2011 annual report - naval aviation museum foundation · fitzgerald flew the a-7e corsair ii aboard...

2011 AnnuAl RepoRt

2 N a v a l A v i a t i o n M u s e u m F o u n d a t i o n, I n c. — 2 0 11 A n n u a l R e p o r t

Vision and Mission StatementThe vision of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation is to inspire, engage and educate the public.

The mission is to be the best in the world, self-sustaining Foundation that engages the public by supporting and promoting the National Naval Aviation Museum experience and Naval Aviation, as well as conducting and promot-ing educational programs.

President George H.W. Bush Honorary Chairman of the Board

Board of DirectorsMr. Patrick J. Finneran Jr. Chairman of the Board ADM Mark P. Fitzgerald, USN (Ret) Vice Chairman of the BoardVADM Gerald L. Hoewing, USN (Ret) President and CEOThe Honorable Dionel M. AvilesMr. Charles Thomas BurbageThe Honorable Lacey A. CollierVADM Vivien S. Crea, USCG (Ret)LtGen Frederick McCorkle, USMC (Ret)Mr. David OreckMr. Michael PettersMr. Durwood “Skip” Ringo

Board of TrusteesADM Stanley R. Arthur, USN (Ret)VADM Michael L. Bowman, USN (Ret)Chairman of the Board EmeritusRADM John E. Boyington Jr., USN (Ret)Mr. William Pat BrewsterMs. Nina Hess CampbellCAPT Eugene A. Cernan, USN (Ret) Vice PresidentMr. Christopher ChadwickCAPT Charles E. Ellis Jr., JAGC, USN (Ret) SecretaryRADM George M. Furlong Jr., USN (Ret) Vice PresidentThe Honorable H. Lawrence Garrett IIIMr. Henry E. Gonzales Jr.RADM H.E. Grant, JAGC, USN (Ret)Mr. William Britton GreeneMr. Walter P. HavensteinCAPT Morris L. Hayes, USN (Ret)RADM Gary R. Jones, USN (Ret)

ADM Timothy J. Keating, USN (Ret)ADM Robert J. Kelly, USN (Ret)CAPT Thomas C. King, USCG (Ret)Mr. Richard M. Kleberg IIIRADM Frederick L. Lewis, USN (Ret)VADM John A. Lockard, USN (Ret)Gen Robert Magnus, USMC (Ret)VADM Michael D. Malone, USN (Ret)RADM James I. Maslowski, USN (Ret)VADM Walter B. Massenburg, USN (Ret)VADM John J. Mazach, USN (Ret)The Honorable Dan McKinnonMr. J. Collier MerrillThe Honorable Jeff MillerMr. Arthur D. MiltenbergerCDR W. Lincoln Mossop Jr., USNR (Ret)Mr. Eric NickelsenGen W.L. Nyland, USMC (Ret)Mr. James W. PellerinThe Honorable B.J. PennLtGen Charles H. Pitman, USMC (Ret)Mr. Larry M. PostVADM William E. Ramsey, USN (Ret)CAPT E. Earle Rogers II, USN (Ret) Vice PresidentMr. Timothy RussellMr. Ray D. RussenbergerVADM Robert F. Schoultz, USN (Ret)ADM Leighton W. Smith Jr., USN (Ret) (KBE)Dr. Richard G. SugdenMr. Bobby SwitzerMr. Andrew C. TaylorMs. Alexis ThomasMr. E. Duke VincentW.H.F. Wiltshire, Esq., CDR USNR (Ret)Ms. Barbara WoodburyVADM James M. Zortman, USN (Ret)Mr. Paul K.Y. Chen Honorary Trustee

Board of Directors/Trustees

N a v a l A v i a t i o n M u s e u m F o u n d a t i o n, I n c. — 2 0 11 A n n u a l R e p o r t 3

Chairman’s Report

Patrick J. Finneran Jr.Chairman of the Board

The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation continues to ex-ecute our mission of preserving the heritage of Naval Aviation in conjunction with the National Museum of Naval Aviation and inspiring and educating future leaders in our National Flight Academy. I could not be more pleased with the prog-ress we are making in both mission areas. We are on track with about 800,000 visitors to the Museum. We are also continuing to support the Museum’s need for historic aircraft through re-covery and restoration efforts.

