NavyCentennial

Celebrating

100 years of

Naval aviation

and innovation

JULY 28-30, 2011Official Commemorative Events Program

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES & WHIDBEY CROSSWIND

2 Centennial of Naval Aviation 1911-2011

Paci� c Northwest Neighbors - We’re glad you’re here today to help us celebrate the 100th

Anniversary of Naval Aviation. This extraordinary milestone gives the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard an op-portunity to commemorate the unique contributions naval aviation has made to our national security.

Naval aviation has been at the cutting edge of aerospace expeditions, from the � rst successful crossing of the At-lantic by an aircraft, to exploration of the Arctic and Antarctic, to journeys of discovery into space.

We’re proud that NAS Whidbey Island’s 69 years here in Washington have played a vital role in the Navy’s success. Today, much of our naval aviation heritage is parked side-by-side on the ramp – from seaplanes to jets.

Take time to meet the men and women who are serving our country today and listen to Tales of Naval Aviation from our own hometown heroes.

Enjoy your stay and have a safe drive home.

Capt. Jay Johnston

Commanding Of� cer, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island

On behalf of Team Whidbey, Welcome Aboard!

as we celebrate a valiant past, we look toward an innovative future

Welcome!

Capt. Jay Johnston

Capt. Christopher ShayCommander

Electronic Attack Wing

Capt. Peter GarvinCommander

Patrol & Reconnaissance Wing 10

Col. Bradley CloseCommanding Officer

Marine Aviation Support Training Group 53

Capt. Susan LichtensteinCommanding OfficerNaval Hospital Oak

Harbor

Carrier On.100 years of Naval Aviation and still flying strong. Thank you.

3Official Commemorative Event Program

Contents:Welcome........................2

Schedule of events ..........3

100 yearsof naval aviation .............of naval aviation .............of naval aviation 4

The birth of naval aviation .............of naval aviation .............of naval aviation 5

Talesof Naval Aviation ..........of Naval Aviation ..........of Naval Aviation 6

Kids Zone activities .......7

Memoriesof a Master Chief ..........of a Master Chief ..........of a Master Chief 10

Whidbey Island'srole in naval aviation ....role in naval aviation ....role in naval aviation 12

Historical stitchery ......Historical stitchery ......Historical stitchery 14

Directions & FAQ's .....15

"Speak softly and carry a big stick"- President Theodore Roosevelt

NAVAL AVIATIONA century of service and counting

www.ewa.com

Thursday, July 289 a.m. - Golf Tournament at Gallery

Golf Course: Open to the public. $60 per person. Call 257-2178

Friday, July 2911 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Admiral Nimitz

Hall Luncheon: Open to active duty, retirees, reservists and family members, as well as base civilian personnel. $4.25 per person. Call 257-2711

3 p.m. - All-Hands Reception and BBQ at Chief Petty Officers’ Club on Ault Field Road. Advance tickets $15; $20 at the door. Call 257-2891

3 p.m. - Commanding Officer’s Reception and BBQ at Officers’ Club on NAS Whidbey Island. Advance tickets $15; $20 at the door. Call 257-2521

Saturday, July 308 a.m. - Gates open for Flightline

run via Hoffman Road and Banta Road/Hammer Gate.

9 a.m. - 5K Flightline Run: Open to the public. $40 registration fee, must sign up at least one hour prior to start time. Call 257-6438 or 257-9018

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Fly-In at Ault Field: Free admission and open to the public; featuring Tales of Naval Aviation, vintage and modern aircraft displays, search and rescue demonstrations, car show, concessions, memorabilia, Kids Zone children activities and more.

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Fly-In at Seaplane Base: Free admission and open to the public; featuring vintage aircraft, PBY Catalina; Command display, military demonstrations; search and rescue demonstrations, car show and more.

General schedule of events

Centennial of Naval Aviation 1911-2011

If Eugene Ely hadn’t been the � rst avia-tor to � y an airplane off a ship in 1910, someone else would have done it.

Naval aviation was the inevitable conse-quence of man’s invention of the airplane.

“As planes came to the foreground and we looked at the ability of the U.S. Navy to place our ships anywhere, naval aviation was just a natural extension of that,” said Capt. Jay Johnston, commanding of� cer of Naval Air Sta-tion Whidbey Island. “When you think about it, the mobility of being able to place ships at various locations around the world, it just makes sense.”

You might say Capt. Johnston, who has been in the Navy 26 years, has more than 5,000 � ight hours under his belt and has � own 236 combat missions, knows a little something about naval aviation. The 37th command-ing of� cer of NAS Whidbey sat down with the Whidbey Crosswind earlier this month to discuss the evolution of naval aviation, NAS Whidbey Island’s role in it over the past 69 years and naval aviation’s future.

“Naval aviation was a neat idea in 1911, now it’s the primary arm of the Navy,” said John-ston. “Everything centers around aviation; now naval aviation is the largest command (in the Navy). The of� cer corps has 13,000 members, which is signi� cantly higher than the subma-rines or ships. Virtually everyone who deploys today deploys to support naval aviation.”

Ely’s successful takeoff from the deck of the USS Birmingham (CL-2) while it was at anchor in Hampton Roads, Va., on Nov. 14, 1910, supported the notion it was possible to merge � ight with a � oating Navy. Less than a month after Ely’s harrowing, but successful, takeoff (see sidebar), Lt. T. Gordon “Spuds” Ellyson was

ordered to report to the Glenn Curtiss Aviation Camp at North Island, San Diego, Calif. He completed his � ight training in April, 1911, making him Naval Aviator No. 1.

