The 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation is running a year-long celebration in honor of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard’s 100th anniversary of flight. The Centennial of Naval Aviation Kick-Off Gala, held on Saturday, February 12, 2011,was part of the weekend-long celebration in San Diego, CA which initiated a year-long celebration across the United States. The sold out gala took place onboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, CA. Known as the “Birthplace of Naval Aviation,” the San Diego Bay is where the first flight of a naval aircraft, a Curtiss Wright seaplane built by Glenn Curtiss, took place in 1911.
A black-tie event, the Kick-Off Gala 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, in addition to Naval Aviators from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and NASA, senior military leaders, elected officials, and other national figures.
Also part of the Centennial Kick-Off celebration was a Parade of Historic Aircraft at Naval Air Station North Island on February 12, 2011. The year-long National Centennial events include air shows, conventions, and festivals in 24 states. The 100th Anniversary celebration year will close 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.
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