Coronado and the Navy – A Story for the Ages
(Coronado, CA) Coronado and the Navy share a formidable story that is epic in the annals of history; an evolving story that Coronadans and San Diegians are privileged to live and celebrate. No other location can be the birthplace of Naval Aviation, or the original home of the Navy SEALs — just to name a few such stories. Our homes are filled with neighbors that are heroes, and men and woman who make an impact in our hometown, and an even greater impact nationally and internationally.
The community is invited to come together and celebrate the special relationship between Coronado and the US Navy at the 2016 Celebrating Coronado History Gala, CORONADO AND THE NAVY – A STORY FOR THE AGES, held at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort beginning at 5:30pm. Rear Admiral Garry Bonelli will Emcee the evening, which will include a live and silent auction, gourmet dinner and program. Through video presentation, Senator John McCain will provide a special tribute to the Navy, which will include a laudation to Ms. Sybil Stockdale. Senator McCain was a POW with Sybil’s husband Vice Admiral Stockdale during the Vietnam War. Sybil was instrumental in the release of the POWs and started the National League of Families, for which she was awarded the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award- the highest award given to a civilian.
What: Annual Gala: Reception with silent auction, elegant dinner, program and live auction.
When: March 19, 2016 Event begins at 5:30pm
Where: 2000 2nd St, Coronado, CA 92118
Cost: $125 on or before 2/27, $135 after 2/27
Admiral Garry Bonelli will emcee the evening.
Senator John McCain will provide a special video tribute to the Navy.
The Coronado City Council appointed Mr. Bonelli to serve as a member of the board of commissioners for the San Diego Unified Port District in December 2013. As a Port Commissioner, he makes policy and provides stewardship for the 6,000 acres of public tidelands encompassing San Diego Bay. Commissioner Bonelli coordinates with the Port’s five member cities, works with the shipbuilding and ship repair industries, oversees operations of cargo and cruise terminals, and establishes policies for harbor police and homeland security issues. His responsibilities include working with the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, environmental groups; and more than 800 hotel, retail, restaurant, and visitor-serving tenants who lease public tidelands.
In addition, Mr. Bonelli serves as the chairman of the board of directors of the Navy SEAL Foundation (www.navysealfoundation.org), the non-profit, umbrella benevolent organization providing immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare community and their families.
A street urchin raised in New York City, Mr. Bonelli had a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy spanning 45 years of active and reserve service, where is rose through the ranks from seaman to admiral. He made combat deployments in Vietnam as a Navy frogman, and served as the commanding officer of SEAL Team 5 during the 1990/1991 Gulf War.
Recalled to active duty again in 2006, Bonelli was promoted to Flag rank and served as the Deputy Commander and then the ninth Force Commander of Naval Special Warfare. He provided the vision and leadership for a 9,000-person worldwide maritime special operations force of SEALs, special boat operators, and mission specialists while directing a $1 billion-plus enterprise. Admiral Bonelli retired from the U.S. Navy in 2013.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Bonelli worked as a staff director for the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), and a vice president with the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.
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The Coronado Historical Association, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 charitable organization, was founded in 1969 to help people understand and appreciate Coronado’s unique history, art, architecture, and historical resources. CHA continually works towards these goals and brings the history of Coronado to the community. In our state-of-the-art archives, we are carefully preserving everything from 1880s newspapers to vintage garments and over 20,000 photographs. Fascinating permanent exhibits and changing displays are provided in the Museum of History & Art. The City of Coronado Visitor Center is operated by the Coronado Historical Association, located adjacent to the Coronado Museum. Educational programs for Coronado Unified School children and an engaging summer Camps is open to all are youth.
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