Deep Intel From the Tailhook Convention 2024

Mooch and Hozer review the highlights of the 2024 Tailhook Association Convention in Reno, Nevada that was held August 22-25 at the Grand Sierra Resort.
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[@jamesjumper5975]

Tailhook Lifetime Member Vernon “Paddles” Jumper (CDR USN Retired) is 92 year young and sends his best regards from San Diego to all the Hook24 attendees. Salute to all his Vietnam era buddies from NAS Miramar and 7th Fleet (VF-111, VF-21, VF-121).

[@timf6916]

The Navy needs to take care of its younger enlisted People, at least on the low end of ranks. If they don’t treat those people a little bit better, they will not reenlist. The Navy works really hard to keep its officers in the service, and what do they do for the E2 to E5 +??

[@nomar5spaulding]

It makes me feel less insane to hear two Naval Aviators say something I've been thinking for 10 years. "11 carriers is not enough, we know we need 15." People tell me I'm insane when I say that. They just don't get it.

[@Pete31Heavy]

In all honesty, I agree with this. However, as much as this projection of power is awesome, it still doesn’t reach the metric or goal of overall military power. We can agree that 75% of the earth’s surface is covered in water, but 100% of our wars take place on land. Aviation can shape the battle 100%, but it can’t, and will never hold ground. I understand that there are many who will disagree with my statement. (I know there are certain circumstances some will post that shoot holes in my argument …..and I don’t disagree) But when it comes to true war, nothing replaces boots on the ground. OBTW, I’m an attack pilot. Just my perspective. 👍

[@thedabblingwarlock]

@@Pete31Heavy Part of it's power projection, but a bigger part of it is flexibility. The issue is that 11 carriers means we have only 3 or 4 out at a time. The others are in refit or working up. Having 15 means that we can have 5 out when things are routine, but if they go hot, we can probably surge up to 10. We can't do that with the carrier force we have now. The bigger issue, though, is the lack of yard space. We're kinda in the we need to build more of the tools to make more of the tools that we use to make more of the tools to make and maintain the ships stage of all of this. Simply put, we don't build enough ships in the US to have the spare space we actually need. That's just my two cents though.

[@pauldehart744]

@@Pete31Heavy I agree with you, Desert Strom proved that. We bombed the crap out of em but it ended when we put boots on the ground. But the air war make it easy for us to take the ground and win. I was there with the 101st.

[@glennac]

It’s the difference between having 4 carries out on deployment or 5 carries out on deployment at any one time. Remember, it’s always ⅓ Deployed, ⅓ Workup toward Deployment, and ⅓ in Maintenance and Refurbishment. Civilians always think that 11 carries means 11 boats out on the high seas all of the time. Nothing could be further from the truth. 🙄

[@rustyshaklford9557]

Have fun finding sailors to crew them.

[@Wickhaven1]

Thanks Ward. I’m a old F4 Marine airwinger. Stopped in in the beginning, never left 😁 I like what you do sir…..

[@emmettjones5165]

Two years have swung around since I joined your channel just before Hook 22, and this year has just been outstanding on your channel, Ward. It's all because of Hozer, really...🤣🏆 💯

[@blech71]

As a NAWCWD (China Lake) T&E guy, I have always wanted to visit and take part in one of the conventions…. I call it that since its seems to have grown into much more than the grassroots effort which I think this has so much potential having kept the focus on what matters. I mainly work with VX-31/VX-9 but I would love to hang around and learn more about the end game so to speak. Mooch, thank you for bringing this out. I love hearing about what our guys and gals are doing and how they’re employing our capabilities in unique ways. Amazing! Keep up the great work!

[@LRRPFco52]

Spent a bit of time back-and-forth between Edwards and China Lake, which was called NWTC at the time (1980s). Miss those days.

