990s.-Early life:...
were both at Tailhook '91. Garrett ultimately resigned and Kelso retired early two years after the convention.
Author Jean Zimmerman
Jean Zimmerman
-Biography:A graduate of Barnard College, Zimmerman earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in poetry from the Columbia University School of the Arts, and was awarded a New York State Fine Arts grant in 1983.For her first book Zimmerman coauthored, with Felice N...
developed the thesis that the scandal underscored the shifting status of women in the military and particularly the role of women in combat. As such, Tailhook can be seen as part of the evolution of the armed forces that continued through the losses of female soldiers in Iraq.