How times have changed. There is probably no comparison to the 50-hp Curtiss pusher biplane that made those historic � rst � ights 100 years ago to today’s cutting-edge EA-18G Growler, except perhaps that they can both � y.

“Today you � y in a Growler and it’s like you’re � ying in a computer. You can’t even imagine the new technology,” said Johnston, whose sentimental favorite aircraft is the A-4 Skyhawk, while his professional favorite would be the EA-6B Prowler. Of course, in true naval aviator style, it’s hard to pick a favorite.

“I like the Intruder, too,” he said. “Heck, I like ‘em all. I can’t believe they pay me to � y these things.”

De� ning momentJohnston’s sentiment echoes that of thousands of Navy pilots over the years. From Ellyson on, naval aviation blossomed and the spirit of its

pilots helped propel it to what many would say was its de� ning moment, its coming of age — the Battle of Midway in World War II. The battle marked a turning point in the war and proved the value of aircraft launched from ships. That show of force holds true today.

“You can drive a carrier into a region and change the balance of power and never launch a single aircraft,” said Johnston. “A carrier just has to be there as a show of force — it’s a deterrent.”

Since its commissioning on Sept. 21, 1942, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island has played a signi� cant role in naval aviation. The F4F Wildcats were the � rst aircraft to come aboard in 1942, followed by the F6F Hellcats and the PV-1 Venturas. By 1944, the predominant aircraft at Ault Field was the SBD Dauntless dive-bombers, while the PBY Catalina and PBM Mariner seaplanes called the Seaplane Base home. A long list of other aircraft have

4

Eugene Ely's first takeoff from a makeshift platform on the deck of the USS Birmingham on Nov. 14, 1910. U.S. Navy File photo


10% Military Discount!

Engraving Services: Embroidery Services:

919 Ault Field Rd. Oak Harbor360-675-8913360-675-8029

Hours:

Custom Engraving

Serving the Oak Harbor community since 1979

We do it all

Thank you to all past, present and future

defenders of our country.

Both Locations Open Mon-Fri 8-6 pm • Sat 8-5 pm • Sunday closed

31720 SR 20 • Oak Harbor360.679.1535

11038 SR 525 • Clinton360.341.3313

100 years of naval aviationKATHY REED | WHIDBEY CROSSWIND

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Capt. Jay Johnston, commanding officer of NAS Whidbey Island, stands next to photos commemorating the commissioning of the base in 1942. Kathy Reed/Whidbey Crosswind

Official Commemorative Event Program

� own in and out of the picture over the years.

“This base started with the PBY and has worked its way through the whole evolution ... we’ve had them all over time, and that has re-sulted in a large run,” Johnston said. “Whidbey Island has developed into an integral part of the air space system in this sector.”

Johnston cites the nearby location of carriers at Naval Base Kitsap and Naval Station Everett as well as the nearby Naval Magazine Indian Island as part of NASWI’s strategic position.

“Our location is critical,” he said. “That’s why the P-3’s are here. We possess some of the most valuable training ranges. The airspace is valuable.”

Looking to the futureJohnston is nearly one year into his three-year turn at the helm of NAS Whidbey. He said be-ing the commanding of� cer has made him look past his current tour of duty and at the distant horizon, at what the future will bring to this naval air station. As one might imagine, the biggest challenge is a familiar one.

“The biggest challenge now is the budget, just like the rest of the country,” he said. “We have to watch what we spend and still get the job done, so I’m very conscious of how we

spend the money. I analyze and justify every-thing.”

Johnston said he thinks the future will bring the branches of the nation’s Armed Forces together, ushering in more joint forces, as our military � nds more ef� cient ways to operate.

“We’ll continue to modify how we do things,” said Johnston. “We’ve got tried and true technologies, like the Nimitz-class carriers with catapults, and we’ll continue to build on those technologies.”

5

title of island county

499 NE Midway Blvd

Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Stop by and visit the staff and open up a transaction today. See what Stewart Title is all about.

www.stewarttitleofislandcounty.com

Magni�cent Service byInspired Professionals

Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

360-331-3353

south island escrow

SENDING A MESSAGE OF

TO THOSE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO DEFEND OUR FREEDOM.

from all of us at

WWW.SKAGITFORDSUBARU.COM

Retired Navy Cmdr. Bob Coolbaugh, pilots his replica Ely-Curtiss Pusher aircraft on board Naval Station Norfolk, as part of a ceremony to commemorate 100 years of naval aviation on Nov. 12, 2010. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Richard J. Stevens/Released

One can’t talk about the birth of naval aviation without talking about Eugene Burton Ely, the man credited with making the first shipboard takeoff and landing.

