Dozens Of Current Naval Aircraft Featuring Paint Schemes From
Previous Eras To Appear
Current naval aircraft in legendary paint schemes of their
predecessors will be one of many highlights of the week-long
Centennial of Naval Aviation celebration at EAA AirVenture 2011,
which will be held July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in
Oshkosh. "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" is one of the
"Tier 1" events supported by the United States Navy, Marine Corps
and Coast Guard in their year-long celebration.
Several featured attractions, appearances, and forums will
highlight AirVenture 2011's week-long commemoration of naval
aviation's centennial, including "Navy Day" on Wednesday, July 27.
"Navy Day" will feature a variety of legendary naval aircraft
spanning the past 100 years, showcased in the afternoon air show
and spotlighted throughout the week.
Among the many special features will be the appearance of
current naval aircraft repainted in colors from previous eras,
thanks to the efforts of the Centennial of Naval Aviation.
Examples of already completed aircraft include two T-45 Goshawks
painted in yellow-winged, pre-World War II tactical aircraft
schemes; an S-3B Viking in the colors of naval airplanes that
fought in the Battle of Midway during World War II; an HH-60H
Seahawk helicopter painted like those of Helicopter Attack (Light)
Squadron THREE (HAL-3) Seawolf fire teams from the Vietnam era; and
an F/A-18F with an unique scheme modeled after the current Navy
Working Uniform. More than 25 of these specially painted aircraft
are expected to appear at AirVenture 2011.
"We're excited that EAA has made the Centennial of Naval
Aviation the theme of the 2011 show," said U.S. Navy Capt. Tim
Wilson, Executive Director of the Centennial of Naval Aviation. "We
look forward to working closely with the professionals at EAA to
make this preeminent event an unsurpassed success."
Already confirmed for AirVenture 2011 is a replica of the 1911
Curtiss-Ely Pusher that made the first carrier landing on the deck
of the U.S. Navy's USS Pennsylvania in the San Francisco Bay on
January 11, 1911 - beginning the era of naval aviation. More
features, programs and attractions Centennial of Naval Aviation
celebration will be announced as they are confirmed.
"Seeing current naval aircraft paying tribute to the legacy left
by their predecessors is another unique way AirVenture attendees
can learn about aviation history," said Tom Poberezny, EAA and
AirVenture chairman. "We are honored the Centennial of Naval
Aviation recognizes AirVenture as a major destination, and the
lineup of attractions and events expected in 2011 is sure to live
up to its billing as a Tier 1 event."
AirVenture 2011 will also feature tribute days dedicated to
aviation legends Burt Rutan (Thursday, July 28) and Bob Hoover
(Tuesday, July 26) as well as several attractions and events
commemorating the 100th anniversary of air mail service.
Additionally, returning for 2011 will be the Opening Day Concert
presented by the Ford Motor Company on Monday, July 25, the widely
popular Night Air Show and Fireworks on Saturday, July 30, and the
World Symposium on Electric Aircraft, featuring influential
industry leaders discussing the emerging era of electric flight, on
Friday, July 29.