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Celebrate 100 Years of Naval Aviation!

CORONADO-Join us for a kick-off celebration featuring the 100th Anniversary Parade of Flight and North Island Open House on February 12, 2011. This exciting event begins at 9 a.m. aboard Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado, the official “Birthplace of Naval Aviation.” This historic celebration promises to be an exciting event with free family fun all day long. The event is open to the public with free admission and parking.

Event gates open at 9 a.m. with numerous fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Experience live entertainment on two stages throughout the day or tour an aircraft carrier and two other Navy ships. Thrill to the daring motorcycle stunts of Metal Mulisha and check out more than 70 aircraft, from vintage planes to the newest fighter jets, some with retro-paint jobs to pay tribute to aviation’s past. Don’t miss the classic car show featuring everything from antique car collections to muscle cars. Stroll through Centennial Village inside a working hangar bay and hear from local historians who have documented 100 years of naval aviation from its deep roots in San Diego. Visit the sponsor and vendor booths, food and beverage venues, children’s activities and more.

At 1 p.m., witness the spectacle of the Parade of Flight, a massive military fly-over above San Diego Bay, beginning with a jump by the elite Navy Leap Frogs. Followed by the skies over the Bay being filled with more than 200 historic and modern-day aircraft, from World War I to modern Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard airplanes and helicopters. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime aerial review. Free blanket seating, and bleacher seating for a nominal fee, will be available at North Island’s “Show Center.”

Take advantage of this opportunity to see the world’s finest aircraft up close, talk with aviators and aircrew personnel, and honor naval aviation heritage at its birthplace. Participate in this historic event that commemorates a century of progress and achievement in military aviation.

For the latest February 12th Parade of Flight and North Island Open House information, visit Centennial of Naval Aviation | Navy Region Southwest MWR.

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