Ely was born in 1879 in Williamsburg, Iowa. He was raised in Davenport, Iowa and attended Iowa State University, graduating in 1904. In 1910, Ely and his wife, Mabel, moved to Portland, Ore., where he worked as a salesman for E.Henry Wemme. Wemme purchased one of Glenn Curtiss’ first four-cylinder

Eugene Burton Ely

SEE ELY, PAGE 11

The birthof naval aviationKATHY REED | WHIDBEY CROSSWIND


As one of the premiere events during the Heritage Fly-In celebrating 100 years of naval aviation, NAS

Whidbey Island presents its own “Home-town Heroes” on the Tales of Naval Aviation stage located in Hangar 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

10:30 a.m. Col. Ralph Wetterhahn is a former U.S. Air Force � ghter pilot who served combat tours during the Vietnam War with both the Air Force and the Navy. He is widely read in Air & Space Smithsonian, and Popular Science and is the author of The Last Flight of Bomber 31- Harrowing Tales of American and Japanese Pilots Who Fought in World War II’s Arctic Air Campaign.

11:15 a.m. Cmdr. Harry Ferrier � ew into battle on June 4, 1942 as a 17-year old radioman/gunner with Torpedo Squadron 8 in a Grum-man TBF-1 Avenger and was one of the few who returned from the tide-turning Battle of Midway. Ferrier retired from 30 years in the Navy after serving in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

12 p.m.Former NAS Whidbey Island Commanding Of-� cer (Jan. 1994-Jan. 1996) and author, Capt. John Schork graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and went on to spend 26 years in Naval Aviation, where he logged over 4,000 � ight hours and 1000 carrier landings in the A-6 Intruder. Dur-ing his active duty service, he commanded Attack Squadron VA-95 Green Lizards aboard USS Enterprise.

12:45 p.m.Capt. Walt Spangen-berg’s 30-year Navy avia-tion career began in Korea � ying the F4U Corsair, followed by tours of duty in the F9F2 Panther, FJ3

Fury, conducting missile tests in the FJ4 and A-4 Skyhawk, as a test pilot for the E-2 Hawkeye, P-3 Orion and A-5 Vigilante. He was also involved with the early development of the EA-6B Prowler. He’ll be talking about the challenges of landing on “straight deck” carriers.

1:30 p.m.Author of the classic � ying tale, "Flight of the Intruder," Stephen Coonts received his Navy wings in 1969. He � ew the A-6 In-truder with Attack Squad-ron VA-196 Main Battery, making two combat cruises aboard the USS Enterprise during the � nal years of the Vietnam War. After the war, he served as an A-6 � ight instructor for two years followed by a tour as assistant catapult and arresting gear of� cer on the USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

2:15 p.m.Rear Adm. Lyle F. Bull’s distinguished aviation career began as a bom-bardier/navigator in the A-3 Skywarrior followed quickly by a transition to the A-6 Intruder. From 1967-1970, Bull � ew 237 Vietnam combat missions from the decks of the USS Constellation (CV 64) and USS Ranger (CV 61). He commanded Attack Squadron VA-196 Main Battery, VA-128 Golden Intruders (west coast A-6 replace-


New Leaf’s mission: To promoteindependence and quality

of life through employment.

360-675-1989660 SE Fidalgo Ave., Oak Harbor

www.newlea�nc.orgEmail: newleaf@newlea�nc.org

Congratulations to our Navy community on this great centennial occasion!

To our heroes - Superb Naval aviators and the extraordinary men and women who support them in our defense. We are inspired by your efforts and grateful for your sacri�ce..

Congratulationson 100 years ofNaval Aviation!

Norma SmithWashington State Representative, 10th District, (R-Clinton)

INTRUDER

Larry and Beth Munns

CELEBRATING100 years of Naval Aviation

Thank you Oak Harbor for your70 years in support of our mission

Tales of naval aviationHometown heroes take center stage during centennial event

Cmdr. Harry Ferrier

Capt. John Schork

Col. Ralph Wetterhahn

Capt. Walt Spangenberg

Stephen Coonts

Rear Adm. Lyle F. Bull

Official Commemorative Event Program 7

Naval Aviation --American Sentinels

of freedom.With Wings of Gold

and nerves of steel -- Standing the watch

for a centuryand counting...

Oak Harbor Area Council

SERVING FAMILIES SINCE 1962

www.burleyfuneralchapel.com 30 SE Ely Street • Oak Harbor, WA • 360.675.3192WWW.BURLEYFUNERALCHAPEL.COM

“ Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for,

protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” - President Ronald Reagan

From all of us at Burley, Congratulations on this historical milestone

ment squadron), USS San Jose (AFS 7), the aircraft carrier USS Constellation and Car-rier Group 7. A Port Byron, Ill., native, Bull received his commission in 1960.

3 p.m.Cory Graff is the Flying Heritage Collection's Military Aviation Curator. Before coming to FHC, Graff worked at Seattle's Museum of Flight as an exhibits developer and as-sistant curator for military collections. Graff is the author of seven books on aviation history subjects including Strike and Return: American Airpower and the Fight for Iwo Jima and Clear the Deck! Na-val Aviation Accidents of World War II. He will be featuring The Navy in Puget Sound, published by Arcadia Publishing.

3:45 p.m.Vice Adm. James Zort-man’s distinguished aviation career began as a Bombardier/Navigator in the A-6 Intruder. He com-manded Medium Attack Warfare School, Attack Squadron VA-52 Knight-riders, Carrier Air Wing 17 aboard USS Enterprise and Carrier Group 7 and the USS John C. Stennis Battle Group in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. A native of Onawa, Iowa and 1973 graduate of U.S. Naval Academy, Zortman’s � nal as-signment was Commander, Naval Air Forces in San Diego.

