April 21, 2023

Flygirls, Women Mechs, and Lady Pilots: The Multi-Generational, Multi-Service Effort to End Combat Exclusion in Aviation

Within three years of the Japanese surrender ending the war in the Pacific, Congress acknowledged the contributions women had made to the war effort as active duty and reserve personnel by authorizing the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act (WASIA). This 1948 legislation permitted women to seek out permanent careers in the Army, the Navy, the

March 22, 2022

The Navy’s Aircraft Carrier Force Centenary: Women Carrier Aviator Trailblazers

The Navy’s centenary anniversary of the commissioning of USS Langley (CV 1), its first aircraft carrier on March 20, 1922, offers a special opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements of the Navy’s pioneering women aircraft carrier aviators. This occasion also allows us to explore their progress towards promoting diversity, inclusion, and

Dec. 18, 2020

On the 50th Anniversary of First Flight, 14 Important Moments in the Life of the Tomcat

An air-to-air right side view of two Fighter Squadron 124 (VF-124) F-14 Tomcat aircraft. Advancements during the Cold War in Soviet long-range patrol and bomber aircraft dictated a requirement for a fleet defense fighter that could engage high-altitude bombers from well beyond visual range. The iconic F-14 was Grumman's answer. Continuing the

Oct. 14, 2020

Fair winds, Rear Adm. Ted Charles Steele, Jr., USN (Ret.)

It is with deep regret I inform you of the passing of Rear Admiral Ted Charles Steele, Jr., U.S. Navy (Retired) on October 11, 2020 at age 88. Rear Adm. Steele entered the U.S. Navy as an ROTC midshipman in 1951 and he served as a Naval Aviator until his retirement in 1987 as the Commander U.S. Forces Caribbean. His tours included a Vietnam combat

May 8, 2019

100th Anniversary of the World's First Transatlantic Flight

Editor's note: on May 8, 2019, Rear Adm. John B. Mustin, Deputy Commander of U.S. Second Fleet and Naval Surface Force Atlantic, spoke at an event hosted by New York City Council Member Eric Ulrich. The event commemorated the 100th anniversary of the first transatlantic flight and renamed a street in New York City, "US Navy Seaplane Division One

Jan. 9, 2018

Theodore Roosevelt and Naval Aviation: Then and Now

Examine into this flying machineThere is a letter framed in the commanding officer's in port cabin aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). The letter is from the ship's namesake, written in 1898 when Roosevelt was the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. The foresight of the author in regards to aviation and the importance he

May 16, 2016

A Look Back at Top Gun

More than thirty years ago, stunning footage of F-14 Tomcats flashed across the silver screen and moviegoers were introduced to the high-speed operations and culture of naval aviation through the characters "Maverick," "Goose," "Iceman," and "Charlie." The release of the movie Top Gun on May 16, 1986, came at a time when naval aviation was very

Sept. 12, 2014

Blue Angels History Milestones

  Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, while serving as Chief of Naval Operations, formed the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team as a means to expose the American public to naval aviation, which had come of age during World War II. This was deemed very important in an era in which the roles and missions of the armed forces were the subject of vigorous