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San Diego Bay Parade of Flight: Saturday, February 12, 2011

100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation: Parade of Flight 

This Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 1pm, 200 Aircrafts will take flight over San Diego Bay in celebration of the 100 Anniversary of Naval Aviation. What a sight to see!

 We would love to have you join us as we participate and watch this celebration on the water. If you plan to attend and would like to raft up with us, please let us know by replying to this email.  Event Website: www.mwrtoday.com/cona  Additional information below:

Centennial of Naval Aviation's kickoff event on February 12, 2011

The U.S. Navy, in concert with the U.S Marine Corps and U.S Coast Guard, celebrates 2011 at the 100th anniversary of Naval Aviation.

Today, Naval Aviation is an essential part of the Navy/Marine Corps/Coast Guard team, our national defense, and is a key capability in maintaining maritime awareness and dominance throughout the world.

Naval Aviation has a particularly long and rich history with the city of San Diego and surrounding communities.

In December 1910, LT Theodore Ellyson, who later became the Navy's first aviator, was detailed to San Diego to receive flight instruction from Glenn Curtiss. One month later, the first successful hydroaeroplane flight occurred in San Diego. February 17, 1911, Glenn Curtiss landed and taxied his hydroaeroplane to the cruiser USS PENNSYLVANIA anchored in San Diego Bay, where it was hoisted aboard, then lowered to the water, and Curtiss returned to North Island. This event, more than any other, prompted the Secretary of the Navy's decision to purchase the Navy's first aircraft.

 It is fitting to kick-off the year-long commemoration here at the "Birthplace of Naval Aviation."


For information on the world-wide celebration of Naval Aviation, visit www.navy.mil/flynavy. For updates on local events visit www.mwrtoday.com/cona.

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