[@deethy19]

Mooch! Love the Chanel! Just wanted to say I bumped into one of your old crew mates (F14 pilot) through LAX security a few months back. A short but sharp interaction, I was crewing an aircraft back to Australia and he was taking his family on holiday. I asked if he new the Ward Carroll KZbin Chanel….”Oh you mean Mooch?” He said, “yeah, I flew with him on Tomcats”. 😂 you could tell he is a ripping chap, wish I could remember his name?😕 At least I can say I met a guy who knows Mooch!👍🏼

[@SMac86]

48000 lbs, basically an empty Tomcat. 😂

[@LRRPFco52]

I first thought that can’t be right, but then checked MATS... F-14A empty: 40,104lbs F-14B: 41,780 F-14D: 43,735lbs F-15C: 28,000lbs for comparison F/A-18E: 32,100lbs

[@Charlie-Oooooo]

Thanks for the reporting Mooch and Hozer! Congrats to all for huge success of Tailhook 2024!👍

[@robertrobb3159]

I was in the army but I retired from the Naval Warfare Station at China Lake. I would like to thank you for your service.

[@rpapplebee]

I have never added them up but I must have somewhere around 600-700 hours as air crew in P3’s back in the 1980’s. South China Sea, Indian Ocean, Diego Garcia, Djibouti, Oman. Just a few of the places we flew or overnighted at. Love Mooch’s channel.

[@davidsmith8997]

Great to hear that the convention's a big success, that US carrier aviation continues to lead the way, and that we're going to get even more interviews and content! Also, gotta love that Northrop-Grumman is still using a Tomcat in its imaging.

[@skycop56]

Shout out to Mrs. Mooch for the ability to walk backwards and film. Good job.

[@briangriffiths114]

Enjoyed the video, again. Great to see how the friendships last way beyond your respective military careers.

[@johnmorykwas2343]

The best phrase ever said by 'Nasty'. "Pilots can't fly without a backseater telling him we're to go."

[@WardCarroll]

*can't

[@johnmorykwas2343]

@@WardCarroll I hate AI that changes your words.

[@lewismann-do2ce]

A big shout out to all at 'Hook24. As a Marine it's great to hear about all the Association stands for and does. I just want to say thank you. Whether it says Navy or Marine on the platform, you all bring it.

[@seanmccandless9276]

best channel on youtube

[@a-mf4ls]

I watched this again and it still hits!

[@DonWan47]

I just realised how small Nasty is 😂. Guy is a dynamo of energy, intellect, and charisma.

[@garypillischafske1425]

As an old Air Force missle guy, (Titan II) I learned to appreciate the Air Power you represent when I was sent to Vietnam in 69/70. Those guys in the air were awsome and saved our bacon more than once. Navy is awsome in my book. Thanks for the great show.

[@AlphaGatorDCS]

I hope the USN is able to boost its recruiting...I read yesterday that 17 vessels are being sidelined due to manpower shortages. As a taxpayer, I'd MUCH rather see 15 fully staffed and equipped CV's than ~85,000 IRS agents.

[@philipmoll7459]

They got to make being American a proud thing to be and to serve because you believe in what we are as a symbol to the world

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@philipmoll7459😂 that’s funny.. we don’t need to be a symbol of anything on the global picture.. we need to protect America

[@guaporeturns9472]

My son has about 3 weeks left in basic training in Chicago. Aircrew/rescue swimmer is the goal

[@philipmoll7459]

@@guaporeturns9472 I agree with that

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

The ships layed up are Military Sealift Command supply ships crewed by civilians.

[@wayneroyal3137]

Literally, one of the finest channels to ever be on KZbin! The content, the professionalism, the people everything thank you for you and all of your efforts. I saw the picture earlier. Can anyone attend Tailhook without military service?

[@WardCarroll]

Yes.

[@roberson607]

Alway good to watch your channel. I am a retired KC135 Boom Operator and have refueled a number of Navel aircraft over the years and while I recognize that the probe and drogue adapter on the boom might not have been the easiest to refuel from, I think ANG boomers passed a significant amount of gas over the years with that system. Nice informative channel, keep up the great work.

[@peterweller8583]

You all have my respect and admiration.

[@rsugdenmd]

USN Flight Surgeon at Pax River 1970 - '74, and never have been to Hook ... but your video may have inspired me to make '25 !!

[@WardCarroll]

See you there!

[@gort400]

Awesome! Thank You

[@inkjazz]

Awesome, thank you for sharing!

[@rickwilliamson9248]

While the GW (CVN-73) in port in San Diego, the USN currently has no carriers deployed in the Pacfic. To me, that's scary. To Taiwan, that's probably terrifying.

[@bloodybucket213]

What a great community. Esprit de corp doesn't end or begin with a contract.

