The Membership Newsletter for The Museum Spring 2014

Inside this Issue: Wings of Valour By Jonathan R. Lichtenstein Leading Edge Circle 2 Museum Visitors 2

Golden Eagles 2 Skyhawk Association 3 Summer Camp 3 Hangar Happenings 4 Fairchild P-19 4 Eagle Project 4 Classic 5 Plane Rides 5 17-18 May, 2014, will see the 6th-annual and Axis troops at their encampments, featuring vehicles, Over the Beach at the . artefacts, arms, and armour. Look skyward to observe our Museum Exhibits 6 collection of Warbirds in their native element! Besides Among the stars of the show will be the world’s first and, Pearl Harbor 6 members of the Museum’s collections, this year’s air show to date, only DH.98 Mosquito to fly since 1996! will again feature guests from the Canadian Warplane Women in Aviation 6 Schedule yourself a ride in an airplane from the Second Heritage Museum, including one of only two airworthy World War, satisfy your hunger at our assorted food vendors, Avro Lancasters in the world. Keep your eyes and ears open or shop our military flea markets. Enjoy continuous musical for regular entertainers Theresa Eaman and the Victory entertainment, from 10:00am on Saturday and Sunday, Belles, along with Frank Sings Frank and the Ultimate plus a steak dinner and hangar dance Saturday night. All Military Aviation Museum Abbott and Costello. The Mark Michielsen band will serenade www.MilitaryAviationMuseum.org five of our hangars will be open for guided tours. dancers on Saturday night. Tickets to this year’s steak dinner Virginia Beach Airport With over 300 re-enactors on site, representing all may be purchased by making a donation to the Military www.VBairport.com theatres of WWII-era operations, you will feel as if you Aviation Museum. Go online to www.VBairshow.com or Fighter Factory have stepped back in time. Interact with friendly Allied telephone (757) 721-7767 for further details. q www.FighterFactory.com Warbirds Over the Beach www.VBairshow.com Just a Song at Twilight By Jonathan R. Lichtenstein Saturday, 7 June, 2014, the setting sun glinting off polished brasses, varnished hardwoods, expertly tensioned strings, and finely tuned instruments can herald but one thing: the return of the “Flying Proms” to the Military Aviation Museum. As dusk settles over the aerodrome, we shall be expectant of another evening’s entertainment by the Museum’s collection of piston-engine thoroughbreds, in concert with a live performance by Virginia Beach’s Symphonicity. “Prom” is short for “promenade concert”, a term whose origins may be traced back to the 18th- century pleasure gardens of London. In 1895, the first of a series of indoor promenade concerts was Now in its fourth installment at the Military inaugurated. Today the BBC Proms are among the Aviation Museum, this year’s Flying Proms holds will once more lend his voice to the proceedings. most well-known in the world; the Royal Albert the prospect of a few surprises, on and off the stage, Surmounted by some of the latest additions to Hall hosts annually more than 70 concerts, but the in keeping with the spectacle’s British heritage. the MAM, the consonant chords of Rolls-Royce outdoor component is continued through Proms in Imported from the UK in 2011 this is the first Merlins shall ring forth, before a twilight concert the Park performances. The popularity of the BBC and, so far, only authentic Flying Proms in North performance and pyrotechnic display. Go online to Proms inspired Great Britain’s Shuttleworth Collection America. Lending an air of authenticity, Mr. Mark www.militaryaviationmuseum.org or call (757) 721-7767 to create the original Flying Proms in 1997. Whall, commentator for the Shuttleworth Proms, to reserve your seats. q PAGE 2 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 1 MUSEUM VISITORS The Eagles Have Landed

