Year-Long Celebration Opens With An Open House And A Sold-Out Gala

Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) in San Diego ... recognized as  the "Birthplace of Naval Aviation," served as the location for the official kick off of the Centennial of Naval Aviation (CoNA) celebration, Feb. 12, as thousands of visitors attended a special Open House and Parade of Flight. The first successful hydroaeroplane flight took place at the base in 1911, just eight years after the famed 1903 Wright brother's flight in North Carolina.

During 1911, the Navy began training its first pilots on the base. Twelve years later the base played host to the first non-stop transcontinental flight, and the first mid-air refueling, both in 1923. San Diego area CoNA celebrations include a series of events aimed to impress the public, instill pride throughout the armed services, and honor the rich and colorful history of naval aviation during the past 100 years.

"One hundred years ago naval aviation was on the heels of the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk," said Rear Adm. Pat McGrath, who led the CoNA effort. "Here in San Diego, experiments with 'hydroaeroplanes' set the stage for the flying machine to become an integral part of our Navy."

The U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, led the "Parade of Flight" which included aircraft ranging from World War II, to present day fighter, attack and transport aircraft. The U.S. Navy parachute team, the Leapfrogs, also made an appearance to the delights of the audience.

A "Parade of Flight" including more than 180 vintage and modern era aircraft ranging from World War II to the modern day jet era, concluded a day-long Open House at NASNI that was open to the general public. "I was hoping I'd get to see the T-28 and I was so happy to find it," said retired Aviation Machinist Mate 1st Class James Simpson, who worked on T-28 Trojans during his time in the Navy. "Seeing the T-28 makes me feel an awful lot of pride."

Along with the parade of flight, more than 75 vintage and modern day aircraft were on static display on the flightline at NASI with their pilots and aircrew nearby to answer questions. "It's absolutely fabulous to be able to take part in an event like this, celebrating 100 years of Naval Aviation," said Tom Woehl, a Vietnam Veteran who flew a Bell UH-1B Iroquois "Huey" Gunship with the Army 282nd Helicopter Company during 1966 and 1967. "The kids really enjoy seeing the helicopter and seeing the old aircraft and things like that."

Woehl now works with the Wings and Rotors Air Museum in Murrieta, California. He was showing off a UH-1B as a static display aircraft for the show. Photographers, both amateurs and professionals, took thousands of shots of the aircraft both in the air and on static display.

"It's been great," said Carl Smith, a photographer from Del Mar, Calif. "I got a lot of nice shots of vintage aircraft."

The day was capped off by the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation Naval Aviation Kick-Off Gala. The black-tie event included guest speakers, special performance entertainment, and a video presentation paying tribute to the Centennial of Naval Aviation. Featured guest Brigadier General Payne, US Marine Corps (Ret), the oldest living Naval Aviator was in attendance, along with Naval Aviators from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and NASA, senior military leaders, elected officials, and other national figures.

The year-long National Centennial events will include air shows, conventions, and festivals in 24 states, culminating with a gala at the National Air & Space Museum in Washington, DC on December 3, 2011. The 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation will also support the 2012 Marine Aviation Centennial Celebration which will culminate in a gala on May 19, 2012.

"The 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation is a special celebration for our company," said Jim Zortman, sector vice president and executive lead at Northrop Grumman. "We have been supplying the Navy with aircraft and technology for nearly as long as the Naval Aviation programs have been in existence. We are proud of this partnership, and proud of the role we have played in supporting the men and women who serve our nation and defend our freedoms."

FMI: www.navalaviation100.org