Media & PR: Fact Sheet

What is the Centennial of Naval Aviation?

The Centennial of Naval Aviation marks 100 years of progress and achievement. One hundred years ago, on May 8, 1911 Navy Capt. Washington Irving Chambers, officer in charge of aviation, prepared contract specifications to purchase the Navy's first aircraft. In the 100 years since, Naval Aviation has grown from a tactical afterthought to a primary instrument of America's national security. 2011, marks the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation - a historic milestone unparalleled by any other celebration.

What is Naval Aviation?

Naval Aviation is a term used to describe the community of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft, pilots, maintainers, and crews that fly in the maritime environment. Together, these three branches create the unified maritime forces of the United States protecting America by air, land and sea. At the heart of aviation are the Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard men and women who through sacrifice, dedication and expert training, provide America with credible combat power. For an organizational overview of Naval Forces, please reference:

www.navy.mil/navydata/organization/org-top.asp

Why is the Centennial a historic milestone?

United States Naval Aviation's score of successes such as the first crossing of the Atlantic by air, the victory at the Battle of Midway, and the first American in space show the progress of the past 100 years of flight. These milestones are emblematic of our country's ingenuity and forward thinking, which are the reasons Naval Aviation exists today. Honoring Naval Aviation's 100th year of flight honors the service members deployed around the world 24/7, assuring allies, deterring potential adversaries and forging cooperative partnerships to maintain security at sea and in constant defense of our country and her people.

What is the future of Naval Aviation?

Honoring Naval Aviation's 100th year of flight underscores a commitment to sustaining a Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard responsive to the challenges of the 21st century. As the United States commemorates the past 100 years of progress and achievement, we focus on a century-long friendship between Naval Aviation and its local communities and global allies. In celebrating the Centennial, we celebrate the future promise of Naval Aviation and look forward to another 100 years of security, prosperity and growth. For information about the cooperative strategy for 21st Century Seapower, please reference:

www.navy.mil/maritime/MaritimeStrategy.pdf

What is the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation?

The mission of the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation is to raise national Naval Aviation awareness and honor a century of mission-ready men and women throughout 2011. As a result of regionally based events and educational displays, the Foundation will recognize unique Naval Aviation achievements throughout the past 100 years as well as provide resources for national involvement in the Centennial of Naval Aviation.

The 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions to the Foundation are deductible under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation accepts unrestricted gifts to be used at the discretion of the Foundation.

Who is a part of the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation?

The 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation Board of Directors is composed of (16) volunteers with diverse professional backgrounds who are experts in their field and share an appreciation for the rich history of Naval Aviation. The Board oversees The Foundation in establishing policy, setting priorities, and making final decisions on Foundation events in 2011.

What is the goal of the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation?

The Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard who comprise Naval Aviation will be celebrating the Centennial with a series of events across the nation over the course of 2011. At the beginning and end to the Centennial year, the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation will assemble the men and women who have shaped the legacy of Naval Aviation over the last century in a grand celebration fitting of this momentous occasion. The Kick-Off and Closing Centennial Events will be held at the USS Midway Museum and The National Building Museum.

For additional information about these Centennial Events please visit the "Events" page on our 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation website. The events page provides further information regarding Naval Aviation's 2011 Tier One events as well as our Foundation Events.

Where can I find out more information about Naval Aviation?

Please reference our Foundations website and utilize the "Resources" page for direct links to Naval Aviation resources including National Association, Foundations and Museums. For information on the Centennial of Naval Aviation from the Commander of Naval Air Forces, please reference:

www.public.navy.mil/airfor/centennial/Pages/welcome.aspx