Cory Graff

Vice Adm. James Zortman

Kids Zone features fun for all agesThere will be no shortage of activities and entertainment for children at the

Centennial of Naval Aviation Fly-In Saturday.The Seattle Museum of Flight will present its Flying Gizmo show at 10:30 a.m. and

1 p.m. at Haviland Hangar on NAS Whidbey Island. The program is designed to help children discover the science and history of flight through the use of flying toys and models.

Washington’s largest traveling wildlife exhibit, Predators of the Heart, will also be there with reptiles, birds and other furry, four-legged creatures. Shows will take place at 11:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m., also in Haviland Hangar.

From noon to 3 p.m. there will be clowns and jugglers to entertain children and adults alike. Face painting will also be available.

Demonstrations & Splash Downs:NAS Whidbey Island's Search and Rescue will perform demonstrations during the Centennial of Naval Avia-tion event. SAR will demonstrate a land rescue at 11 a.m. on the Ault Field Base.An over water rescue will be demon-strated at noon at the Seaplane Base.

A PBY Catalina will splash down in Crescent Harbor at 2 p.m.

Children of all ages will have two opportunities to see the Flying Gizmo show during the cen-tennial fly-in event. Photo Courtesy of the Seattle Museum of Flight

11 in

. Ble

ed

18 in. Bleed

10.5

in. T

rim

16.5 in. Trim

Scale: 1.0" = 1"

9.5

in. L

ive

15.5 in. Live

Date: 6/28/11file Name: BOEG_BDS_IMG_2192M_F

Output printed at: 60%Fonts: Helvetica (Bold), Helvetica (Plain), Helvetica 65Media: Whidbey Newspaper Group

Space/Color: Spread–4-Color–BleedLive: 15.5 in. x 9.5 in.Trim: 16.5 in. x 10.5 in.

Bleed: 18 in. x 11 in.Gutter: 1/8 in.

Production Artist: S. Bowman, D. SeymourRetoucher:

GCD: P. SerchukCreative Director: P. Serchuk

Art Director: J. AlexanderCopy Writer: P. Serchuk

Print Producer:Account Executive: D. McAuliffe

Client: BoeingProof Reader:

Legal:Traffic Manager: Jenna Garvin

Digital Artist:Art Buyer:

Vendor: Color Inc.

Job Number: BOEG_BDS_IMG_2192M_FApproved

Date/InitialsClient: Boeing Product: Boeing Defense Space & Security

PUBLICATION NOTE: Guideline for general identification only. Do not use as insertion order. Material for this insertion is to be examined carefully upon receipt.

If it is deficient or does not comply with your requirements, please contact: Print Production at 310-601-1493.

Frontline Communications Partners 1880 Century Park East, Suite 1011, Los Angeles, CA 90067

0 25 50 75 100

3C

4C

50K50C41M41Y

1/8 in. Gutter

From the early years of flight, Naval Aviation has played

a critical and enduring role in protecting freedom around

the world. And Boeing is honored that we’ve been part

of this great legacy for more than nine decades. We

proudly salute the generations of men and women

whose commitment, expertise and service have made

Naval Aviation all that it is today and will be tomorrow.

Photo courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command

1600 Flower StreetGlendale, California [email protected]

PDFDOT SHAPE LINE SCREEN DMAX

BOEG_BDS_IMG_2192M_FDate: 06.28.11 67009QX01r0_F.qxd

RESOLUTIONLine : 2400Graphic : 300

SCREEN ANGLESYEL MAG CYAN BLK90˚ 45˚ 105˚ 75˚

DIGITAL PROOF SPECS. DIGITAL FILES SPECS.

YEL MAG CYN BLK

Color Incorporated

280133 X-1AElliptical

25 50 75 K25 50 75 C25 50 75 M25 50 75 Y25 50 75 MY25 50 75 CY25 50 75 CM

25c17m17y 50c40m40y 75c63m63y


At 88, Oak Harbor resident Dick Hayden has forgotten more about Navy aviation than most will ever

know.

That's what happens when you spend nearly 30 years working on and in Navy aircraft, from droning "recips" (as in reciprocal pro-peller driven planes) to roaring jets designed to carry nuclear weapons.

Hayden, a veteran of World War II and Korea, was � rst assigned to Naval Air Sta-tion Whidbey Island in 1948. He proudly recounts he was the � rst master chief ever to serve at the airbase.

It's no surprise, considering his war record. Before reporting to NAS Whidbey, Hayden was aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hor-net (CV-8) when Lt. Col. James "Jimmy" Doolittle and his raiders took off on their famous and daring 1942 bombing run.

"We hauled them to Japan," Hayden said.

He was also on the same ship just six months

later when it was sunk during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. After enduring waves of attacking Japanese bombers, the ship was listing badly and the order was given to abandon ship.

"I didn't have any shoes and my dungarees were shredded. I was in pretty bad shape," Hayden said, with a chuckle.

Describing what happened next, his smile faded and was soon replaced with tears. Hayden and the rest of the crew spent the better part of two hours trying to dodge stra� ng runs by Japanese � ghter pilots and � nd patches of water free of diesel fuel and engine oil.

"I was pretty scared," he said.

They were eventually rescued by a battleship and Hayden went on to serve out a long and distinguished Navy career, much of which was spent on Whidbey Island. They were also the best years, he said.

Arriving for the � rst time with his wife Jean, they encountered a small waterfront com-munity with a sign at the edge of town that

said, "Welcome to Oak Harbor, population 440." For Hayden, who grew up on a small farm in Iowa, it was the perfect place; cozy yet buzzing with military importance.

