U.S. Navy Celebrates its Centennial of Flight in 2011

January 25, 2011 — Nearly 100 years ago, on February 17, 1911, to be exact, Glenn Curtiss flew his “hyrdoaeroplane” to the battleship USS Pennsylvania, which was anchored in San Diego Bay, and landed alongside. A boat hoisted the seaplane aboard the battleship, Curtiss joined the crew for lunch, and following dessert, he was lowered back to the water, started the engine, and flew back to the mainland. While it wasn’t a particularly exciting flight, it had a huge impact. It prompted the Secretary of the Navy to purchase the Navy’s first aircraft. One hundred years later, the U.S. Navy is celebrating with over 200 naval aviation themed events during its centennial of flight. Of those more than 200 events, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are focusing combined assets on 34 “Tier 1” commemorations. The official kick-off is set for February 10-12 in San Diego, where hundreds of historic and current Navy aircraft, including the Blue Angels, will take to the skies for a Parade of Flight above Naval Air Station North Island, which will host an open house for the event. Visitors can view more than 75 historic aircraft displays, take tours of Navy ships and enjoy live entertainment and food vendors. The event is free to the public, but visitors must carry identification and meet other criteria to enter the base. Other events planned for the weekend include a kick-off gala aboard the USS Midway museum ship. Events are planned across the country from March through December, including at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh from July 25-August 1. EAA AirVenture 2011 has been classified a Tier 1 event by the U.S. Navy and the Navy will feature a variety of legendary naval aircraft spanning the past 100 years, showcased in the afternoon air show on July 27 and featured on the West Ramp throughout the week. Can’t make it to either of those events? Click here to see if there is an event scheduled near you.		Nearly 100 years of naval aviation will be showcased throughout the nation in 2011, as the U.S. Navy celebrates the 100th anniversary of its flight program. Photo credit: Navy The Navy uses the T-45A Goshawk as a jet trainer for Navy and Marine Corps pilots. Photo credit: Navy

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