The successes of the rotary wing community and its multi-mission superiority were highlighted by the Air Boss, May 16, during his keynote at the 2017 Naval Helicopter Association Symposium.

"As I look at the future of our force, there is no denying the critical role that our rotary forces play in the future success of our carrier strike groups (CSGs), expeditionary strike groups (ESGs) and forward deployed expeditionary forces around the world," said Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Naval Air Forces.

"At the tip of the spear, what we're doing is going very well," he said recognizing the contributions of young aviators in Helicopter Sea Combat Squadrons (HSC) 9 on USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and HSC-4 on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). "You men and women who have deployed to the Arabian Gulf understand the importance of the maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission; what you do for strait transits, what you do to keep the carriers safe by flying the MH-60R Seahawk around the clock."

He also highlighted opportunities in the community such as the HSC integration of a three-ship detachment with the U.S. Marine Corps amphibious ready group (ARG), and the prospects of aircrew transitioning to the CMV-22 community in support of the carrier on-board delivery mission.

"It's an exciting time to be in this community. You have a bright future, and I couldn't be more proud of how you and your Sailors continue to perform at the tip of the spear," Shoemaker said.

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