The flagship of the National Flight Academy is our immer-sive learning facility in Pensacola adjacent to the Museum. Named Ambition, she was christened in May of this year. She is ready to get underway and will be fully operational by May 2012, when the inaugural class will launch.

With Ambition in the forefront, the Foundation hosted a successful Naval Aviation Symposium and celebrated the 100th anniversary of Naval Aviation onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. Mr. Jimmy Buffett performed a sold-out benefit concert in support of the National Naval Aviation Mu-seum. The proceeds from major events like that and a gala at the end of November have supported critical projects that make this Museum one of the top tourist attractions in the state of Florida.

Many of these successes were led by the superb efforts of our outgoing Chairman, Vice Admiral Mike Bowman, USN (Ret). Admiral Bowman’s military experience, business expertise and lead-ership were instrumental in the Foundation’s ability to overcome the catastrophic events of 2010 which greatly affected visitation and revenue generation in support of the National Naval Aviation Museum. Mike, thank you for your leadership, vision and tenacity. We wish you “Fair Winds and Following Seas.” I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome our new Vice Chairman of the Board, Admiral Mark Fitzgerald, USN (Ret). A seasoned leader and Naval Aviator, Admiral Fitzgerald flew the A-7E Corsair II aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), USS America (CV-66), USS Forrestal (CV-59) and aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). He also led the first Navy strike on Baghdad during the opening hour of Operation Desert Storm. His last assignment was as Com-mander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples. Admiral Fitzgerald had operational responsibility for NATO missions in the Balkans, Iraq and the Mediterranean. Please join me in welcoming him to our prestigious Board of Directors.

Our success in accomplishing our mission would not be possible without the generous support of our members, foundations, individual donors and the men and women who, as employees or volunteers, devote their lives to our mission. I appreciate the dedication and tireless efforts of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, the National Naval Aviation Museum, the National Flight Academy staff and I thank the Directors, Trustees and Officers of the Foundation for their support. We could not have accomplished our goals with a total team effort.

As we look to the future we are filled with enthusiasm and optimism as we continue to focus our efforts on the Foundation goals to preserve the heritage and through that inspire and educate by bringing Naval Aviation history to life in the Museum and in Ambition.


President’s Report

Gerald L. HoewingVice Admiral, USN (Ret)President and CEO

Inspire – Engage - Educate. The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation ended the year 2011 doing just that. Despite a few setbacks which occurred in 2010, the BP oil spill and the eco-nomic down turn, the Foundation obtained funding to com-plete construction on the National Flight Academy and raise donations in support of recovery and restoration projects at the National Naval Aviation Museum. We also continued to find innovative ways to encourage guests to visit the museum rais-ing visitation levels above 800,000, our best performance since Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina.

In April 2011, Jimmy Buffett played to a packed Atrium of “Parrotheads” wowing the crowd with his hits Margaritaville, Come Monday and Cheeseburger in Paradise. A true friend of the Foundation and a phenomenal songwriter and entertainer, Jimmy graciously donated the proceeds from this once-in-a-lifetime concert experience to the Na-val Aviation Museum Foundation.

We also engaged best-selling authors such as former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to visit the Museum and sign his best seller, Known and Unknown – A Memoir, for our guests. Our very popular “Discovery Saturdays” uses the inspiration of heroes, military legends and experts on Naval history to educate our visitors bringing their military experiences and knowledge to life. Crowds of visitors are told of the dramatic and poignant tales of Naval Aviation history at this monthly presentation.

May 8, 2011, marked the 100th anniversary celebration of Naval Aviation right here in Pensacola, Florida. We hosted an extremely successful annual Naval Aviation symposium which focused on 100 years of Naval Aviation and its contributions to U. S. history. While our audience was captive, we opened another education door by christening the National Flight Academy’s flagship Ambition with the pomp and circumstance of true Naval tradition.

We ended the year by hosting a black tie gala which focused on reengaging the local public and friends of the Museum. Throughout the Museum, displays were brought to life through sights, sounds and period-dressed actors. Silent auctions of aviation art, a collectible antique car, vacation packages and other big-ticket items from major donors were available for auction. The event was highly successful and through the generosity of the patrons, the Foundation was able to provide funding in support of Museum projects.