[@AA-xo9uw]

Neither does esprit de corps.

[@tomm1968]

Ward, always nice to see you in my homeport. I wish I could have made it out to the GSR to say hello, but I had too much going on this week. Will try to stop in and say hello next year.

[@Vaxman80]

A friend of mine works at Pearl Harbor and was at Admiral Paparo’s installation ceremony, and knows him well.

[@robbutler1947]

Hey Mooch, Have you done a video on the evolution of the Tailhook Convention? A lot of people, both in and out of the Navy, have impressions of Tailhook based on media accounts of the bacchanal events of time gone by. I'm not sure, but I suspect things have straightened-out in recent years.

[@WardCarroll]

Recent years? You mean the last 30+?

[@larry5508]

Congrats on a great Tailhook '24, and thanks Mooch for bringing this to all.

[@HandyMan657]

HeYyy, Nasty.. Thanks for the talk n tour, Ward.. You all take care and fly right.

[@steveturner3999]

Thanks for giving us an inside look at an epic event Mooch. Having fun but getting it done.

[@cornbreadburgess1950]

Thanks again Ward for the update and hang tough every one

[@mrkc10]

Awesomeness! 🫡🇺🇸

[@michaelmeehan9083]

We just had the US Submarine Veterans National convention in Cleveland also, so I can relate to your vibe right now. As far as Alex Meruelo goes, I really wish he had worked harder to keep the NHL Coyotes in Phoenix.

[@johnhoffman8203]

I'm a Florida (SSBN728) plankowner retired SS and I never heard of sub vets national convention.

[@michaelmeehan9083]

@@johnhoffman8203 feel free to ask any questions about joining, I'll steer you in the right direction.

[@jeffshafer9079]

Great walk of the show floor! Loved it this year. Not to disparage the Nugget but Grand Sierra was a step up. My only complaint was the weather. 48F on an August Saturday morning in the Nevada desert? Not Hook’s fault for sure but WOW!

[@TR4Ajim]

Ward every time I see how much taller you are than your guests, I wonder how you fit in the F14!👍

[@WardCarroll]

The big fighter had big cockpits.

[@Ashley-wm7ix]

Hoosier mentioning Korean War era pilots attending really perked my interest. My father was a combat corpsman with the 1st Marine Provisional Brigade when they left San Diego to reinforce the Pusan Perimeter, then Inchon, Kimpo, Soul, Chosen Reservoir, and left after the Spring Offensive. He often said he would not be alive if it hadn't been for Marine and Navy Corsair pilots. He said they would fly so low, they could look down at the Corsair pilots from their positions in the mountains. God bless them all. I wish I was there to buy them all dinner and a beer in humble appreciation. My highest respect to all who wear Navy Aviator Wings. With grateful appreciation, Thank You!

[@AA-xo9uw]

"Hoosier"(sic) Hozer

[@darrencorrigan8505]

Thanks, Ward.

[@67tomcat]

In order to gain additional carriers quickly, is it worth extending the service lives of "Nimitz" and "Eisenhower" for another 5-10 years? I know we don't have the aircraft numbers, but even a smaller airwing might help? We could extend Super Hornet production too? Dunno.

[@whirledpeaz5758]

Navy nuc here, the life expectance of Nimitz and Ike, on which I served 86-90, are the reactor vessels. Nearly 50 years of neutron radiation has embrittled the metal to a point it is no longer considered safe to operate. Very important for the ramifications of a reactor. They are so deep and integrated into the hull that the midlife refueling would seem simple.

[@JackWaldbewohner]

Commander, as always you are brilliant. I should have come to this event. It looks great. Imagine 32 flag officers! It should have been 33 flag officer-number thirty three being you!!!

[@WardCarroll]

I'm not flag officer material, but I enjoy talking to those who are.

[@hoghogwild]

Part of the RCAF CF-18 Hornet Extension Project-2 is JSOW-C. An amazing capability.

[@jrmotorsports5532]

Great update. Thank you for all that you do.

[@matthewnewnham-runner-writer]

Very impressive. In addition to the rapid learning on deployment, one thing that really stands out is the JAG rapidly responding to evolving ROE requirements.

[@olsonspeed]

Thanks for the briefing, complements on the talk&walk camera work.

