NAVAL AVIATION’S 100^TH ANNIVERSARY

Story and Photos by Frank Lorey III

            Naval Air Station North Island was the official host to the 100^th Anniversary of Naval Aviation airshow on February 12^th, 2011.  The first Naval Aviation flight took place in San Diego Bay on January 26^th, 1911, but it was actually by famed aviator Glenn Curtiss. The A-1 Triad, designed by Curtiss, was the first aircraft purchased by the U.S. Navy in May 1911—marking the official start to Naval Aviation.  Lt. T.G. Ellyson had been trained by Curtiss at the “Curtiss Aviation Camp” on North Island, and became Naval Aviator #1.  Ellyson flew the A-1 Triad here probably in July 1911.  The biplane “Triad” was a little over 28 feet long, and had a wingspan of 37 feet.  It could rest on either wheels or a float as it was fitted with both.

North Island is rarely host to airshows, since the last celebration was the 50^th Anniversary event in 1961.  The Navy greatly underestimated the public’s enthusiasm in the event, and the crowd likely exceeded 120,000 people.  Record traffic jams were created as cars attempted to cross the Coronado Bridge to reach the base, backing up nearby freeways for hours. Many people gave up on the traffic jams and decided to head to nearby bayside spots where they could watch the show.  Those that did make it onto the base were treated to about 80 historical aircraft that were on display.  Tours of the old hangers, which once even housed lighter-than-air operations, were also offered.  Several ships were open for tours, also.

            The highlight was a ”Parade of Flight” which lasted over two hours, featuring as many aircraft that once served the Navy as could be rounded up.  The Blue Angels demonstration flight team led the parade, followed by the Navy Leap Frogs parachute display team.

            The Parade of Flight was comprised of about 180 aircraft that spanned Naval aviation history, including the STM Ryan, N2S Stearman Kaydet, SNJ Texan, FM-2 Wildcat, F6F Hellcat, F4U Corsair, F8F Bearcat, TBM Avenger, SBD Dauntless, PV-2 Harpoon, and SB2C Helldiver from the World War II and before era.  Later aircraft included the T-28 Trojan, T-34 Mentor, A-1 Skyraider, FJ-4 Fury, T-2 Buckeye, and T-33B Shooting Star.  Every current aircraft was also flying, ranging from trainers to fighters to transports and even aerial command centers.