Please join me in wishing Vice Admiral Michael Bowman, USN (Ret), “Fair Winds and Follow-ing Seas.” In 2011, Admiral Bowman completed his tour of duty as the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation Chairman of the Board. He has my personal thanks as well as that of the staff, Board of Directors and Trustees for his superb leadership and guidance. Thank you for a job well done, Mike.

As 2012 begins, we are encouraged that despite natural disasters, the economy and circumstanc-es beyond our control, we continue to inspire, engage and educate through hard work by our staff and through the generous support of members, donors, corporate sponsors and our Board of Di-rectors and Trustees.


January• “Discovery Saturday: My Enemy, My Friend.” The story

of Brigadier General Dan Cherry USAF (Ret), and his reconciliation from the Vietnam War.

February• “Discovery Saturday: From Navy Yard to Early Naval Avia-

tion.” Local historian and author John Appleyard discussed the history of Naval Aviation and NAS Pensacola.

• Glenn Miller Orchestra concert.March• Blue Angels commenced weekly practices at NAS

Sherman Field and signed autographs in Museum on most Wednesdays.

• “Discovery Saturday: History of the National Naval Aviation Museum and Foundation.” Retired Navy Rear Admiral Skip Furlong shared the history of the Museum and Foundation.

April• “Discovery Saturday: Operation Frequent Wind During the

Fall of Saigon.” Three former USS Midway crewmembers, retired Navy Captains, Ed Ellis, Tony McFarlane and retired Navy Master Chief Charles Keistler discussed this historical event.

• The IMAX® film Born to be Wild debuted at the Naval Aviation Memorial Theatre.

• Jimmy Buffett concert benefitting the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation.

May • The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation’s 25th annual

symposium celebrated 100 years of Naval Aviation and featured a golf tournament, Hall of Honor Induction, five historical and one active duty panels: “Decades of Development,” “The War Years,” “Rotary Wing Revolution,” “Into the Jet Age,” “Naval Aviation and Diplomacy” and “Naval Aviation: Issues and Answers.” More than 2,000 guests attended the Symposium events.

• National Flight Academy’s Ambition Christening Ceremony.

• The National Naval Aviation Museum Art Juried Exhibition held with more than 40 participants selected for display and judging.

• “Discovery Saturday: Warriors Remembered.” Retired Army colonel, Albert Nahas, a Vietnam veteran discussed Vietnam Veterans Memorials from all 50 states and the motivation and struggle faced by those who created them.

• MaxFlight simulators commenced “flight” at National Naval Aviation Museum in 2D.

June• “Discovery Saturday: Development of a Strike Fighter

Aircraft.” Military aviation author, Brad Elward, discussed the development of the strike fighter aircraft and how it changed the carrier air wing.

• Third year of Summer Day Camp held at Museum comprising of six sessions and 146 students began and ran through July.

July• The IMAX® Naval Aviation Memorial theatre

celebrated 15 years of operation.• “Discovery Saturday: Space Day” featured the history

and future of space presented by George Haddad, an aerospace engineer/project manager at NASA Kennedy Space Center.

August• The Flight Adventure Deck reopened to 6th, 7th and

8th grade students for the school year 2011-2012.• “Discovery Saturday: PB2Y Coronado” featured

Hill Goodspeed, National Naval Aviation Museum Historian, who discussed the fascinating history and restoration of the PB2Y Coronado, first to land in Tokyo Bay following V-J Day.

September• Put Your Hands on History — Paint a Plane event.• Dedication ceremony for “Marine One” presidential

helicopter used during Presidents Nixon and Ford administrations. This aircraft now on display in the Museum’s Hangar Bay One.

• IMAX® Naval Aviation Memorial Theatre receives “Best Booth Award” at 2011 Giant Screen Cinema Association’s annual conference.

• MaxFlight simulators go 3D.October• 13th Annual Halloween event.• “Discovery Saturday: National War Hero.” Retired

Navy Commander Everett Alvarez Jr., the first Navy pilot shot down over North Vietnam, discussed his experiences as a POW during the Vietnam War followed by a signing of his book, Chained Eagle.