[@ILM787]

You need to add a blooper segment! I think the end of the walk & talk possibly had a few moments!

[@benjaminperez7328]

Nasty’s camp shirt is tremendous. 😎

[@Zvertnie]

Excellent content. Gents delivering a taste of Tail Hook camaraderie with eloquence. 👏🇺🇸

[@jimcombs6760]

What an awesome video. It’s fun for an (formerly) enlisted guy to get a look inside officer country. Thanks for the peek Sir!

[@1boortzfan]

Ward, you rock!

[@archiehenderson2744]

Great discussion.

[@thenakedtruth0205]

Wish I could be a one of those tailhook extravaganzas.

[@BeechSportBill]

WOWZERS… great video camera work!

[@rollobaker2031]

Thank You great walk through and commentary

[@OldNavyGuy]

Great video, Mooch and Hozer! Good to see Nasty too. Sorry I missed WARCOM and Hook this year. See you next year. VR, Baron BvP

[@douglasgriffith393]

Outstanding episode!

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Awesome HOOK....Thank you Ward and guy's..... Old Shoe🇺🇸 = Axel

[@rayallen1479]

Awesome video and insights! Thank you…

[@jonathanraines4750]

BZ, Mooch.Great coverage

[@danawalkerley1395]

Come for tailhook and stay for burning man. A little intermingling at the GSR can’t hurt anything. It’s Sunday and the Sun came up.

[@randallpattee1561]

. Helo garaging mechanisms on the Navy destroyers which I'm assuming isn't too vastly different from the wire catchers on the Navy carriers. I'm certain that a highly skilled electro-mechanical person could work on either/ or. Am I close to the correct subject matter?

[@EddieF14]

Mooch, I will be going to the Oceana Air Show Friday, hopefully I can meet and shake your hand !

[@johnferguson1455]

Thanks Ward. I was at GSR for a while Thursday, looked like great turnout.

[@carpetbagger652003]

Always awesome 😊

[@DonWan47]

A real inside baseball episode. Well done, Mooch.

[@takaogibson845]

Possible documentary or words out on the two astronauts stuck up there at spac station? Their both US Navy Aviators, Both Retired Navy Captains.

[@Utahdropout]

As always great stuff. Thank Ward.

[@connormckinney815]

See you at oceana!

[@adamhenderson001]

So how did Nasty get his call sign? THAT’S a story to hear!

[@johncheney3670]

Can't wait for Hook '25

[@Tacticaldave1]

I need one of those shirts Nasty was sporting. Way cool! And bears repeating, fly Navy!

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

Glad it’s a well attended event. Think you should change the name as it is still strongly connected to the scandal. It is what it is.

[@WardCarroll]

Strongly? Only in the minds of the ill-informed and willfully biased.

[@xiaoka]

Are you like a big celeb there now since your channel has blown up?

[@WardCarroll]

Just Mooch.

[@nickhimaras9331]

No offense meant Commander Carroll, but when you are doing your thing together with front-seater like Hozer, it's all US Carrier Aviation excellence and high emotion and true camaraderie, just like inside the cockpit of the old F14 I imagjne. Semper Fi!

[@WardCarroll]

Hozer flew the F-18.

[@nickhimaras9331]

Noted. He would do OK in a Tomcat with you behind him.

[@dougvazquez6571]

I am looking forward to future great content!

[@PatrickLipsinic]

I have asked this before. Have you ever interviewed Capt. Kent Ewing before? He was the CO of USS America (CV-66) during Desert Storm.

[@WardCarroll]

Had a long conversation with him at HOOK. Good man.

[@johnnolen8338]

Wish I could be there. I went to grad school at UNR. 🤠

[@patrickodonogue8823]

Mooch, great episode and superb Tailhook recap. Have a request. Would you consider doing an(other) current episode on the other element of Naval Aviation, namely, the Marine Corps. Would love to hear a discussion about Marine integration in the Carrier Air Wing, the fact the Marines will have six squadrons of F-35C's, the use of Marine aerial refueling (as appropriate), how CNAP and CNAL regard the Marines and the capability they bring, the relationship between the Air Boss and the Deputy Commandant for Aviation, Marine aviation aboard amphibious ships (deeper dive than what you've done, especially the power projection aspect that compliments the CSG), and a good Navy point of view about their shipmates in green. Appreciate the consideration!

