WELCOME

OUR MISSION

"Safely build, hone, and employ a fighting, winning team of warriors able to command and control the projection of lethal combat power, anytime, anywhere.”

COMMAND PHILOSOPHY

Consilio et Animis

The Black Eagles are the foremost experts of our craft, defining excellence in every venture undertaken with wisdom and courage. We exist to execute our mission in the defense of our homeland and our vital interests around the world. We maintain our reputation as the premier Hawkeye squadron in the Fleet by focusing on three pillars that underpin our ability to accomplish our mission:

"LEADERSHIP

   ENGAGEMENT

    and INNOVATION"

COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
CMDCM Jon J. Smedley
go to BIO

LEADERSHIP

Leadership is the cornerstone of our Command Philosophy. In the air, on the flight deck, or on the mess decks; whether on-duty or off-duty, Black Eagles never let an opportunity to lead slip by. Mentorship of our junior officers and enlisted members will ensure our extensive skill base is passed down to the next generation of Black Eagles. Black Eagles will lead in three ways:

• Tactically. Be the best Carrier Aviators. Outstanding performance in the air is critical to the safe and efficient employment of the venerable Hawkeye in peacetime or combat. Aircrew must be experts in Naval, Joint, and Combined operations in order to better understand the Commander’s Intent and execute it accordingly.

• Technically. Be the best Technicians and Administrators. Superior technical expertise of aircraft systems coupled with outstanding knowledge and execution of the Navy’s administrative, safety, and family readiness programs are absolutely critical in the safe and efficient employment of the venerable Hawkeye.

• Ethically. Clearly understand the difference between right and wrong. Our conduct at work and home must be impeccable. The moniker of “shipmate” is one of great honor, and as such, Black Eagles will always intervene to prevent their fellow shipmates from bringing harm to themselves and/or discredit to the command, the Navy, or the United States of America.
  

ENGAGEMENT

Engagement takes great ideas to the next level – decisive action. Black Eagles don’t sit on the sidelines and watch the world pass them by. They seize the basic elements of success (intelligence and opportunity) and get involved. Black Eagles will apply all their skills and talents to engage:

• The Enemy. Black Eagle aircrew will use all their tactical acumen to bring the right capability to bear on the threat. Threats present themselves in many ways – from a known enemy force encountered in the battlespace or thirst, hunger, and disease resulting from a tragic natural disaster. When the enemy errs, Black Eagles will seize on this opportunity and proportionally strike.

• The Team. Black Eagles always ask how the unique capabilities of the squadron can be integrated with other squadrons, warships, and Joint/Interagency units to create a more formidable force. We must be fully prepared to tactically integrate with our international partners through bilateral and multi-national exercises to bolster operational and strategic relationships against our common challenges.

• Our Bodies and Minds. Black Eagles seek and take advantage of every opportunity to improve professionally and personally. Physical fitness and continuing education, both military and civilian, broaden horizons and develop the scholastic aptitude and breadth of experience needed in our 21st century Navy.

INNOVATION

Innovation is the creation and implementation of new ideas that fuel positive change throughout the Naval Aviation Enterprise. Black Eagles use innovation to coalesce work efforts at all levels throughout our organization to increase efficiency without risking safety. Black Eagles are a force for positive change and will use their singular innovation in three concentrations:

• Our Work Ethic. Black Eagles are “front runners” whose innovative ideas improve quality of life, at work and at home. Black Eagles understand the toughest problems with the most innovative solutions require 113% effort.

• Our Procedures. Black Eagles challenge themselves to look at current tactics, techniques, and procedures while employing “game-changing” technologies to improve the way we execute our mission. Vetting newer, safer, and more efficient procedures through the chain-of-command while employing revolutionary technologies can only make the command better.

• Our Focus. Our present enemy is highly illusive, very competent, well organized, and heavily invested in developing new ways to wreak senseless death and destruction on innocents. Our potential peer competitors are methodically increasing their military capabilities and global influence. Focusing on new ideas and technologies keep the current enemy on the defensive and deters potential peer competitors from future aggression.