Capts. Gene Cernan and Jim Lovell to speak on naval experiences EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (May 23, 2011) — As part of the week-long Centennial of Naval Aviation commemoration at EAA AirVenture 2011, a special “Navy Day” on Wednesday, July 27, will be filled with must-see attractions – capped off by an evening forum featuring renowned astronauts, Capt. Gene Cernan and Capt. Jim Lovell. Adm. Gary Roughead, the current U.S. Chief of Naval Operations, will also join Cernan and Lovell on stage for the Theater in the Woods program.
The 59th annual edition of “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” scheduled for July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, will be filled with special attractions, appearances, and forums all week as part of its Tier 1 event status from the U.S. Navy for the year-long centennial festivities.
Former “Good Morning America” host David Hartman will moderate the evening program as Cernan and Lovell will recall how their experiences as U.S. Navy pilots forged their careers into NASA and space exploration. Additional special guests will be announced at a later date. Theater in the Woods programming is presented by M&Ms.
“We are always honored to welcome Gene Cernan and Jim Lovell to AirVenture, and are honored to host Admiral Roughead as we celebrate 100 years of naval aviation,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. "Not only can you experience the heritage of Navy aircraft, you can hear the stories of the people who built this legacy. This event will put the finishing touch on a very special day, one of many at AirVenture.”
Cernan (EAA #456102), who served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy, is one of only two men to have flown to the moon twice, becoming the last man to step foot on the moon as commander of Apollo 17 in 1972. Lovell (EAA #320945), who was a U.S. Navy test pilot, served on several missions, including Apollo 8 in 1968 that was first to orbit the moon and Gemini 7 space flight that lasted nearly 14 days in 1965. Lovell is well known for commanding the near-disastrous Apollo 13 that became a model of crisis ingenuity and teamwork.
From unique restorations and replicas to today’s modern fighters, the largest collection of naval aircraft spanning all eras ever assembled in one location will highlight AirVenture all week. Naval aircraft will be showcased on ConocoPhillips Plaza, and dozens will be located at special parking area dubbed “NAS Oshkosh” located just east of Scotts Warbird Alley.
Navy World War II-, Korean-, and Vietnam-era warbirds will join modern day fighters in a special tribute to naval aviation during the day’s afternoon air show, honoring the legacy built over the past 100 years by the veterans who served and sacrificed in them.
The always popular Warbirds in Review on July 27 will profile the Navy pilots and current owners of a comprehensive list of naval aircraft on Scotts Warbird Alley, including an F8F Bearcat painted in a Blue Angels scheme, an F7F Tigercat, and an award-winning SNJ Tailhook trainer. Additional forums and interview sessions will be held alongside featured aircraft on ConocoPhillips Plaza.
“Navy Day” will kick off with an “Honor Flight” that will transport approximately 80 World War II naval veterans from AirVenture on a Southwest Airlines 737 to Washington, D.C., where they will spend the day touring the memorials in their honor before returning to Oshkosh to a heroes’ welcome.
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.
Advance purchase admission tickets at a discounted rate as well as camping for all dates are now available at www.airventure.org/tickets.
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.
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