World War II Aircraft Fly-In Display and Navy Lectures

On Sunday, July 31, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Museum's 2011 celebration of the U.S. Navy's centennial of flight continues with vintage naval aircraft fly-ins and two lectures, sponsored by Honeywell. The lectures are free with admission to the Museum, followed by audience question and answer sessions. Both presenters will be available for book signings and autographs after the two programs. Museum visitors can also meet the pilots of the visiting Navy aircraft.

10 to 10:30 a.m.

World War II Navy Fighter Aircraft Flight Demonstration

Representing two of the ultimate piston-powered U.S. Naval aircraft, a Grumman F8F Bearcat and a Grumman F7F Tigercat will arrive at Boeing Field for aerial demonstrations in front of the Museum. Based at the Historic Flight Foundation at Paine Field in Everett, the classic planes will make multiple passes by the Museum, followed by static display in the Museum's parking lot until 4:30 p.m. The pilots will be stationed by the aircraft for autographs and visitor questions.

12:45 to 2 p.m.

Naval Aviation Lecture

"U.S. Carrier Aviation in World War II - The Rise of the Fast Carrier Task Force" with author and historian Ted Young

Aviation and military historian Ted Young looks at the development and use of aircraft carriers during World War II, with specific emphasis on the battles of the Coral Sea, Midway, the Philippine Sea, and the final campaigns of the Pacific War.

During World War II the aircraft carrier and carrier aviation became the U.S. Navy's premier offensive weapon, replacing the battleship and the long-range gun which had dominated naval combat for over two centuries. When the war began on Dec. 7, 1941, the U.S. Navy's carrier force consisted of seven carriers and 500 aircraft, operating for the most part independently. When the war ended on Aug. 15, 1945, the Navy had built the Fast Carrier Task Force into the mightiest fleet the world has ever seen, with 10 fleet carriers and six light carriers, and more than 1,200 aircraft. Ted Young will look at the development of the Fast Carrier Task Force and aircraft carrier doctrine during World War II.

Ted Young is the author of seven books on aviation and military history, concentrating on the World War II era, and a frequent contributor to American, British, and French aviation magazines.

2:10 to 3:20 p.m.

Naval Aviation Lecture

"Today's Naval Aviation" with U.S. Navy Rear Adm. James Kelly

Retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. James Kelly will provide an overview of today's naval aviation mission capabilities and operations. A native of Longview, Wash., "Jamie" Kelly has distinguished himself as a decorated naval aviator and commander during the past 35 years. He has flown more than 4,000 flight hours, including 60 combat missions flown during Operations Desert Storm and Southern Watch.

Kelly was a 1973 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and he was designated a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) in April 1974, following completion of A-6 training with VA-128 at NAS Whidbey Island, Wash. After many key Fleet assignments he assumed command of Carrier Strike Group Five in July 2003, then the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed group. In September 2005, Kelly became Commander, U.S. Naval Forces in Japan.

Kelly's personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Award, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the individual Air Medal with Combat "V," and various unit and campaign awards.

4 to 4:30 p.m.

Aircraft Departures 

The two navy Bearcat and Tigercat warbirds will make dramatic departures from the Museum at about 4 p.m.

Pricing:

Admission is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors 65 and older, $13 for active military, $9 for youth 5 to 17, and free for children under 5.