By Jonathan R. Lichtenstein

The Museum has inaugurated a program this year, The Leading Edge Circle, to recognize our donors who help support the Museum and its operational . The sight and sounds of these historic aircraft taking to the sky bring a crucial part of our nation’s history to life. Donations to this program helps keep the great Warbirds maintained for flight and display On Saturday, May 3rd, the Military Aviation condition and also add artifacts to our growing Museum played host to a fraternity of noted US collection. We have future growth planned Naval Aviators called “The Golden Eagles”. They including a reconstruction of the Goxhill toured the museum as part of their annual reunion RAF Control Tower later this year. The annual held that week in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 120 “Golden Eagles” came for a 2-hour visit Warbirds Over the Beach Air Show takes place to the Military Aviation Museum. Twelve The association was formed by a group of this year, May 16-18, with many of our WWII WWII-era veterans participated in the outing. early Naval Aviators, guests of the aircraft conducting flight operations including The most noted among them was Ace Lt. Cdr. Navy, on a cruise aboard USS Forrestal (CVA-59) the world’s only Flying Mosquito. Fred Dungan, holder of the Navy Cross and from 16-18 September, 1956. veteran of 44-missions in the Grumman Wildcat, The donor levels are Silver ($500+), Gold Their ranks include pioneers in Naval Aviation. in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Also included ($2,000+), Platinum ($5,000+) and Corporate. Designated as Naval Aviators, most early members was Capt. Zeb Knott, who flew 50-missions in the All four groups are recognized on the donor represented the first 1,900 cadets ever to have Second World War, with subsequent combat tours board at the Museum’s entrance. Silver member- qualified for their wings. The membership was in Korea and Vietnam, and who later served as ship includes free general Museum admission later expanded to include helicopter and jet leader of the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team. for donors and members of their household, pilots, and aviators who had qualified for carrier 10% discount in the Museum shop, two adult Following a hearty lunch, our distinguished landings in the time when USS Langley (CV-1) one day tickets for the Warbirds Over the guests undertook a tour of all five of the Museum’s was the only American aircraft carrier. The “Eagles” Beach Air Show and an invitation for two to an hangars. Our red 1962 double-decker Routemaster also include a limited number of Naval Aviators annual dinner with a notable aviation speaker. omnibus served as a shuttle between the main who, during their tour of duty, were pioneers in Gold members are offered the above and, in buildings and satellite structures. The visit by the the development of new concepts, received special addition, lawn tickets to the Flying Proms, a “Eagles” culminated in a successful demonstration citations for unusual or outstanding performance, 30-minute flight in the Museum’s 1941 Boeing by Chief Fighter Factory Pilot, Mike Spalding, or who otherwise warrant special consideration. Stearman and reserved parking for the of the MAM’s FG-1D Corsair, on gull-wings of Honorary members include author Barrett Tillman, Warbirds Over the Beach Air Show. Platinum Navy blue and gold. q H. Lawrence Garrett, III, former Secretary of the members may upgrade the Stearman flight to Navy; and Capt. Eric “Winkle” Brown (RN ret.), a 30-minute trip in the 1940 North American credited with the standing world record for carrier SNJ-2 Navy Trainer and have a 10% discount on landings. one rental of the Museum facilities. Corporate members qualify for all the above, with general admission entrance tickets for eight employees and a corporate table for eight at the Valentine’s Hangar Dance or the Annual Donor Dinner. Additional benefits and sponsorship opportunities are available through Mr. David Hunt, Museum Director. Dr. Glenn Carwell President, Board of Directors VOLUME 7, ISSUE 1 PAGE 3 MUSEUM VISITORS MAM Rides Program Takes to the Air By David Hunt On April 5th the museum’s “Ride With Us” background we can tailor the flight for maximum program took off, offering 15 and 30 minute flights enjoyment. We will ask before going. Answers in our 1941 Boeing Stearman and our 1940 North have ranged from experienced pilots; folks who American SNJ-2. To book flights call the museum have not been in a single engine airplane, or an at (757) 721-7767. open cockpit; to those who have never flown at all. What does a Military Aviation Museum pilot 5. Is the guest properly briefed? Do they know how think about when scheduled to fly for the “Ride to work the intercom? How to fasten the seat belts? With Us!” program? When they may handle the controls and when to 10. The weather.Will it be flyable? Rain, fog, low keep hands off? How to get out in a hurry should clouds are obviously bad. Unlike airlines or the that be necessary? Safety is always our concern. military, conditions to fly valuable, older aircraft are limited. 4. Is the airplane in good shape? The technicians at the Fighter Factory do superb work in keeping 9. The weather. Will the winds be within limits? There is nothing more difficult than explaining our fleet in great condition, but airplanes are not why the flight won’t go on a beautiful sunny day cars. What would be a minor problem on the road with crystal clear skies, but with tail-wheel airplanes, could be a major one in the air. Safety first. wind speed and direction, and whether it’s gusty, 3. Where to go? For a half-hour flight, we can check are critical. out the Virginia Beach ocean front all the way to 8. The weather. How smooth is the air? The comfort the Cape Henry light houses and, if allowed, over of our guest rider is paramount. If they are not fly NAS Oceana. 15 minute hops can touch the feeling well they are not having fun. Atlantic at Sandbridge and Back Bay. Or we can 7. What does the guest want? A sightseeing jaunt? A stay around Pungo. Whatever the guest wants. birds-eye view of someplace specific? (If reachable 2. The weather. Always the weather. Changeable in the time allowed). Hands on controls opportunity? and the one thing we have no, nil, nada, zip, zero ? Rolls and upside-down are not available yet, (we’re working on it), but chandelles, steep control over. turns and zero G are possible. Or, do they simply 1. Finally, when do I go again? Flying with guests, want the thrill of flying in a ? showing them something new is a pleasure. We Top: Pilot Mike Spalding greets his passenger 6. What’s the guest’s background? Not as silly a each hope that your flight with us will be a pleasure in front of the museum’s Boeing Stearman; Bottom: The North American SNJ-2 takes flight. question as it sounds. By knowing the guest’s for you as well. q