November• Foundation Annual Board of Trustees meeting.• Blue Angels App became available to the public.• Gala/Auction celebration event in support of the

National Naval Aviation Museum and the Flight Academy with special guest and noted actor, Tom Skerritt.

December• Myrtle Grove Baptist Church Handbell Choir

Christmas concert.• “Discovery Saturday: With Apollo 15 astronaut,

Colonel Al Worden, USAF (Ret).” Colonel Worden, Command Module Pilot for Apollo 15, discussed this exploration mission.


Year 2011 Highlights

Since the establishment by the Secretary of the Navy in 1962, the National Naval Aviation Museum, Navy operated, owned and funded, has continued to pursue its mission “to select, collect, preserve and display appropriate memorabilia representative of the development, growth and rich heritage of Naval Aviation.” From its humble beginnings in an 8,500 square foot building, with only a half-dozen aircraft, 100 scale models and Scott Carpenter’s Aurora 7 Mercury capsule, the National Naval Aviation Museum has become one of the three largest aviation museums in the world. With an internal area of nearly 355,000 square feet, and 150 restored aircraft on display, today’s Museum plays host to almost a million visitors per year, and is ranked among Florida’s top 10 attractions by the state’s division of tourism.

The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, sanctioned by the Secretary of the Navy, was founded in 1966, and incorporated under Florida law, as a nonprofit, educational organization with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As an economic engine for the Museum, the Foundation has raised more than $83.5 million, in support of capital development and Museum projects. Thanks to corporate donors, state and local grants and an active membership program, the Foundation has provided the impetus for the spectacular growth of the Museum. The Foundation’s latest capital fundraising campaign was to finance the Phase IV expansion of the Museum — The National Flight Academy and Hangar Bay One (completed in 2010). “Dynamic” best describes the last 49 years of Museum growth, and our plans for the future retain that spirit.

The Foundation’s membership program continues to reflect interest in, and support for, our efforts and 1,022 new members were added during the year. The steadfast loyalty and support of our members has been gratifying, and represents a significant element in support of the Museum. While many members were associated with Naval Aviation, or are currently serving, others come from varied backgrounds, military and civilian, sharing a strong interest and enthusiasm for not only Naval Aviation, but aviation history in general.

The National Naval Aviation Museumand

The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation


2011 Financial Matters

Where the Money Goes

To place the financial picture of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, Inc. in perspective, it is useful to note its organization and relationship to the Navy-owned Aviation Museum.

The initial Museum building, completed in 1975, and all subsequent additions, were constructed with funds raised privately by the Foundation, then formally gifted to the Secretary of the Navy. A modest annual budget from the U.S. Navy provides for maintenance and security, while the Foundation operates internal cash generating activities, subject to approval by the Museum Director (a Civil Service employee of the Navy).

Additionally, with contributions and generated income, the Foundation provides direct support to the Museum in the form of material and labor. Annual gifts include capital improvements, new exhibits, aircraft restoration and a variety of innovations to expand and improve the Museum.

Retained balances are invested in a conservative portfolio under the guidance of a Trustee-monitored Investment Committee. An endowment for perpetuation of the Foundation’s mission of supporting the Museum has grown to $8.57 million, with a goal of reaching $100 million.

Direct Support — $1,351,554• Volunteer Program• Aircraft Collection Support• Aircraft Restoration• Aircraft Relocation• Janitorial Services/Housekeeping• Exhibit Development• Exhibit Operation• Flight Line Bus Tours• Library Operations• Miscellaneous Expense

Indirect Support — $609,231• Marketing• Blue Angel Airshow Practices Support• Visit Florida Welcome Centers Aircraft Upkeep• Event Scheduling and Services• Special Commemorative Event• Flight Adventure Deck

9 N a v a l A v i a t i o n M u s e u m F o u n d a t i o n, I n c. — 2 011 A n n u a l R e p o r t

Museum Support LLCConducts revenue-producing business activities, principally the Flight Deck Store, the IMAX® Theatre, Motion-Based

Simulator, F-14 Top Gun Aircraft Combat Simulators and a share of profit from the Cubi Bar Café. After covering its own operating expenses, profit is applied to defray Foundation overhead, and remaining proceeds are gifted to the Museum.

Contributed Foundation RevenueIncludes all funds raised for membership, education and other projects in support of the Museum.

