Plans Launched For Naval Aviation Milestone

Plans for Navy aviation centennial begin to take off

By Jeanette Steele

CORONADO — It was January 1911, and what’s now North Island Naval Air Station was still separated from the mainland by water. The first naval aviator reported to San Diego to learn how to fly.


Nearly a century later, the Navy is planning a marathon celebration of its flight roots starting in January. The Naval Air Forces command, with headquarters at North Island, has formed a centennial task force, activated a reserve captain to coordinate the events and dedicated five service members to the effort.

 The 100th anniversary of Marine Corps aviation is in 2012, and the Coast Guard’s is in 2016. Both services will begin celebrating with the Navy because pilots for all three branches get their wings from the same flight school in Pensacola, Fla.

Read more here.