The A-4 Skyhawk Association Board Members Visit the Museum The A-4 Skyhawk Association was formed to honor that By Boom Powell outstanding used by a dozen nations and still flying today. Mostly pilots and maintainers, the Board of Directors chose to have their mid-year meeting in Virginia Beach. The two day visit provided a study in contrasts. The A-4, “Bantam ”, “Heinemann’s Hot Rod”, “Scooter” was primarily active in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s which is past the MAM’s purview, but well before the advent of the FA-18 Hornet. On Friday, the Skyhawkers were given a tour of the Hornet training squadron (FRS), VFA-106, at NAS Oceana. One of the senior officers asked when the earliest A-4 flight was for the group. When told 1964 he said he, “Wasn’t even a gleam in my father’s eye then.” Saturday, the eras were switched as the Skyhawkers found themselves as the newer generation. In the morning they held their official meeting in the MAM theater followed by lunch from the vendors who had set up for the Wine and Wheels event. Next was a personal tour lead by MAM volunteer, pilot and long time Skyhawk Association member, Boom Powell, beginning at the Curtiss Pusher and working Top: Members and guests of the A-4 Skyhawk Association listen to a brief on the 1911 Curtiss Pusher; through the years at the , Cottbus and main Left: The A-4 Skyhawk Association Board of Directors during their mid-year meeting in the MAM theatre. hangars. And yes, most enjoyed the wine tasting as well. q PAGE 4 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 1 Hangar Happenings Eagle Scout Project and Donation The Fairchild P-19 Daniel Drehoff is a regular member of By Felix Usis the MAM volunteer team. Daniel not only supports the scout camps held at the museum but he also is a counselor for the annual museum summer camp. Daniel has been a member of Pack 63 since 2004 and is a Senior Patrol Leader and Troop Guide. His strong connection with the Military Aviation Museum gave Daniel the idea of producing some much needed picnic tables and seating to help gain him his Eagle Scout status. For his project, Daniel built two sets of benches which convert into The Fairchild P-19 as seen today at the Military Aviation Museum. benches and tables. Daniel raised the money from the local community and businesses. The majority of the money raised was used A few years before the outbreak of WWII in PT-19A model, incorporating minor improvements to purchase the raw materials. Europe, the U.S. Military announced their interest and a 200 hp. Ranger 6 engine. Once the United in acquiring significant numbers of new training States entered the Second World War, it was clear As a bonus for the museum and our aircraft. Realizing the large sale potential, Fairchild that there were going to be thousands of new pilots, “Keep them Flying” fund, Daniel raised Aircraft began development of a low wing mono- which needed trainers and Fairchild was committed more money than needed for the project plane trainer, called the Model 62 (M-62). Sherman to supplying them. which enabled him to donate over $500 to Fairchild had designed this new trainer around the The massive order for the Fairchild trainer in the fund. This money was then matched company’s own inverted 6 cylinder ‘Ranger’ engine. 1941 led to a doubling of the company’s production by a local businessman for a total donation In the summer of 1939, Fairchild entered the facilities and 3,181 of the PT-19A model, powered of over $1,000. M-62 in the competition at Wright Field, Dayton, by the 200 hp L-440-3, were made, but the demand In April, Daniel was asked to visit the Ohio. The M-62 won and Fairchild was awarded a exceeded capacity at Hagerstown. museum to make a formal presentation of contract for 270 airplanes. The new trainer was to To meet the USAAF’s demand for more PT-19s, both his handiwork and his check. To his be designated PT-19 and was to be powered by the additional production lines were started by Aeronca surprise, we had arranged for him to take part L-440-1, a military version rated at 175 hp. As with Aircraft, St. Louis Aircraft Corporation, and Fleet in a pre-flight check of our 1945 Goodyear other U. S. Army Air Force (USAAF) trainers of the Aircraft of Canada. Combined, they manufactured FG-1D Corsair with veteran pilot Obie O’Brian. period, the PT-19 had multiple designations based an additional 2849 aircraft of the PT-19, PT-23, and Obie gave Daniel an in-depth look at what it on the power plant installed. PT-26 series. By the time the Fairchild production entails to prepare the Corsair for flight. Traditionally, primary training was done using line was closed in 1944, Fairchild had produced 4,958 PT-19 series aircraft. The museum values the time and effort like the Stearman PT-17 “Kaydet” or Navy that Daniel put into this project and for all N3N “Canary”. However, some in the military felt The PT-23 was a result of a shortage of the original the time and energy he gives to the museum. that the transition from very stable and forgiving ‘Ranger’ engines. The PT-23 was the same PT-19 airframe with a 220 hp, Continental R-670 radial Way to go Daniel! biplanes to the more challenging basic and advanced trainers was too abrupt; the student engine installed. An additional manufacturer was pilot could feel overconfident after mastering the employed to built the PT-23s only. Howard Aircraft biplane and later have troubles adjusting to . Corporation built 349 PT-23s. All but 5 were built in 1943. Therefore, the USAAF decided to introduce monoplane primary trainers like the PT-19. With In 1942, an enclosed-cockpit version of the a higher wing loading and stall speed, it was more Ranger-equipped PT-19, designated the PT-26, similar to the next step in the training, the BT-13. was developed for the Almost as many Fairchild PT-19 series low-wing (RCAF). Over one thousand PT-26 and PT-26A trainer aircraft were accepted into the USAAF as aircraft were built, most being produced in Canada Boeing–Stearman biplanes. by the Fleet Aircraft. The first PT-19 rolled out of the Hagerstown The PT-19 series were not only delivered to the factory in February 1940 and by the end of the year, USAAF and the RCAF, but also delivered to Norway, two to three airplanes were being produced each Brazil, Ecuador, and Chile, to name a few. day. The original production batch was powered The Military Aviation Museum’s aircraft is a by the inline 175 hp. Ranger L-440-1 engine and PT-19A-FA, s/n 42-83643 (T43-7230). It was ordered designated the PT-19. The USAAF soon ordered the by the USAAF in 1942 under Continued on Page 7 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 1 PAGE 5