Unlike many air bases across the country, which were being decommissioned following World War II, NAS Whidbey Island had been deemed too valuable to close. In fact, its runways were expanded to meet new Navy standards and the airbase began to grow.

Hayden would witness many changes at NAS Whidbey over his career. The biggest came


Beautiful Fine Home Decor From Around The World

PROUD TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS ALL AROUND THE WORLD!

NORTHWESTfine furnishings

Memories of a Master Chief

Frank’s PlaceSUPPORTS OUR

TROOPS

Eat Spam!

FOR 1

00 YE

ARS

& B

EYOND

, THE

ASSOCIATION OF NAVAL AVIATION SUPPORTS & APPLAUDS OUR PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE AVIATION PERSONNEL!

Dick Hayden, a retired Navy master chief, describes being strafed by Japanese fighter pilots during Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands in World War II. Justin Burnett/Whidbey

News-Times

JUSTIN BURNETT | WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES

SEE HAYDEN, PAGE 14


text CBK to 87778 to

download app

380 SE Pioneer WayOak Harbor, Washington 98277

www.WhidbeyIslandRents.com

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” GENERAL COLIN POWELL

EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY

Thank you for your dedication to our country.

Koetje Property Management

32895 SR 20 & 415 SE Pioneer WayOak Harbor, Washington 98277

www.WhidbeyRealEstate.com

To view allhomes for sale

Oak Harbor - 230 SE Pioneer Way360-675-6688 | 800-378-6688

Clinton - Ken’s Korner Shopping Plaza360-341-3880

Congratulations of 100 Years

of Naval Aviation

Congratulations on 100 years!

FROM

WWW.BROADVIEWAPPLIANCE.COM

biplanes, also aquiring the first franchise in the Pacific Northwest.

Even though Wemme owned the plane, he couldn’t fly it. Ely volunteered to do so, but wound up crashing the plane instead. Ely bought the wreck from Wemme, repairing it over the next few months and learning to fly it properly. Ely flew the plane extensively in the Portland area, and wound up moving to Minneapolis, Minn. and working for Curtiss. Ely got his Aero Club of America pilot’s license (no. 17) in October, 1910.

That same month, Ely and Curtiss met Capt. Washington Chambers, who had been appointed by the secretary of the Navy, George von Lengerke Meyer, to investigate military uses for aviation within the Navy. Chambers was impressed with Ely’s technical abilities. When Ely heard of Chambers’ interest in having a plane fly from a ship, Ely volunteered to try it.

A temporary platform was erected over the foredeck of the scout cruiser USS Birmingham (CL-2) at the Norfolk Navy Yard in Virgina. Ely’s plane was lifted onboard by a floating crane, and the Birmingham steamed down the Elizabeth River to Hampton Roads. On Nov. 14, 1910, Ely’s plane cleared the runway and plunged downward, its wheels brushing the water’s surface before pulling up. The contact with the water damaged the plane’s propeller and the plane vibrated heavily as it climbed. Ely knew he had to touch down quickly and landed on Willoughby Spit nearby.

While this takeoff was considered

something of a stunt, it received much publicity. Two months later, on Jan. 18, 1911, Ely was on the opposite side of the country, in San Francisco Bay, where he landed on the deck of the armored cruiser, USS Pennsylvania (ACR-4), the first successful shipboard landing of an aircraft, and the first ever using a tailhook system, which was designed and built by circus performer and aviator, Hugh Robinson. Less than an hour later, Ely took off from the Pennsylvania and returned to Selfridge Field.

Naval aviation was born.

Although Ely contacted the U.S. Navy and requested employment, naval aviation wasn’t well organized as yet, so Ely continued to fly in exhibitions while waiting for more of the Navy’s flying stations to become operational. While flying an exhibition in Macon, Ga. on Oct. 19, 1911, Ely’s plane pulled out of a dive too late, and crashed. Ely jumped clear of the wreckage, but his neck was broken and he died moments later.

ELY, FROM PAGE 5

Eugene Ely's first landing on the deck of the USS Pennysylvania, Jan. 18, 1911.U.S. Navy File photo

Aircraft on display:Vintage:- F7F Tigercat- F8F Bearcat- B-25D Mitchell- P-51B Mustang- Beaver- SNJ (T-6 Texan)- A-1 Skyraider- PT-13 Stearman- P-51 Mustang-De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver- RC-45J- T-28 Trojan- AD-1 Skyraider- Curtiss P-40 Warhawk Modern:- EA-6B, Coral Sea paint- EA-18G, in WWII colors- P-3- FA-18C - FA-18C Wingman


Whidbey Island Naval Air Station was created with one main purpose in mind: to provide Navy patrol planes

with a location to re-arm and refuel should they be called on to defend Puget Sound.

The plan, � rst hatched by Of� ce of the Chief of Naval Operations about one year before the United States entered World War II, went into high gear following the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

The government quickly gobbled up about 20 farms in Clover Valley — 4,325 acres total — and construction of Ault Field was in full swing by the summer of 1942. By early fall, Sept. 21, a ceremony attended by 212 people marked the base’s of� cial commission.

A lot has changed over the past 69 years. The airbase now boasts about 10,000 Navy and ci-vilian personnel and has transitioned from vin-tage propellor-driven seaplanes to screamingly fast jets loaded with cutting edge technology.

