Centennial of Naval Aviation Forum Draws Hundreds of Attendees Written 9 July 2013

By Lawrence Garrett, AIAA Web Editor

AIAA welcomed hundreds of attendees to the Centennial of Naval Aviation Forum and New Horizons in Aviation Forum, which took place 21–23 September in Virginia Beach, VA. The panel sessions kicked off on the morning of the 21st with “Naval Aviation Enterprise,” featuring VADM Walter B. Massenburg, USN (Ret.), VADM James M. Zortman, USN (Ret.), RADM Michael E. Finley, USN (Ret.), and Daniel Nega, Director, Aviation Readiness and Resource Analysis Department, Naval Air Systems Command, as panelists.

Following the morning session, a “TOPGUN Fightertown USA” panel was featured, in which TOPGUN officers from various times during the Navy Fighter Weapons School’s 40-plus year history discussed developments, challenges, and accomplishments during their tenures at the school. The Top Gun Fightertown USA panel included, CDR Alex “Rattler” Rucker, an F-8 Pilot (Vietnam), TOPGUN instructor (1973–76), and an F-14 Pilot (in the early 80’s), CDR Dave “Poof” Harris, F-14 and F/A-18F Pilot, TOPGUN Instructor 1997–2000 and 2003–2007, CDR Dave “Bio” Baranek, F-14 RIO (Radar Intercept Officer), TOPGUN Instructor 1984–1987, Commanding Officer of VF-211 1997–1998, and author of “TOPGUN Days,” and CDR Will “Toast” Burney, F-14 RIO, F/A-18 WSO (Weapon Systems Officer), TOPGUN Instructor 1999–2002, and TOPGUN Commanding Officer 2009–2011.

Following the “TOPGUN Fightertown USA” panel, a lively “TOPGUN Movie Panel” gathered to share their experiences in helping make the movie "Top Gun,” back in the 1980’s, which remains one of the top 50 highest grossing films of all time. The TOPGUN Movie Panel consisted of Lloyd “Bozo” Abel, F-14 Lead Pilot and Aerial Coordinator on the movie “Top Gun” (1985) (as LCDR Lloyd “Bozo” Abel), Scott “Kram” Krambeck, F-14 RIO, VF-114 Squadron (1985–1988), who appeared in the opening scene of the movie as well as several additional scenes, and Dave “Bio” Baranek, who was a backseater in one of the black “MiG-28s” often seen in the dog-fighting scenes in the movie, who helped write the movie dialogue. The panelists provided some amazing insights into the making of “Top Gun,” making the video of this panel well worth watching.

On the morning of Thursday, 22 September, activities kicked off with an opening plenary session, featuring introductory remarks by Rear Admiral Patrick E. McGrath, Deputy Commander, Naval Air Forces, and Director, Centennial of Naval Aviation Task Force. Admiral McGrath touched upon many of the Centennial events already completed in 2011, which kicked off with the Navy’s signature event in San Diego, 5–12 February 2011. He also spoke enthusiastically about the events still to take place, which will culminate with a final event in Washington, DC, in December 2011.

Following Admiral McGrath’s opening remarks, a Flag Officer Panel took place, focusing on, “Naval Aviation, Challenges, Issues and Solutions,” moderated by Vice Admiral James M. Zortman, USN (Ret.), of Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. The panel discussion focused on how to maintain U.S. Naval dominance in the world. The panelists included Vice Admiral Bruce W. Clingan, Deputy Chief of Navla oPerations for Operations, Plans and Strategy, Read Admiral David L. Philman, Direct, Warfare Integration/Snior National Represenatitvie, Offie of the Chief of Naval Operations, Rear Admiral William, E. Shannon, III, Program Executive Officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons, Rear Admiral Nevin P. Carr, Jr. Chief of Naval Research, Director, Test and Evaluation and Technology Requirements, Rear Admiral Ted N. Branch, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, and Rear Admiral Patrick E. McGrath, Deputy Commander, Naval Air Forces, Director, Centennial of Naval Aviation Task Force.

All of the panelists contributed various key points to the discussion, and all agreed that maintaining the advantage provided by U.S. Naval Aviation is critical to the nation’s security. As Vice Admiral Clingan said, “Naval Aviation is the foundation of our nation's security." The panel also discussed the need for “real steps” to be taken to drive down costs; and that there needs to be a “collaboration between the Navy and industry,” to accomplish this.