Naval Aviation Hits the Century Mark

Boeing is proud to be part of the celebration of 100 years of naval aviation and providing some of the aircraft flown from the sea, such as these two F/A-18E Super Hornets from the Tomcatters of Strike Fighter Squadron 31 as they prepare to take off aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Billy Ho)

In 1911, Navy Capt. Washington Irving Chambers, the officer in charge of aviation, changed the future of the U.S. Navy forever. He recognized the possibilities of flight from the sea and prepared for the requisition of the Navy's first aircraft to be purchased from aviation pioneer Glenn H. Curtis. This activity sparked three branches of the U.S. military - the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard - to incorporate aviation capability into their strategies. 100 years later the men and women who wear the "Wings of Gold" are ready at a moment's notice to keep the United States of America secure throughout the world.

Boeing is serving as 'Presenting Sponsor' of the Centennial of Naval Aviation Foundation events this year and many of our Boeing Defense, Space & Security leaders will be participating in the official kick-off this weekend in San Diego, Calif. Throughout the year, 32 air shows/Fleet Weeks will highlight the centennial observance, as well as other special events across the country. Boeing also has underwritten a two-hour public television documentary for release this year called "Angle of Attack: How Naval Aviation Has Changed the Face of War," which will highlight the history of Naval Aviation juxtaposed against the training process associated with earning the coveted "Wings of Gold."

100 years of flight from the sea is a fantastic achievement for Boeing's naval customers. We encourage everyone to take time this year to remember those early days of flight from the sea and appreciate just how far we have come with the advent of new technology and the know-how of the skilled pilots, technicians and engineers who continue to test the waters today. Who knows where we will be one hundred years from now.