Its service members have trained for count-less hours in more than 30 aircraft and have participated in con� icts, wars and humanitarian efforts all over the world. With such a rich his-

tory, NAS Whidbey Island has earned a place of distinction in the Navy’s centennial celebration of aviation.

The beginningIn that � rst year, several historic aircraft arrived to call Oak Harbor home. The � rst were squad-rons of F4F Wildcats, a carrier-based � ghter that was also used by the British Royal Navy.

Beginning service in 1940, the plane was capable of speeds up to 320 mph and was the only effective � ghter available to the US Navy and Marine Corps

in the Paci� c Theater during the early part of WWII.

The F6F Hellcat, a faster, more maneuverable aircraft with a top speed of 380 mph, soon fol-lowed at NAS Whidbey, replacing all the older Wildcats.

Within just two short years, the Douglas-built SBD Dauntless scout dive-bomber would steal the show at the airbase by becoming the predominant aircraft. The planes

played a vital role in the Paci� c during WWII, from shooting down Japanese Zeros over Pearl Harbor to sinking four carriers in the Battle of Midway.

Also arriving during the airbase’s � rst year was the venerable PBY Catalina. According to Naval Historical Center records, the long-lived seaplane was one of the “most useful aircraft during WWII,” with more built than any other � ying boat before or since.

It was designed for use as a patrol, bomber or torpedo aircraft — it was also used for search and rescue — and saw action in locations ranging from the English Channel in Europe when it located the German super battleship Bismarck, to the Aleutian Islands in Alaska on the other side of the world.

Post WWIIFollowing the end of the war, it was widely believed the base would be decommissioned. But it survived to become the only air station north of San Francisco and west of Chicago to meet new runway and radar requirements, and support � eet and Alaskan activities.

With a clear runway into the future came the P2V Neptune, a land-based patrol bomber that set a new bar for long distance � ying. A variation of the aircraft, a P2V-1, set a world distance record in 1947 when it � ew 11,236 miles form Perth, Australia, to Columbus, Ohio.

12

F4F Wildcat


FOR YOUR SERVICE

AND

DEDICATION TO OUR

COUNTRY.

CITY OF MOUNT VERNONMAYOR NORRIS

THANKS YOUTHANKS YOUFLOORING CONNECTIONS, INC.FLOORING CONNECTIONS, INC.

“Your Connection ToQuality Flooring”

RIGHT BEHIND JERRY SMITH CHEVROLET OFF HWY 20.

Whidbey Island's role in naval aviationJUSTIN BURNETT | WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES

SBD Dauntless

PBY Catalina

P2V Neptune

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Official Commemorative Event Program

A few years later, in 1956, a newer seaplane would reemerge as a force at NAS Whidbey. Patrol squadrons � ying the P5M-2 Marlin, a successor to the PBM Mariner, would dominate the airbase until the 1960s.

The aircraft, which also saw service with the Coast Guard and French navy, was the last � ying boat used in operations

by the Navy. Its � nal missions were with VP-40, patrolling for enemy supply vessels off the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.

A new eraWith the arrival of the A-3 Skywarrior in 1956, the airbase’s � rst jet-powered bomber, many things changed around the base. Infrastructure, equipment, and methods had to be updated to support the new aircraft and heavy attack squadrons were established.

By 1958, they outnumbered patrol squadrons by � ve to four. Nicknamed the “Whale” due to

its sheer size, mea-suring over 74-feet long from nose to tail, the aircraft was designed to deliver nuclear weapons. In an age where nuclear war was a

very real possibility, it became the backbone of attack aviation.

But the Skywarrior’s days of air supremacy were limited and its importance began to fade with the arrival of the � rst A-6A Intruders in 1966. The aircraft would become the workhorse of the Navy and Marine Corps, seeing service in a range of con� icts until its retire-ment in 1997.

According to the Naval Historical Center, the jet was the world’s � rst fully all-weather attack bomber. Even in zero-visibility condi-tions, it could detect and identify targets and

deliver both conventional and nuclear ordnance.

But it wasn’t the Intruder that would take cen-ter stage at NAS Whidbey. The spotlight was reserved for the EA-6B Prowler. The four-seat jet is similar to the A-6A in that it can navigate in all-weather conditions.

However, it was designed and built with elec-tronic warfare in mind. With its primary weap-

on, the tactical jamming system, the aircraft has the ability to sup-port allied forces by neutralizing enemy radar.

In 1971, the airbase became the � rst to receive the new jet and it was quickly put to use in Vietnam. Eventually, up to 15 Prowler squadrons would be stationed at NAS Whidbey, forming the nucleus of Navy electronic attack.

The futureDue to the sheer range of con� icts and wars the Prowler has participated in, it’s dif� cult to calculate its impact on the world. But like the Skywarrior, its future has a horizon. It’s in the process of being replaced by the EA-18G Growler, a specialized version of the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

Capable of speeds of more than 1,360 mph — the Prowler's top speed is 651 mph — the jet is blindingly fast. That speed supplements its abilities, allowing it to keep up with other attack aircraft and provide escort jamming rather than the standoff jamming limited to its predecessor.

The � rst aircraft was received in 2008 and the � rst squadron, the VAQ-132 Scorpions, recent-ly returned from its � rst combat deployment. It participated in operation New Dawn Iraq and Operations Odyssey Dawn and Uni� ed Protec-tor with coalition forces over Libya.