[@AA-xo9uw]

"the fact the Marines will have six squadrons of F-35C's,"(sic) Four - VMFA-314, VMFA-311, VMFA-251 and VMFA-115 - plus a FRS.

[@csxtq110]

Be careful of Alex….

[@SuperDiablo101]

I wonder how many of those guys are tomcat pilots or Rios

[@soctnights]

I remember a few weeks before 9/11 there were Pentagon budget discussions to cut 3-4 carriers and support ships. I’m guessing our ECM capabilities are perfected to the point we can make our carriers disappear on radar. I don’t like using the words “hope or pray” in warfare.

[@Jon.......]

While watching this video, I had a strange thought ... like in a new movie just getting under production ... in the likes of Battleship or Armageddon ... action is about to go down and things get all FUBAR and SNAFU such that the regular military has to go to the likes of the Ward Carroll KZbin channel and all of of Mooch's connections to save the day.

[@markb.1259]

Fly Navy!!! Preferably with four T-56 turboprop engines and a galley!!! Fly P-3's!!! P-3 IFT (Ret.) 🙂

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

Are there any International members? Are there Fleet Arm or French Navy members, etc?🤔 Or just American Naval air?

[@seaknightvirchow8131]

When I went through Pensacola, all Marine Corps and Navy helicopter pilots did carrier quals in the T 28. I did my landings on the USS Independence because the Lex was being sent to dry dock. Don’t all Naval aviators still have to do carrier landings?

[@WardCarroll]

No. Watch my PLM episode.

[@seaknightvirchow8131]

@@WardCarroll Will do.

[@calebgreenlee8056]

Hey Mooch, where can we find you at Oceana?

[@WardCarroll]

Dunno where we’ll be set up yet. Stay tuned.

[@roelkomduur8073]

Can anybody tell me how many living USN aviators ( ret/active) there are? Just to give a perspective of scale...

[@JimMarshallUK]

Do you change the tailpiece on your Les Paul?

[@WardCarroll]

I added a Bigsby vibrato.

[@davidlawson5177]

Who started tail hook

[@MonteD1]

The bots are out of control here.

[@WardCarroll]

Yep.

[@terranceallen4737]

Nice job!! Mrs. Hozer did a great job on camera well done!!

[@AA-xo9uw]

That was Mrs. Mooch.

[@kevinmiller5780]

@@AA-xo9uw Mrs. Hozer

[@kellymorast6460]

I have not heard the term Tail Hook since 1991.

[@inkjazz]

Tailhook is a component on aircraft allowing for carrier landings, hence the name of the convention and association.

[@kellymorast6460]

@@inkjazzI am aware of what an aircraft tail hook is. I should have been more clear, I haven’t heard the term tail hook used for the convention since 1991. If I recall correctly, using Tail Hook as the title for this convention was a no go for a while.

[@indy500tabasco8]

👽👽👽👽hook hook hook under Gs👽👽👽👽

[@ghtaboma]

I see, it’s “Hozer”, not “Hoser”! Mystery, solved.

[@rickbaker8021]

Navy just parked 7 naval vessels because of lack of crews. How are you going to field 4 more carriers. As a civilian, it looks like the U.S. Navy got chased out of Red sea and gulf of Aden.

[@AA-xo9uw]

"As a civilian, it looks like the U.S. Navy got chased out of Red sea and gulf of Aden."(sic) The barcalounger cabal is frequently wrong in its assumptions.

[@rickbaker8021]

@AA-xo9uw just telling you what the perception is. I realize our military command is not the best of the best anymore, but political suck asses. Fact remains, Houtis just blew up an oil tanker. Where was the U.S. Navy? 🤷‍♂️

[@JRichardsonBoston]

Agreed, if I knew I would be forced to live on a CVN until I made E5, I never would have enlisted. Granted I was a nuke so promotions were quick but still. Recruiter lied and I give honest opinions to high schoolers who are thinking of enlisting.

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

USNS vessels and Merchant Marines, not USN or sailors. These are civilians.

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

You have to ask yourself, am I proud to serve.! You stand on the shoulders of those who came before. Honor them, you honor yourself.

[@pauldehart744]

Do the Tail Hook Association have the French represented?

[@beerdrinker6452]

1st. Cool. Oops. 2nd.