Navy Aviators Uphold a Legacy of Excellence in Homeland Defense

In December 1910, Lt. Theodore Gordon “Spuds” Ellyson forever changed the U.S. Navy when he became the first Navy officer designated as an aviator. Regarded as a pioneer in U.S. naval aviation, he helped shape the field at its very beginning, not just as its first qualified Navy aviator, but as an active experimenter in how aircraft could operate with the Fleet. He collaborated on early seaplane design, took part in some of the Navy’s first shipboard aviation experiments, helped develop launch methods for aircraft, and made the first successful catapult takeoff for the Navy in 1912 after an earlier failed attempt led to redesign. Ellyson also helped establish early naval aviation camps and set endurance, speed, and distance milestones, including a 112-mile non-stop flight that was then a hydroaeroplane record. His death in a 1928 plane crash cut short a groundbreaking career, but his legacy endured through honors such as Ellyson Field and the destroyer USS Ellyson, both named in recognition of his foundational role in naval aviation.

In honor of National Aviation History Month, which is observed in November, we recognize pioneers of flight like Ellyson and highlight how today’s Navy aviators carry forward that proud tradition, inspiring the next generation of Naval aviation professionals.

Navy pilots are commissioned officers who support shore and sea-based operations in one of the most demanding professions in the military. Depending on their command, aircraft, and level of training, they may conduct strike missions in coordination with surface ships, track submarines, gather intelligence, or perform search-and rescue operations on land bases or ships.

“Doing real life ASW [antisubmarine warfare] is always challenging and high stakes,” said Lt. Nick Marinelli, a Patrol Squadron 40 (VP-40) aviator stationed on Whidbey Island. “Our missions during Operation Epic Fury directly supported combat operations to protect troops and the aircraft carriers throughout the Middle East from enemy boats, drones, and missiles.”

On other deployments, he worked 17 to 18-hour days every two to three days for two months straight. Marinelli also recalled being on three-hour ready alert status while deployed in Bahrain and getting the call at midnight to launch by 3 a.m.

For Lt. Stefano Maffei, an MH-60R Seahawk pilot assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Kaneohe Bay, the most demanding missions test both skill and composure, particularly when darkness and rough seas complicate an already precise task.

“Every flight has its own challenges, but some are certainly more challenging than others,” he said. “Flying around the islands during the day is definitely less challenging than trying to land the helo at night on a pitching/rolling deck with 0% illumination out.”

With more than 3,000 flight hours – including operational missions in Afghanistan – Capt. Robert Prince, commanding officer at Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) Barking Sands on Kauai, has learned that aviation demands disciplined preparation, sound judgment and a continuous commitment to improvement.

“Maintaining high standards and striving for perfection helps us to be ready when called upon,” he said.

Split second decisions about what weapons systems and tactics to employ while flying the Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet, Prince’s favorite aircraft, taught him the necessity of humility and a commitment to personal excellence.

“During emergencies and difficult situations, we fall back to the foundation built by our training,” Prince said. “It’s why we drill rigorously – so that we can make the best choices available under stressful conditions. After each flight, we’d debrief extensively, acknowledging our mistakes and developing ways to prevent them in the future.”

Teamwork is also essential to success in naval aviation, according to Prince and Maffei. For Marinelli, patience and clear communication round out the skills required of an effective aviator – particularly in his dual role as aircraft commander and mission commander. In those roles, he is responsible for the safety of a nine-person crew, the successful execution of each flight mission and the safe operation of the Boeing P-8 Poseidon, a military variant of the Boeing 737-800.

Supporting the Homeland Defense Mission

The Homeland Defense Mission (HLD) protects U.S. territory, populations, and infrastructure against external threats and aggression.

Patrol Squadron 40 (VP-40) regularly rotates to Hawaii in support of HLD. During a month-long rotation at MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Marinelli and his crew used the P-8 Poseidon’s advanced detection capabilities to monitor and track potential adversary activity, helping maintain the safe passage of U.S. vessels throughout the Pacific.

As commander of PMRF, Prince oversees a broad range of air missions conducted within the installation’s fully instrumented, controlled airspace. These missions support HLD through the tracking, testing and evaluation of aircraft, missiles, unmanned systems and space vehicles. PMRF also hosts the Helicopter Advanced Readiness Program, which prepares military pilots for combat operations. Across each mission set, pilot proficiency and readiness remain central to success.

“Being brilliant at the basics, attention to detail, and simply doing your assigned job well,” are the standards Prince said he and the Sailors assigned to or training at PMRF strive to uphold.

Whether stationed at MCAS Kaneohe Bay or operating from ships homeported at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam,HSM-37 aircrews may be called upon to conduct missions ranging from maritime strike operations to humanitarian assistance, search and rescue, medical evacuation and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance of submarines. In high-risk situations involving vessels attempting to enter secure areas, HSM-37 aircrews are also trained to employ warning and disabling fire when directed.

Continuous Improvement Drives Mission Success

Mission success – whether in combat or at a Sailor’s home station – depends on an honest assessment of performance after every mission, Prince said. Identifying shortcomings and addressing them through disciplined training helps ensure crews are ready when called upon.

“Success today comes from the training we’ve conducted, and good training takes the discipline to be honest with ourselves and our teams about our performance, and put in the extra work where needed,” he said.

Prince saw the importance of that discipline during his first combat mission in Afghanistan. His crew was one of only four aircraft able to provide the air support needed to help a convoy break contact after an ambush. Other aircraft experienced minor system issues that had not been reported by previous crews or repaired before launch, preventing them from completing their assigned missions.

For Maffei, the value of preparation is especially clear during medical evacuations and search-and-rescue missions, when HSM-37 aircrews can directly assist members of the community in crisis. Those outcomes give purpose to the squadron’s demanding flight schedule and rigorous, ongoing training.

“Being able to help someone that might be having one of the worst days of their lives, and you get to be that entity to support what they're going through is really rewarding,” Maffei said.

Together, Prince, Maffei and Marinelli bring more than 4,500 flight hours of experience to their respective missions. Through demanding flight operations, continuous training and committed leadership, they sharpen the skills required to meet the mission, set an example for future aviators and carry forward the legacy of Navy aviation.

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