Operating Revenues of $2.284 Million Generated

Contributions $549,622

Memberships$154,857

Investment Income$288,538

Symposium$233,749

24%

12.6%

10.2%

6.8%

To financially segregate the development/membership/education functions of the Foundation from the business endeav-ors conducted in the Museum building, as well as the National Flight Academy, the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, Inc. has two wholly-owned subsidiaries chartered as Limited Liability Companies: the Museum Support LLC and the National Flight Academy LLC. The following charts illustrate the financial performance of each of the three entities, concluded by a fourth chart showing the total combined assets of the Foundation and its subsidiaries.

Operating Revenues of $4.38 Million Produced $1,261,515 Net

IMAX® Theatre$122,246

Cubi Bar Café$80,623

57.3%

MaxFlight Simulators$155,981

Museum Store$722,908

9.7%

13.3%

6.4%

1% F-14 Simulators$11,996

Development $660,737

29%

Planned Giving $351,648

15.4%

Flight Adventure Deck$23,6721%

Concerts$18,145

1%

Motion-Based Simulator$167,761

12.3%

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National Flight Academy LLC2011 Funds Raised: $6,980,122

Total Assets of $14.3 million at the end of the year.

Combined AssetsYear Ended December 31, 2011

Total assets $26.59 million. Predominantly cash and cash equivalents. There is no debt or other liability.

Investments$9.924

Museum Store Inventory$.64

Pledges & Accounts Receivable$9.087

Cash & Equivalents$1.098

Net Property & Equipment$5.625

% $ millions37.3%

21.1%

34.2%

4.1%

2.4

Other Assets$.217

.9%

Grant Revenue $106,720

Contributions$6,849,338

1.67%

98.1%

Investment Income$9,064.23%

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Cubi Bar Café … In sync with the Museum’s collection of aircraft and artifacts that chronicle the rich history of U.S. Naval Aviation, the Museum’s Cubi Bar Café is also an exhibit. Opened in 1996, the restaurant’s décor and layout duplicates the bar area of the famous Cubi Point Officers’ Club that was a major source of enjoyment for Navy and Marine Corps squadrons, ships and units as they passed into the Western Pacific. For almost 40 years, the club was a marvelous mix of American efficiency and Filipino hospitality. When the club was closed in 1992, the many plaques – more than 1,000 in number – that adorned the walls of the club as tokens of thanks, were packed and sent to the Museum, to be placed as they were when the Cubi Club was closed.

In 2010, the Cubi Bar Café offered 107,543 hungry visitors an opportunity to peruse a piece of Naval Aviation history. For many, it was a trip down memory lane.

The IMAX® Experience … Opened in July 1996, the IMAX® Naval Aviation Memorial Theatre represents a significant element in the Museum’s development. Primarily dedicated to the large screen, the 534-seat theatre also has a multimedia, multipurpose capability and has been the site for a broad range of presentations, from lectures to choral groups to ballet.

IMAX® operations commenced with the showing of the classic film To Fly! until the introduction of the Museum’s flagship film, The Magic of Flight, made its national and international premiere in November 1996. Since then, the theatre has been a site for several other simultaneous film premieres and is recognized in the large screen industry as one of the top two theatres in the United States.

Due to contract negotiations and limited space in the projection booth, no more than four different films are shown in addition to The Magic of Flight with seven daily showings, providing Museum visitors with a greater selection. Showing five different films in one day is quite a demanding task requiring timed precision and operation. This is a first for a theatre of our design. The theatre celebrated its 15th year of operation in July 2011. At the end of 2011, 122,538 film-goers enjoyed the theater as part of their Museum experience. This brings theatre attendance to more than 3.3 million since its opening.

Our Motion Based Flight Simulator had 87,510 Museum visitors take a thrill-ing ride during 2011. This attraction is a multi-sensory experience that combines a movie-like audiovisual presentation using a high-definition projection screen and surround-sound with motion in a fully enclosed capsule. A new screen and a new projector were added which offers better clarity.

The Flight Deck Store … Long a principal source of Foundation revenues, the Flight Deck Store has grown over the years to its 2011 level as a $2.5 million retail operation. It provides the Museum visitor with a full array of items, from memorabilia to models, items for the home, jewelry and medium to high-end garments that feature upscale apparel brand names, much of it in the aviation genre. Online and phone order services make shopping convenient and represent an increasing segment of store business.

