 the tailhook association is a u.s.-based, non-profit fraternal organization, supporting the interests of sea-based aviation, with emphasis on aircraft carriers. the word tailhook refers to the hook underneath the tail of the aircraft that catches the arresting wire suspended across the flight deck in order to stop the landing plane quickly. the association was formed by active-duty naval aviators in 1956, eventually growing into a national organization headquartered in san diego, california. during the vietnam war, the annual tailhook reunion and symposium also served to provide opportunities for aircrews from the pacific and atlantic fleets to exchange information about events in southeast asia. among the tailhook programs are publication of the quarterly journal the hook, addressing historical and current events coverage; college scholarships via the tailhook educational foundation; and local/regional "ready rooms" for those active and retired members who support fleet activities. == awards == ===james d. âjig dogâ ramage award=== {| class="wikitable" style="float:left;" |- style="background:#efefef;" ! year ! aircraft carrier ! carrier air wing |- ||2001 || ||cvw-17 |- ||2002 || ||cvw-11 |- ||2003 || |cvw-14 |- ||2004 || ||cvw-3 |- ||2005 || ||cvw-3 |- ||2006 || ||cvw-8 |}  ===tailhooker of the year award=== {| class="wikitable" style="float:left;" |- style="background:#efefef;" ! year ! rank ! recipient ! service |- ||1963 ||capt ||richard âdocâ phillips, mc ||usn |- ||1964 ||capt ||robert m. elder ||usn |- ||1965 ||vadm ||paul d. stroop ||usn 
1956_establishments_in_the_United_States Military_scandals Non-profit_organizations_based_in_San_Diego,_California Organizations_established_in_1956 United_States_Navy_support_organizations United_States_military_support_organizations