-WASHINGTON, DC - The 2011 Centennial of Naval Aviation has been celebrated across the country throughout the course of the year paying tribute to the amazing progress and achievements of the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation. At the closing of the Centennial year, on December 1, men and women who have shaped the legacy of Naval Aviation over the past century will assemble in Washington, D.C. for a culmination of celebratory events. These Centennial events will reflect on the achievements of the past while embracing the possibilities of the future of United States Naval Aviation.
A public wreath laying ceremony honoring a century of mission-ready men and women who have served in the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard will take place on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 1:00 pm at the United States Navy Memorial. Vice Admiral Allen G. Myers IV, Commander, Naval Air Forces; Vice Admiral John P. Currier, Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, U.S. Coast Guard; and Lieutenant General Terry G. Robling, Deputy Commandant for Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps will co-host this ceremonial event honoring all in Naval Aviation who have paid the ultimate price for their country.
-Curtis Pusher, Naval Centennial image-
The culminating event of this anniversary year will take place the evening of December 1 at a black-tie Gala being held at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. Tom Costello, NBC News, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for this highly anticipated evening and will also include participation by The Honorable Leon Edward Panetta, Secretary of Defense; The Honorable John McCain, United States Senate; The Honorable Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy; Admiral James A. Winnefeld, Jr., USN, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr., USCG, Commandant of the Coast Guard; General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., USMC, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps; Vice Admiral John P. Currier, USCG, Deputy Commandant for Mission Support; and Captain Chris Ferguson, USN, Commander, NASA final Space Shuttle Flight
Lee Greenwood, country music legend, will provide the patriotic entertainment.
"We are honored to close out the Centennial year in our Nation's Capital," said Captain Jim DiMatteo, USN, President, The 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation. "The Foundation and the Centennial Task Force have had more than 30 events throughout 2011 that paid tribute to the rich history, heritage and legacy that Naval Aviation has had on our country for the past 100 years. It is with sincere respect and pride that we salute all those in the Naval Aviation Family for the achievements of the past century and we look forward with extreme confidence on what they will contribute over the next 100 years."
-USS Essex, Naval Centennial Image-
Close to 600 guests are expected, including United States senior military leaders, members of Congress and the Administration, Washington dignitaries, elected officials, senior Department of Defense civilian leaders, corporate representatives and Naval Aviation supporters.
About The Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation: The Foundation's mission is to raise national Naval Aviation awareness and honor a century of mission-ready men and women throughout the 2011 Centennial of Naval Aviation. As a result of regionally-based events and educational displays, the Foundation will recognize unique Naval Aviation achievements and provide resources for national involvement in the Centennial of Naval Aviation.
The 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation is a publicly supported, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization working independently to support the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard with their 2011 Centennial Celebration. - Centennial of Naval Aviation Foundation