Last modified Wed., May 09, 2007 - 01:24 PM
Originally created Thursday, May 10, 2007

Yoder selected NHA Pilot of the Year

From HS-11

Lt. Cmdr. David Yoder of HS-11 pilots one of the squadron's helicopters during a recent training mission. Yoder was recently selected the Naval Helicopter Association Pilot of the Year. Photo courtesy of HS-11

Lt. Cmdr. David Yoder of the HS-11 "Dragonslayers", was recently selected as the Naval Helicopter Association (NHA) Pilot of the Year during a symposium in San Diego. Yoder, a native of Ann Arbor, Mich. and a 1994 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, earned the illustrious award for his consistent demonstration of superior aeronautical ability and outstanding performance in his collateral billets.

Yoder became a winged aviator in June 1996 and hasn't left the cockpit of the H-60F/H since. Throughout his career he has been assigned to HS-1, HS-3, WTU Jax, CVW-1, and HS-11, accumulating more than 2,500 flight hours. "Yoder has set the standard of performance since his arrival to HS-11 and continues to provide a sterling example for all to emulate," stated Lt. Corey Bott, a fellow Dragonslayer.

Yoder was also selected as the Naval Air Force Atlantic Pilot of the Year. He contributes his success to the support of his family and the individual efforts of every single Dragonslayer.

The NHA is geographically divided into five regions. Once a year, each region selects Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard service members whose distinguished performance merits specific recognition in the areas of helicopter operations, tactics and aircraft maintenance. The regions forward their selections to the national organization which determines the awardees of the entire country.