AIRCRAFT WILL HONOR HERITAGE AS PART OF NAVAL AVIATION CELEBRATION AT EAA AIRVENTURE 2011 #OSH11

Dozens of current naval aircraft featuring paint schemes from previous eras to appear

       EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (Dec. 1, 2010) — Current naval aircraft in legendary paint schemes of their predecessors will be one of many highlights of the week-long Centennial of Naval Aviation celebration at EAA AirVenture 2011, which will be held July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” is one of the “Tier 1” events supported by the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard in their year-long celebration.

       Several featured attractions, appearances, and forums will highlight AirVenture 2011’s week-long commemoration of naval aviation’s centennial, including “Navy Day” on Wednesday, July 27. “Navy Day” will feature a variety of legendary naval aircraft spanning the past 100 years, showcased in the afternoon air show and spotlighted throughout the week.

       Among the many special features will be the appearance of current naval aircraft repainted in colors from previous eras, thanks to the efforts of the Centennial of Naval Aviation.

       Examples of already completed aircraft include two T-45 Goshawks painted in yellow-winged, pre-World War II tactical aircraft schemes; an S-3B Viking in the colors of naval airplanes that fought in the Battle of Midway during World War II; an HH-60H Seahawk helicopter painted like those of Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron THREE (HAL-3) Seawolf fire teams from the Vietnam era; and an F/A-18F with an unique scheme modeled after the current Navy Working Uniform. More than 25 of these specially painted aircraft are expected to appear at AirVenture 2011.

       “We’re excited that EAA has made the Centennial of Naval Aviation the theme of the 2011 show,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Tim Wilson, Executive Director of the Centennial of Naval Aviation. “We look forward to working closely with the professionals at EAA to make this preeminent event an unsurpassed success.”

       Already confirmed for AirVenture 2011 is a replica of the 1911 Curtiss-Ely Pusher that made the first carrier landing on the deck of the U.S. Navy’s USS Pennsylvania in the San Francisco Bay on January 11, 1911 – beginning the era of naval aviation. More features, programs and attractions Centennial of Naval Aviation celebration will be announced as they are confirmed.

       “Seeing current naval aircraft paying tribute to the legacy left by their predecessors is another unique way AirVenture attendees can learn about aviation history,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. “We are honored the Centennial of Naval Aviation recognizes AirVenture as a major destination, and the lineup of attractions and events expected in 2011 is sure to live up to its billing as a Tier 1 event.”

       AirVenture 2011 will also feature tribute days dedicated to aviation legends Burt Rutan (Thursday, July 28) and Bob Hoover (Tuesday, July 26) as well as several attractions and events commemorating the 100th anniversary of air mail service. Additionally, returning for 2011 will be the Opening Day Concert presented by the Ford Motor Company on Monday, July 25, the widely popular Night Air Show and Fireworks on Saturday, July 30, and the World Symposium on Electric Aircraft, featuring influential industry leaders discussing the emerging era of electric flight, on Friday, July 29.

      Advance purchase admission tickets and camping for AirVenture 2011 are now available at a discounted rate at www.airventure.org/tickets. 

      The 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation 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 throughout the past 100 years as well as provide resources for national involvement in the Centennial of Naval Aviation.

      EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.