Naval Aviation Focus
The focus of this month’s Proceedings is naval aviation, a topic I have been reminded of lately by roof repairs here at Beach Hall. Workers have been renovating the roof on our headquarters, and the noise reminds me of the overhead “roof” noises on the carrier . . . the sound of chains and other gear being dragged across a carrier flight deck. During my tours as a destroyer squadron commodore and a carrier strike group commander, I was always amazed at the constant din on an aircraft carrier—and not just during flight ops. This month’s Tailhook annual convention in Reno, Nevada, will unite thousands of current and former naval aviators. We hope they have a great gathering.
Reserve the Dates
On 11 September, the Naval Institute will sponsor a conference at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Coast Guard personnel who responded to recent disasters and “black swans”—including hurricanes, mudslides, and an earthquake—will speak to cadets about their experiences and answer the question “Disaster Will Strike: Are You Ready?” Former Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen will moderate.
The Naval Institute’s next Maritime Security Dialogue will feature VADM DeWolfe Miller, USN, and LtGen Steven Rudder, USMC, discussing the future of aviation in the Navy and Marine Corps at 10:00 on 5 October at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.
On 10 October, the Naval Institute will partner with the U.S. Naval Academy to host “The New China Challenge” conference at the Naval Academy’s Alumni Hall. Speakers and panelists will include former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, former PaCom Commander Admiral Robert Willard, former Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Scott Swift, former Principal Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Kathleen Hicks, authors Graham Allison and August Cole, and academic experts on China’s rise. Please visit www.usni.org/events for more details and to register for these events.
USNI News Covered RIMPAC
We sent USNI News reporter Megan Eckstein to the Pacific in July and August to cover this year’s Rim of the Pacific exercise. Megan filed more than a dozen stories—including videos—showcasing the world’s largest multinational naval exercise, which runs every other year. Notably absent from this year’s exercise, as Megan reported, was the Chinese navy—disinvited because of China’s continued illegal occupation and military buildup on disputed islets and reefs in the South China Sea. Megan is a tireless reporter with a keen intellect and a thirst for accuracy that make people want to talk to her.
Make a Member
I encourage every Naval Institute member to share the independent forum with your colleagues and friends by getting them to join. The forum becomes more powerful with each new member, and if you each make just one new member our impact will double.
Death of Gerry Lenfest
The Naval Institute is deeply saddened at the death of long-time supporter Captain H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest, U.S. Navy Reserve (Ret.). Gerry passed away on 5 August. After serving on active duty in the Navy in the early 1950s, Gerry went to law school, served as a corporate lawyer, and eventually became a successful businessman in the publishing and communications industries. After selling his cable business in 2000, Gerry and his wife set out to give away their fortune. Their philanthropy touched many in the Philadelphia area and also impacted the Naval Institute substantially over the years. A tribute to Gerry can be found on p.95. He was a true friend who believed strongly in an independent and strong press. We will miss him.
Peter H. Daly
VADM, USN (Ret.)
Life Member and Member since 1978