MaxFlight Simulators … This Museum exhibit challenges visitors to experience the thrill of air-to-air combat and stunt flying, combined with fully interactive 360 degree pitch and roll technology and offered in 2D or 3D. Visitors have complete control of these one-of-a-kind simulators by using a joy stick and throttle and can experience multiple scenarios with dozens of different aircraft. During 2011, 14,123 visitors took this exciting challenge.

F-14 Topgun Air Combat Simulators … Visitors experienced the thrill of flight in four authentic F-14 Tomcat training simulators. During 2011, 2,000 Museum visitors took this exciting challenge. This exhibit closed in July 2011.


Foundation Fund Generators

Naval Aviation Symposium … Started in 1987, the nationally-renowned two-day symposium series averages 2,500 guests annually. Attendees include numerous active and retired flag and general officers, executives from the aerospace industry, local aviation instructors and students, as well as aviation enthusiasts from around the nation.

Symposium ’11, celebrating the Centennial of Naval Aviation, featured a golf tournament, Hall of Honor Induction, Christening of the National Flight Academy, panels entitled “Decades of Development (1920s-30s),” “The War Years,” “Rotary Wing Revolution,” “Into the Jet Age,” “Naval Aviation Diplomacy” and “Naval Aviation: Issues and Answers.” Admiral Timothy J. Keating, USN (Ret), delivered the remarks at the banquet.

The Foundation’s distinguished guests speakers have included former President George Bush; Governor Jeb Bush; Senators John Warner, Jake Garn, Connie Mack and John McCain; Secretaries of the Navy Lehman, Webb, Garrett Danzig and Winter; Under Secretaries of the Navy Hultin and Pirie; Assistant Secretary of the Navy (I&E) Penn; Chiefs of Naval Operations Admirals Boorda and Johnson; Vice Chiefs of Naval Operations Admirals Fallon and Mullen; the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Jones; Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Nyland, and astronaut, Mr. Neil Armstrong.

Flight to Excellence Program … This program incorporates educational large-format, IMAX® films with accompanying teachers guides. Using the guides as both a pre- and post-visit resource, teachers are able to build upon the Museum experience to reinforce required core competencies in the areas of science and mathematics. Since 1996, more than 397,999 school children and teachers have participated in the Flight to Excellence program including 23,325 students during the 2010-2011 academic year.

Flight Adventure Deck … The Flight Adventure Deck (FAD) program is an ongoing partnership with the Escambia and Santa Rosa County School Districts, inviting resident teachers on special assignment to administer the curriculum. Built at a cost of $2 million in private funding, this 9,000 square-foot wing features 38 interactive devices, 11 educational kiosks, an interactive wind tunnel and four computer-based flight simulators that teach middle and high school students how science, technology, engineering and mathematical (STEM) principles are applied in aviation.

Since it opened its doors in 1996, more than 63,500 middle school students have participated in the FAD, including 5,122 in 2011. In addition to the students, the Flight Adventure Deck has trained more than 650 teachers to participate in the program. Currently, the FAD addresses 38% of the Sunshine State Standards benchmarks in science for sixth through eighth grade students and 57% of the mathematics benchmarks. Measures of effectiveness based on pre- and post-testing of students participating in the FAD program show a 74.9% increase in subject matter knowledge. This concept has since been exported to students and teachers across the state through the Interactive Technology Center.

Interactive Technology Center … Completed through a $500,000 grant from the state of Florida, the Interactive Technology Center (ITC) is an addition to our current facilities that serves as both an educational outreach for the existing FAD program as well as the prototype for the National Flight Academy. The ITC incorporates distance learning capabilities within the classroom and allows a portion of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum to be transmitted throughout the State and, ultimately, the nation. The ITC houses video, image and learning systems required to send and receive instructional media, and provides the hardware and technology necessary to broadcast the curriculum as a live, real-time class or to be archived for viewing at a later date.


