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On February 12, 2011, Naval Air Station North Island near San Diego, California opened their doors to the public to kick off the United States Navy's Centennial of Naval Aviation celebration.  North Island was the natural choice for this first of many events as it is officially recognized as the 'Birthplace of Naval Aviation' due to the initial role it played in 1910 and 1911.  Dozens of static aircraft were on display, including specially schemed modern aircraft, part of the 'Heritage Paint Project', representing liveries worn through the years.  These aircraft were joined by warbirds to honour the men and women who have served, fought and sacrificed with the Navy and Marine Corps.  San Diego was also an ideal choice for a February air show as it is one of the sunniest cities in the US.  The alignment of the runways and the San Diego Bay matched perfectly with the low winter sun, which remains behind photographers for the duration of the day that time of year.  There wasn't a cloud in the sky on either arrivals day or on the show day during the 'Parade of Flight' as over a hundred aircraft flew east-to-west over the Coronado Bridge and down the Bay, for one of the top aviation events in North America in the 21st century.

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For more information about the event please visit Checksix - the military aviation online magazine.  

https://www.checksix-online.eu/review/retroviews/centennial-of-naval-aviation/

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