About the Symposium
2011 Centennial Symposium DVDs now available. All sessions and luncheons are available for purchase. Please contact the Foundation office at (800) 327-5002 to place your order.
Since 1987, the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation has hosted its Naval Aviation Symposium each May in Pensacola. The Symposium series average nearly 3,000 guests annually, including active and retired flag and general officers and executives from the aerospace industry, as well as young naval officers, sailors and Marines undergoing aviation training in Pensacola. Activities include presentations and panel discussions, a golf tournament, luncheon, and a closing reception and banquet, as well as performances by the New Orleans Navy Band.
The goal of the symposium series is to help preserve the rich history and proud heritage of Naval Aviation by highlighting historical events in which U.S. Naval Aviation has played a major role. In past years, symposia subjects have included: the Battle of Midway; the Battle of Coral Sea; American Aces; Medal of Honor recipients; POWs; the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle programs; Flying Tigers and Black Sheep Squadrons; the Korean and Vietnam Wars; Operation Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom; Blue Angels and others.
Symposium 2012 Schedule of Events
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Noon - Symposium Golf Tournament
Thursday, May 10, 2012
0845-1130 - Symposium Session I
0845-0945 "May 10, 1972 Over Vietnam"
Presenter: CDR William P. “Willy” Driscoll USNR (Ret.)
1000-1130 "The Battle of Lang Vei"
Panel featuring CAPT Rosario Rausa, USNR (Ret.), Col. Paul Longgrear, USA (Ret.), Hon. Bruce Marcus, Col. Toby Rushforth, USAF (Ret.), Mr. Larry Gardiner. Moderator TBD.
1130-1300 Awards Luncheon (Flightdeck)
1315-1600 - Symposium Session II
1315-1430 "Marine Aviation in Combat"
Panel moderated by Gen. William L. “Spider” Nyland, USMC (Ret.) featuring today’s marine aircrew.
1445-1600 "The National Flight Academy – From Vision to Reality"
Panel discussion of the innovative virtual aircraft carrier Ambition at the National Naval Aviation Museum.
Friday, May 11, 2012
0830 - Ambition Commissioning Ceremony
1015-1030 - Honorary Naval Aviator Ceremony
CAPT William E. Shepherd, USN (Ret.), former Navy SEAL and NASA Astronaut
1030-1145 - Symposium Session III
Flag Panel - "Naval Aviation Issues and Answers"
Moderator: VADM Allen G. Myers, USN, Commander, Naval Air Forces
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