On February 17, 1911, inventor and aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss taxied his seaplane to the battleship USS PENNSYLVANIA anchored in San Diego Bay. A boat hoisted the “hydroaeroplane” aboard the ship. Later, it was lowered to the water and Curtiss returned to North Island. This historic event, more than any other, prompted the Secretary of the Navy’s decision to purchase the Navy’s first aircraft.
In tribute to this and the 100 years of progress and achievement in Naval Aviation, hundreds of historic and current Navy aircraft will take to the skies February 12, 2011. Naval Air Station North Island – the official “Birthplace of Naval Aviation” – will provide prime viewing for this once-in-a-lifetime aerial review.
On February 12th the Air Station hosts a spectacular Open House event welcoming military and civilians aboard. Guests will stroll the runways to view historic static aircraft displays, enjoy the Aerial Review viewing, Carrier and LHD ship tours, Metal Mulisha motorcycle stunt shows, antique car collections, sponsor and vendor booths, live entertainment, food and beverage, children’s activities and more. Leading up to this grand finale event, Sailors and Marines will participate in golf tournaments, a 5K Fun Run, and historic aviation film festival.
Get all the event details here: http://mwrtoday.com/cona/calendar/
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Naval Aviation Film Screening: Hollywood & North Island
Date: February 5, 2011
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Lowry Theater, Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI)
5K Beach Run
Date: February 9, 2011
Registration: 10:30 am
Race Starts: 11:30 am
Location: Breakers Beach, Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI)
Centennial of Naval Aviation Golf Tournament
Date: February 11, 2011
Check-in: 11:00 am
Shotgun Start: 12:00 pm
Location: Sea ‘N Air Golf Course, Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI)
Format: 4 Person Scramble
Fee: $60 E1-E6/$75 E7 & Above/$85 DoD & Guest (includes cart)
Centennial of Naval Aviation Kick-Off VIP Reception
Date: February 11, 2011
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Location: San Diego Air and Space Museum
100th Anniversary Parade of Flight and North Island Open House
Date: February 12, 2011
Time: All day – Base Gates Open at 8 am / Venue Gates Open at 9 am / Parade of Flight Begins 1 pm
Location: Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI), Coronado, California
Local Tip: Walk or ride your bike onto the base
Centennial of Naval Aviation Kick-Off Gala
Date: February 12, 2011
Time: 6:30 – 11:00 pm
Location: USS Midway Museum