Downton Without the Abbey: Aerodrome Wine Classic By Jonathan R. Lichtenstein

AERODROME

Parked in orderly rows, an assortment of fine its first public appearances was the Curtiss JN-4D. alternative menu, Wrap-N-Roll served up its savory European automobiles graced one end of the Better known as the “Jenny”, this rare airworthy signature wraps. The Thirsty Frog provided guests Military Aviation Museum’s ramp. The names Porsche, example of one of ’ most prolific and with a wide variety of non-alcoholic hot and cold Morgan, Triumph, and Ferrari, among others, recognizable aeroplanes was built originally by the St. beverages. But for those who had made the journey joined the Museum’s first “Aerodrome Wine Classic”. Louis Aircraft Company in 1918. Following a 3-year to the Aviation Museum on this Saturday to sample restoration by the Argentinian firm of Aerohistoric, some of Virginia’s finest vintages, they would not be Beyond the expanse of unbroken concrete, could the “Jenny” has been in residence since last year, disappointed. be seen two of the most historic aeroplanes of the and is expected to take wing at the next “Flying Museum’s collections: the and A few steps beyond the West end of the ramp Proms” on 7 June, 2014. JN-4D “Jenny”. The Model D represents the genesis lay the entrance to the tasting court. In attendance of naval aviation. Piloted by Mr. Eugene Ely, a From the “Jenny” one could see the entrance to were half a dozen of Virginia’s most accomplished nearly identical aircraft was flown successfully the main event, flanked by an assortment of gourmet wineries. From Lovingston, VA, were Mountain from the deck of USS Birmingham, off the coast food vendors. All were members of Eat the Streets Cove and Democracy Vineyards. A familiar local of , on 14 November, 1910. The 757. Pizza Bella Vista drew great interest with its favorite, The Williamsburg Winery was present, along Museum’s Model D was constructed to celebrate the wood-fired oven, from which emerged an assortment with Athena Vineyards & Winery of Heathsville, and centenary of this momentous occasion. In one of of delicious Neapolitan delights. Offering an Vault Field Vineyards, Kinsale, Continued on Page 7

