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Pensacola kicks off aviation anniversary events

One hundred years ago, the Navy approved the purchase of two stick-and-fabric flying contraptions.

Ninety-seven years ago, 32 men arrived in Pensacola with seven primitive aircraft and orders to establish the Navy’s first flight school.

Today, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., kicks off a year-long celebration honoring the centennial of Naval aviation and the pivotal role played by Pensacola.

The Navy plans more than 200 naval aviation events at cities throughout the country this year, but nowhere is hosting more events than Pensacola, long known as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation.”

NAS Pensacola will kick off celebrations Thursday at the base’s historic Navy Yard pavilion on Radford Boulevard.

“It’s going to be a great day for everyone to get together and begin our yearlong celebration of Naval aviation,” NAS Pensacola spokesman Harry White said.

Said National Naval Aviation Museum historian Hill Goodspeed: “For over 100 years ... the vast majority of naval aviators have come through Pensacola at some point in their careers.”

On this day in 1914, a small Navy unit arrived in Pensacola to establish a flight school. The pavilion overlooks the waterfront area where portable hangars and other gear were set up to house the first aircraft and pilots.

The ceremony will include a speech by Rear Adm. Joseph Kilkenny, commander of the Naval Education and Training Command; speeches by Florida Gov. Rick Scott and local politicians; and performances by the New Orleans Navy Band.

A “flight suit social” for Naval aviators will follow the ceremony at the Mustin Beach Officers’ Club.

Other events planned to mark the anniversary include:

• March 25: A tribute to the 44 Naval Aviator recipients of the Medal of Honor at the National Museum of Naval Aviation.

• May 2-8: Aviation Week at NAS Pensacola. The week-long series of events includes a port of call by the amphibious assault ship Iwo Jima, a special Blue Angels aerial demonstration and naval aviation symposiums.

• May 6: The christening of the National Flight Academy at NAS Pensacola. The flight academy is an educational camp that uses naval aviation to teach young people about science, math and engineering.

• July 9: Blue Angels Pensacola Beach air show.

• August: Centennial of Naval Aviation Celebration at Seville Quarter, the downtown entertainment complex.

• Nov. 11: Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show.