Another era that will soon end is that of the P-3C Orion aircraft. Originally intro-duced in the 1960s, it was designed to replace the Neptune and Marlin by ful� lling its duties of maritime patrol and reconnaissance. It serves largely as a sub-hunter.

The propellor-driven Orion is set to be replaced by the jet-powered P-8A Poseidon, with the transition wrapping up by about 2019. It will continue the P-3C’s mission of tracking and eliminating enemy submarines.

Finally NAS Whidbey is home to a helicopter, the MH-60S Knighthawk. It took over for the Sikorsky SH-3D Sea King and serves as the rescue vehicle for the airbase’s Search and Rescue Unit.

While its primary mission is to support � ight operations for Navy Region North-west — rescuing downed pilots — most of its work is done in the civilian community. Every year, the unit saves the lives of

stranded hikers and boaters all over the state.

13

WNT PROOFCHECK OUT OUR FULL MENU AT

www.123thaifood.webs.com360-679-7600

ThinkThinkThinkThinkThinkThinkThink1-2-3 Thai Food

Think Good Food

WNT PROOF

CALL FOR A FREE RATE QUOTE.

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states or in all GEICO companies. Government EmployeesInsurance Co. GEICO General Insurance Co. GEICO Indemnity Co. GEICO Casualty Co. These companies are subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

GEICO auto insurance is not available in MA. GEICO: Washington, DC 20076. © 2007 GEICO. The GEICO gecko image © GEICO 1999-2007



GEICO auto insurance is not available in MA. GEICO: Washington, DC 20076. © 2007 GEICO. The GEICO gecko image © GEICO 1999-2007Some discounts,coverages,payment plans,and features are not available in all states or in all GEICO companies.Government EmployeesInsurance Co. GEICO General Insurance

Co.GEICO Indemnity Co. GEICO Casualty Co.These companies are subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. GEICO auto insurance is not available in MA. GEICO: Washington,

DC 20076.© 2007 GEICO.The GEICO gecko image © GEICO 1999-2007







Congratulations Naval Air Station

Whidbey Island on your Centennial of Naval Aviation

Achievement

3161-C Goldie RoadJust Outside the Porter Gate.

Thank you for serving our country!

Paid for by The Committee to Elect Tara Hizon

P5M-2 Marlin

A-3 Skywarrior

A6-A Intruder

EA-6B Prowler

EA-18G Growler

P-3C Orion

MH-60S Knighthawk


Twelve Navy Quilting Challenge quilts will

be on display in Haviland Hangar during NAS

Whidbey Island’s Centennial of Naval Avaia-

tion � y in from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 30.

Local quilting guilds have also been invited to

display patriotic and Navy-themed quilts.

The quilt challenge was the brainchild of

Charlie Hoewing, wife of retired Vice Adm.

Gerald Hoewing, President and Chief Execu-

tive Of� cer of the National Naval Aviation

Museum in Pensacola, Fla. Charlie, quilter,

museum volunteer and experienced Navy wife,

thought it would be wonderful to have a quilt

challenge centering on the Navy’s 100th avia-

tion anniversary.

The quilts debuted at the Blue Angels

homecoming in Pensacola, Fla., last November.

Then they were divided up, packed into several

trunks and have been traveling throughout the

United States as an integral part of Centennial

celebrations. NAS Whidbey Island’s “white”

trunk collection includes several award-win-

ning quilts – for both quality work and theme.

You can view all the quilts in the challenge,

read about the quilters and each quilt’s story at

www.navyquilts.com/index.


Historical stitchery

“The Navy has both a tradition and a future – and we look with pride and confi dence in both directions.” - Admiral George Anderson

Barbara BaileyWashington State Representative

10th District (R-Oak Harbor)

Congratulations on 100 years

of Naval Aviation

OAK HARBOR360-682-2431987 Ault Field Rd.Across from NAS Whidbey

SUN 12 to 5

11031 State AvenueMarysville

(360) 653-5312Located 1/2 mile South of

116th St. Albertson’s

987 Ault Field RoadOak Harbor

(360) 682-2431Located across from

NAS Whidbey

19215 Hwy 99Lynnwood

(425) 744-6694Just north from I96 next

to business Costco

www.furnitureworldnw.com

88th.

116th.

Stat

e St

.TULALIPCASINO

Exit 202

Exit 200

I-5

Smok

ey B

lvd.

99

524

60

Th

Av

e. W

58

t h A

ve

. W

58

th P

l W

194Th St. SW

196Th St. SW

90Th St. SW

*No interest till 2012 minimum purchase of $2000. Under $2000 purchase over $1000 no interest for 1 year purchase. Under $1000 purchase wno interest for 6 months.Go To WWW.FURNITUREWORLDNW.COMfor more great specials!

Congratulationson the 100th

Anniversaryof Naval Flight!

HAYDEN, FROM PAGE 10

with the arrival of the A-3 Skywarrior, the island's � rst jet-powered aircraft. Large and fast, it was unlike anything before it and was a game changer in terms of operations.

It required new ammunition, tools for maintenance and the infrastructure to sup-port it all. Turbine engines even needed a different type of fuel. At the same time, the base had to continue to support squadrons of P5M Marlin seaplanes and the P2V Neptune maritime patrol aircraft – the predecessor to the P-3 Orion sub-hunters.

