Eighth Anniversary Gala Themed 'Destinations And Dreams'

"Miracle on the Hudson" pilot Capt. Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger, who piloted US Airways Flight 1549 to an emergency water landing in New York City's Hudson River, will be this year's guest speaker at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor's 8th Anniversary Dinner Gala on Saturday, December 6. Themed "Destinations & Dreams," the evening is the Museum's annual fundraiser for its Education and Restoration projects.

Honoree of the evening is the Museum's past Chairman of the Board Admiral Ronald J. Hays, whose dream was to make the Museum a world-class destination. As Chairman for the past 13 years, ADM Hays has championed the work to restore the historic hangars, the Ford Island Control Tower, and the Museum's aircraft collection.

"This will be an evening of tribute as we recognize and honor Admiral Hays for his leadership, and welcome Capt. Sullenberger as our guest of honor," said Museum Executive Director Kenneth DeHoff.

The evening will feature a book signing by Capt. Sullenberger. It will be held in the Museum's 89,000 sq. ft. WWII Hangar 79. Participation as a sponsor or table host helps support the nonprofit's Education programs which reach 10,000 young people each year, and the Restoration projects that bring history to life.

Sullenberger became internationally renowned on January 15, 2009 for what has been dubbed the "Miracle on the Hudson," when he and his crew safely guided their US Airways plane to an emergency water landing in the Hudson River, New York City. The Airbus' two engines had lost thrust following a bird strike. Sullenberger and his crew received international acclaim for their actions, including the passage of a Congressional resolution recognizing their bravery. Sullenberger was ranked second in Time magazine's "Top 100 Most Influential Heroes and Icons of 2009" and awarded the French Legion of Honor. Currently, he is an aviation safety expert and accident investigator, CBS News Aviation and Safety Expert, and founder and chief executive officer of Safety Reliability Methods, Inc., a company dedicated to management, safety, performance, and reliability consulting.

FMI: www.PacificAviationMuseum.org