Naval Aviation Past, Present and Future Honored by Hawaii State Senate

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

HONOLULU (NNS) -- The senate of the Twenty-Sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii presented a resolution to honor 100 years of naval aviation at the State Capitol in Honolulu, April 5.

Four representatives were recognized as a part of the Centennial of Naval Aviation (CONA) and were presented with certificates by Will Espero, senator of the 20th district for the state of Hawaii.

"Naval aviators, Navy and Marine Corps, have put themselves in harm's way for 100 years, training, testing, and when called upon, fighting to defend freedom. At this moment, they fly missions over Afghanistan and Libya. They patrol the skies to defend us," said Espero. "Naval aviators provide humanitarian relief. They provide support for Pacific Partnership to build peace and prevent war. Right now, they are saving lives in Japan."

The honorees included Cmdr. Brian Grimm, chief staff officer for Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Two; Ens. Sally Deboer, assigned to Patrol Squadron Nine; Jay Dunn, a former Marine Corps aviator that flew CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters in southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and current volunteer at the Pacific Aviation Museum; and Mrs. Kathy Newlund, wife of Cmdr. Steven Newlund, commanding officer of Patrol Squadron Four.

The four honorees represented the past, present, future and family aspect of Naval Aviation.

Dunn, who represented the heritage of naval aviation, spoke about importance how aviation supports the Navy and Marine Corps.

"Naval aviation allows us to project power around the world," said Dunn. "Now with being able to have many types of aircraft deployed aboard ships really helps in supporting the Navy and Marine Corps mission."

Dunn currently volunteers at the Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island, where he teaches young people.

Grimm, who represented the present of naval aviation, talked about the legacy of naval aviation throughout the last 100 years.

"It is important that we pause and look back at the heritage that naval aviation has left on the Navy and Marine Corps over the last century," Grimm said. "It's amazing to see where we've come from with the first fliers to not only the aircraft and equipment that we use today, but the tactics as well."

Deboer, who is on her first operational assignment and who represented the future of naval aviation, explained her thoughts on the Centennial of Naval Aviation from a junior aviator's standpoint.

"Looking at the centennial of naval aviation from my perspective, it's an amazing experience to be among people here today who are a part of the history of naval aviation, from the Vietnam War to the first Gulf War and up until now," Deboer said. "To learn the lessons of the past from some of the pioneers of naval aviation is the most important principle in celebrating the Centennial of Naval Aviation."

Newlund, who represented the family aspect of naval aviation, spoke about her husband's service as a naval aviator and his involvement with the current humanitarian relief efforts in Japan.

"My husband and Patrol Squadron 4 are currently supporting Operation Tomodachi over in Japan right now, and they have a big impact with supporting the ongoing relief efforts," Newlund said. "I'm extremely proud of his service and the great things that he continues to do."

In Espero's speech on the Senate floor, he said, "Many significant episodes have since been recorded in the annals of military history, such as the first transatlantic crossing by air in 1919 and the first aircraft carrier in 1922. Many naval aviators were among the first astronauts in space and on the moon."

He added, "Patrol aviation has been an important part of the history of Hawaii since 1919 and is vital to our national defense. From 1927 to 1947, Honolulu International Airport was known by its original name, John Rodgers Field, after the brave Navy commander who served as a navigator on the first flight from San Francisco to Hawaii in 1925. Sea Service aviators based in Hawaii achieved victory in World War II in the 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea and Battle of Midway. They demonstrated the power of Marine and Navy pilots who later helped win the Cold War. From Ford Island, Barbers Point and Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, to Barking Sands Kauai, naval aviators serve with honor, courage, and commitment."

In 2011, the Navy is observing the Centennial of Naval Aviation with a series of events nationwide celebrating 100 years of heritage, progress and achievement in naval aviation.