Foundation Education Programs

The National Flight Academy’s Ambition

What are kids great at today? Video games. Our youth can determine how to operate the complex software, manipulate the devices and become totally immersed for hours. But, can we capture their passion in our education system to boost learning in STEM (science, technology, en-gineering and mathematics)? Absolutely! The National Flight Academy (NFA) is at the forefront, channeling kids’ fascination with fast-moving, virtual reality gaming. The NFA approach embeds middle and high school-level STEM material into real-world missions that excite students with the passion of flight. The immersive experience uses technologies, state-of-the-art simulators and virtual reality games to inspire students to higher levels of academic achievement in STEM and possibly foster interest in careers in those fields.

Enacting a proud naval tradition, Ambition was officially christened in May 2011. The Aviation in Residence (AIR) program, an immersive, game-based learning environment

for 21st century middle and high schools, is scheduled to have its inaugural class in May 2012.Not only is Ambition geared towards educating the youth of America, but it will also be an

extraordinary place to hold a corporate retreat. Great ideas happen in great places, and Ambi-tion promises an unparalleled environment for group meetings or team-building exercises. In Ambition’s signature corporate program, teams are immersed in a thrilling virtual reality world and engaged in a challenging mission where they must utilize technology, think critically, work together and problem-solve at a fast pace in order to succeed. Through this serious gaming ap-proach, they will develop and hone the skills that are vital to success in today’s workplace — while having fun. The team will have full access to Flight Academy facilities including Joint Operations Center (JOC), Joint Intelligence Center (JIC), Ready Rooms, and of course, the state-of-the-art flight simulators. Program and story elements are designed to complement each group’s distinct training goals.


Inspiration. Guaranteed.


The mission of the National Naval Aviation Museum, owned and operated by the U.S. Navy, is to “select, collect, preserve and display historic artifacts relating to the history of Naval Aviation.” At the core of the Museum’s collections are more than 800 aircraft — most of which are on display at other museums. Some one hundred fifty are on display at the National Naval Aviation Museum. These include record setting aircraft like the NC-4 flying boat, the first plane to fly the Atlantic, as well as combat veterans, including an SBD Daunt-less that flew at the Battle of Midway, two Vietnam MiG-killers and an A-7 Corsair II that logged missions over Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. Though they are the largest of the Museum artifacts, the aircraft are just one dimension of the collection. Small artifacts include uniforms, flight gear, weaponry, medals and decorations that add a personal dimension to the story of Naval Aviation. In addition, the Emil Buehler Naval Aviation Library, which houses personal and official papers of prominent Naval Aviators, squadron records and a photograph collection numbering more 350,000 images, is a signifi-cant repository of naval history and draws researchers from around the world.

The year 2011, brought a number of acquisitions to the collections of the National Naval Aviation Museum. Artifacts and archival col-lections acquired during the year included: the McDonnell Trophy for the 1956 air race during the National Aircraft Show, received from Museum Volunteer, Ralph Carson; the restored VH-3A “Marine One” helicopter; mementoes, denoting the aftermath of the surrender of the Japanese, including a scrapbook of photos shot in Japan during that time and a certificate printed onboard Cumberland Sound com-memorating the milestone entry into Tokyo Bay, from the daughter of Seaman First Class William S. Pilgrim, a member of VPB-26.

As the Museum has grown, so has its popularity. In the last de-cade alone, visitation has more than doubled, exceeding 900,000 an-nually in the years preceding Hurricane Ivan. In recent years, Mu-seum visitation has steadily increased as more people return to the area for vacation. In addition, the National Naval Aviation Museum has achieved national recognition as one of the premiere aviation mu-seums in the world and is the most visited museum in Florida. The Museum received the prestigious American Association of Museums’ accreditation in 2002. Our visitors come from every state in the Union and more than 60 foreign countries. On a given day, more than 70 percent of our visitors are from outside Florida.

The National Naval Aviation Museum is part of the Naval History and Heritage Command, the largest of the 12 official Navy museums located throughout the United States.


The Museum

Perhaps the most important ingredient to the Museum’s day-to-day operation is the staff of enthusiastic and willing volunteers who provide that very important personal touch to a visitor’s Museum experience. Numbering more than 400, the volunteer staff performs a myriad of functions: conducting tours, providing security, working in the Museum’s restoration facility, assisting in special events, staffing the library and providing administrative assistance. This year, the volunteers logged more than 91,182 hours, representing a third of the Museum’s man-hour effort. With a majority of the volunteers possessing backgrounds in Naval Aviation, a trip through its proud history is enhanced by a “been there, done that” touch that is the source of much favorable comment, including a Certificate of Commendation from the Secretary of the Navy, and is indicative of the dedication and devotion possessed by a staff that has become the very backbone of the Museum. The volunteer program is run by the Museum and financially supported by the Foundation.