Hayden worked on them all.

"They were all pretty nasty," he laughed, referring to all the scrapes, bruises and bloody knuckles he acquired while maintain-ing them.

It was a lighthearted jest. While he remem-bers some aircraft more fondly than others, each earned a special place in his heart. And though the Navy, the airbase, and its complement of aircraft have all changed vastly since he � rst arrived 63 years ago, Hayden said he has no regrets and is proud of his service to his country.

At an unknown date, Dick Hayden, a retired Navy master chief, stands before a P5M Marlin seaplane. Hayden was the first master chief stationed at NAS Whidbey Island. Photo Courtesy of Dick Hayden

Centennial of Naval Aviation quilts on display

Both of these quilts depict planes that have a history on NAS Whidbey Island and will be on display July 30 during the Centennial of Naval Aviation events. The quilt on top was created by Nancy Ann McGlothin of Raton, N.M., and the other was made by Sandra Takaro-Miller of Milton, Fla.


How do I get to NAS Whidbey Island?

The general public will be allowed on board the air station Saturday, July 30, for the Cen-tennial of Naval Aviation Heritage Fly-In.

For the general public, Base Security will direct traf� c onto the base via Hoffman Road and Banta Road/Hammer Gate beginning at 8 a.m. (for people participating in the 5K Flight-line Run that begins at 9 a.m.) and continuing throughout the day.

Visitors with vehicle decals and ID cards (active duty and Reserve personnel, retirees, DoD civilians, contractors and family members) should enter the base via Langley Gate off Ault Field Road.

Visitors to Seaplane Base may use all entrances.

From Interstate 5:Take Exit 230 (Anacortes/Burlington). Fol-low State Route 20 West and follow signs to Whidbey Island/Oak Harbor. (If you reach Anacortes, you’ve gone too far). Turn RIGHT at Banta Road and enter the base via the gate at Hammer Road.

From Coupeville Ferry:After departing the ferry, turn LEFT on

Engle Road and follow it to State Route 20 in Coupeville. Take a LEFT at the light and continue NORTH through Oak Harbor. Travel past the A-6 Intruder/EA-6B Prowler static display at Ault Field Road. Turn LEFT onto Hoffman Road (by the Park & Ride) and follow directions provided by Base Security to � ight line parking area.

From Mukilteo Ferry: After departing the ferry, travel NORTH on State Route 525 and State Route 20 continu-ing through Oak Harbor. Travel past the A-6 Intruder/EA-6B Prowler static display at Ault Field Road. Turn LEFT onto Hoffman Road (by the Park & Ride) and follow directions provided by Base Security to � ight line parking area.

Where will I park?For Ault Field - The general public will be

directed by Base Security to designated � ight line parking areas.

For the Seaplane Base – Base Security will direct visitors to designated parking areas.

What about handicapped access?People requiring handicapped-accessible

parking will be directed by Base Security to

designated areas on the � ight line.

What can I bring?You may bring yourself, a light jacket (even

in July, Whidbey Island can be a bit cool), money to purchase a snack or squadron patch or two, your camera, a sense of fun and adventure, sunglasses. Bring sunscreen and a hat. Wear comfortable clothing and a good pair of walk-ing shoes!

Will there be a Security checkpoint?Yes. For visitors on Ault Field, Base Security

will be checking purses, backpacks, diaper bags, strollers, etc., as guests pass from the parking area to the event area.

What can’t I bring?Pets (other than service dogs), glassware,

alcoholic beverages and ice chests will not be allowed through the Security Checkpoint. Fire-arms, � reworks, explosives, knives, barbecues, � ame starters and illegal substances are not allowed on Navy Property. Please leave them at home.

Anything else I need to know?As a reminder, for your safety and those on

the road with you, cell phone use while driving is not allowed on Navy property.

Frequently asked questions

Taxi

way

CH

AR

LIE

Taxi

way

DE

LTA

Centennial of Naval Aviation Heritage Fly-InNAS Whidbey Island - Ault Field

Taxiway ECHO

WIRCS DemosVINTAGE & MODERNAIRCRAFT DISPLAYS

CHARLES PORTER AVENUE

CONCESSIONS / SPONSOR / VENDOR BOOTHS

Classic Cars & Motorcycles

Kid's ZoneNaval Aviation Quilt Displays

Tales of Naval Aviation Squadron Memorabilia

PUBLIC ENTRANCE

From Hoffman Rd./State Route 20

PUBLIC ENTRANCE From Banta Rd./State Route 20

HAVILANDHANGAR

HGR 1

BLDG 385

Checkpoint

Tower

INFO AirTerminal

First Aid

Security

PUBLICPARKING

NAS Operations

SAR Demo

First FridaysArt Walk & Late Night Shopping* Oak Harbor’s Historic Downtown

PM - 8 PMPioneer Way Construction Project

invites you to enjoy this event with shop front parking.

Pioneer Way currently offers complete access through downtown along Pioneer Way. You’ll �nd paved roads from City Beach St.

to Dock St. and gravel road access to Midway Blvd. Lots of parking available.

SE Pioneer WayImprovements Project

Bench

Tree grate

Manhole cover

Street light with option for either banner or flower basketTrash receptacle Recycle receptacle

Bike rack Metal railing

Tree guard Planter

42”

NavyCentennial

Documents

Transcript of NavyCentennial