The 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation, CAPT James DiMatteo, USN, President and Ms. Katie Everhart, Executive Director, found the perfect location to officially kick off an unforgettable celebration, writing a new chapter for the next Centennial of Naval Aviation history. During the VIP Reception at San Diego Air & Space Museum, the Vice Admiral Allen G. Myers, Commander, Naval Air Forces and Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet shares “We have a tremendous start and a terrific year telling our story across the country and around the world, celebrating 100 years of accomplishments, 100 years of achievements, and 100 years of courage.” Later that evening, Mr. James Kidrick, CEO of San Diego Air & Space Museum receives a centennial plaque. The Naval Aviation Centennial Kickoff VIP Reception and the Gala held at the USS Midway Museum were further enhanced by a unique art series of six oil paintings of early naval aviation themes created by Michelle Rouch.

 
Naval Aviation Centennial Kickoff VIP Reception San Diego Air and Space Museum

"The centennial of Naval Aviation Parade of Flight and Open House surpassed our wildest expectations,” expressed CAPT Richard Dann, “192 aircraft in the air, 80 aircraft on display and over a quarter million spectators on the waterfront, 70,000 of those on NAS North Island. We have set a good tone for the entire year and gave the birthplace of Naval Aviation a show they'll not soon forget."



CAPT Richard Dann and Ms. Judy Graves at the Naval Aviation Centennial Kickoff celebration San Diego Air & Space Museum  

CAPT Rich Dann preferred choice of canvas to show his artistic express is on one-to-one scale models. There were approximately 30 different aircraft schemes on display during the Open House, such as the EA-18G and T-45C In Between Wars Training Scheme.


EA-18 Growler

The Boeing EA-18G Growler painting with the lightning bolt scheme is assigned to VAQ-129 at NAS Whidbey Island. CAPT Richard Dann designed these markings of Air group 85, USS Shangri-La in WWII.


T-45C with USS WASP Air Group Color Scheme

He adds a black tail to the T-45C aircraft that is meant to replicate the markings of USS WASP Air Group circa 1939/40. The tail color denotes the carrier assignment and nose/wing markings denote fourth section leader. This aircraft is assigned to Training Air Wing Two at NAS Kingsville TX.


T-45C with USS ENTERPRISE Air Group Color Scheme

Next the artist chooses a different paint scheme for the same canvas size. He chose to use blue for the tail T-45C aircraft that is meant to replicate the markings of USS ENTERPRISE Air Group circa 1938/40. Tail color denoted carrier assignment and nose/wing markings denote fourth section leader. Aircraft is assigned to Training Air Wing One at NAS Meridian, MS.

Centennial of Naval Aviation Kick-Off Gala at the USS Midway Museum notes CAPT Richard Dann, “the most passionate historian aviator. “

Article published in AeroBrush Magazine