Check Six – 1988: Norman C. Ault, Jr. Retires

The following article, written by then-Captain Stanley “Ossum” Osserman, appeared in the September 1988 issue of the Kūkā‘ilimoku. Ossum covered the retirement of Lt. Col. Norman C. Ault, Jr., the commander of the 154th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. Colonel Ault retired at age 60 after four decades of service to the Hawai‘i Air National Guard. 

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Today marks a bittersweet “Turning of the Proverbial Page”, in the history of the 154th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (154 CAMRON) and the Hawai‘i Air National Guard (HIANG) as Lt. Col. Norman C. Ault, Jr. passes command of the 154 CAMS to Maj. Michael J. Melich. 

Few of us remember or were even born for that matter, when the HIANG flew the P- 47 and A-26, yet Lt. Col. Ault recalls with pride his days as a crew chief during that era and having his name proudly displayed on P-47 number 786. He has witnessed virtually every conversion and participated in nearly every Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) that the HIANG has encountered.

For the past fifteen years, he has guided the largest squadron in the HIANG (over 575

men and women) and directed daily operations as the Chief of Maintenance for the 154 CAMS. Those fifteen years have seen the HIANG grow into a highly respected part of the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Total Force structure with state-of-the-art equipment, numerous unit awards and high marks on all our recent ORI’s. Lt. Col. Ault has been a significant factor over the last four decades in molding the HIANG into a highly professional fighting force.

I asked Lt. Col. Ault for his impression of the HIANG and why we continue to excel and set the pace for other units and the Air Force. His reply, “the HIANG has always been a highly dedicated group of individuals, The spirit of ‘ohana and the willingness of everyone to put forth that extra effort, to be the best, has always been a part of the HIANG. I’ve seen that spirit as an enlisted troop when we made the tough transition from reciprocating engines to jet engines, and I see that spirit today as a commander. That family spirit and the drive to be the best are the keys.”

As for a few words of wisdom, Lt. Col. Ault has this to say, “the opportunity for advancement in the HIANG is always there for those who are willing to take a chance, make a change and put forth the effort. The reward is worth it!” And a note to supervisors and commanders, “Treat those who work for you just as you would like to be treated. Mutual respect is critical.”

Thank you, Lt. Col Ault, for all you’re done for the HIANG. We send our best wishes to you, your wife Pearl and your family as you begin a new chapter in your life. 

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Webmaster Comments: When the Hawaii Air National Guard establishes a Hall of Honor, Lt. Col. Norman Ault would be among the first to be admitted. During his command of the 154th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, he was the keystone to the squadron’s transistion into a world class organization.