The Volunteer Spirit

The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation wishes to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their generous contributions during 2011.

$800,000+Conrad N. Hilton Foundation

$200,000+ The Boeing CompanyThe Emil Buehler Perpetual TrustEscambia County Board of County CommissionersFedEx CorporationLockheed Martin CorporationNorthrop Grumman Corporation

$100,000+ University of Florida

$50,000+ McMullen Family FoundationUSAA

$25,000+ Curtiss-Wright CorporationThe Daedalian FoundationEmerald Coast Honor Flight, Inc.The Order of DaedaliansThe Mary R. and John J. Schiff Foundation

$10,000+ City of PensacolaFisher-Brown, Inc.The Lewis Bear CompanyPratt & Whitney Military EnginesPete Moore ChevroletSacred Heart Health SystemThe Victory FoundationUPS Foundation

$5,000+ Boeing Company Integrated Defense SystemsBroadreach EngineeringCAE USA, Inc.Dr. Scholl FoundationDRS Technologies Aviation & LogisticsFLIR Systems, Inc.General Electric Aviation

Greenhut Construction Company, IncHawker Beechcraft CorporationHuntington Ingalls IndustriesJohnson Supply CompanyL-3 Vertex AerospaceL-3 Communications Integrated SystemsLehigh Cement CompanyLockheed Martin Aeronautics CompanyMetropolitan Health Networks, Inc.Raytheon CorporationRolls-Royce North America, Inc.TEQGAMES, LLCThe Golden EaglesUvas Foundation

$2,500+ ABSee The Museum, Inc.Alfred I. duPont Foundation, Inc.America RemembersBaroco Electric Construction CompanyBell Helicopter Textron, Inc.Bell Steel Company, Inc.CACI International Inc.Chicago Car Auction, Inc.DRS Technologies, Inc.Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityGulf Power CompanyJewelers Trade Shop, Inc.Levin & Papantonio Family Foundation, Inc.MBDA IncorporatedMcGuire Management GroupNavy League of the United StatesPortofino Holdings, LLCRegions BankSabreliner CorporationSikorsky Aircraft CorporationStalker Ventures, Inc.Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.USS Midway MuseumWyle Laboratories

$1,000+ A & S Electrical ContractApple Corps, Inc./The Appleyard Foundation

Appleyard Agency, Inc.Armada AdvisorsArmstrong World Industries, Inc.Bigtop Bingo, Inc.Cape Flattery FoundationCobhamCombined Federal CampaignComplete General ContractingCrusader AssociationEdible Arrangements of PensacolaExecutive Landscaping, Inc.Flying Midshipmen AssociationGlaude EnterprisesIan-Conrad Bergan, Inc.Imua Technology Inc.Intruder AssociationITT CorporationITT Electronic SystemsJohnstone SupplyKelton CompanyL-3 Communications D.P. Associates. Inc.Lulu’s Landing Inc.McGlynn, Clinton & HallMickleson Construction Services, Inc.Mid SouthMiracle Strip Corvette Club, Inc.Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc.Navy Hurricane Hunters, Inc.Omega Aerial Refueling Services, Inc.Pen Air Federal Credit UnionPensacola Moving and StoragePensacola News Journal, Inc.Pensacola State CollegePorter Army NavyPrivette Family LLCR E Davis General ContractorsRotary Club Foundation of Pensacola, Inc.Sporty’s FoundationStarboard Cruise ServicesTelephonics CorporationTerhaar & Cronley ContractorsVaughn’s Inc. of PensacolaVC-4 Nightcappers Association


2011 Corporate Alliance

1750 Radford Boulevard, Suite BNAS Pensacola, Florida 32508850.453.2389•800.327.5002

www.NavalAviationMuseum.org

2011 annual report - naval aviation museum foundation · fitzgerald flew the a-7e corsair ii aboard...

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