The Military Aviation Museum is excited to own pilots. They will put their new found knowledge hold its third “Warbirds & Wings” Aviation to the test by building and flying their own gliders, Summer Day Camp July 14-18 of this year. and then further their knowledge by building a During this fun-filled learning experience, the model airplane. Attendees will also learn the basics camp attendees will spend the week at the Virginia of rocketry, discovering how rocket motors work, Beach Airport amongst the largest private then building and launching their very own model collection of operational vintage and reproduction rockets. Ground crew training, learning all of aircraft in the world! They will have the thrill of the important safety measures and hand signals being up close and personal to vintage World War required to handle aircraft on the ground will also The final day will be marked with demonstration I and World War II era fighters, , trainers, be a part of this week’s agenda. They will enjoy flights of several of the museum’s restored aircraft, 2 field trips throughout the course of the week, and and learning everything about them, and a picnic, with games and prizes. one visit to one of our local military facilities as well as general aviation. and one to the Museum’s own Fighter Factory. This promises to be quite the experience any Included in the curriculum, the attendees will There, they will get to see first-hand how these young aviator won’t want to miss! The 5 day Camp learn the fundamentals of flight; how factors such magnificent flying machines have been beautifully will be for children ages 9-14 years old and will be as lift, drag, thrust and weight affect flight, as wellas restored to their former glory and can observe and held from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The cost is $250 per a brief history of flight from one of the Museum’s talk with the mechanics that make them soar again. attendee. q PAGE 6 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 1 Look what’s on exhibit

Women of Military Aviation Exhibit Dedicated By Warren Curd On Saturday, 29 March 2014 MAM’s newest type flown by WASP and ATA pilots, and some exhibit was dedicated during Women’s History World War II artifacts. The exhibit also includes an Month with a ceremony featuring a distinguished American WASP uniform, a British ATA uniform panel of women. Mary Feik, who was an outstanding as well as an American WAC uniform. pilot, mechanic, trainer and aviation innovator in Mr. David Hunt, director of MAM, praised World War II, spoke of some of her exploits during the efforts of the museum volunteers who worked the war. Grace Cofer, a British “Rosie the Riveter” who to create this fascinating exhibit. Members of the made Spitfires during the war, spoke of her meeting exhibit committee included Mitch Welch, Don with HRM Queen Mary when the Royal visited Hague, Mike Potter, Victoria Frunzi and Warren the aircraft factory. Navy LT Kristen Erpenbach, Curd. This exhibit now enables our docents to give an F-18 pilot, answered questions about her training a more complete picture of aviation history, for and desire to become a naval aviator. Linda Mathias, women featured prominently in it and deserve to a pilot since 1968 and current governor of the be duly recognized for their significant contributions. Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, the As a finale to the dedication, the museum’s international society of women pilots, spoke of some Polikarpov PO-2 Soviet bi-plane, flown often by of her more interesting adventures as an FAA pilot women combat pilots in World War II, was started examiner. She also provided information about a up on the ramp. LT Erpenbach joined chief pilot Ninety-Nines scholarship initiative for young women. Mike Spalding in the aircraft as he started it up. Members of the panel also answered numerous This type aircraft was flown by the 588th Night questions from the audience. Bomber Regiment against the Germans. Soviet The exhibit, which is in keeping with the women served as the pilots, navigators, mechanics, museum’s mission of depicting the first fifty ordnance personnel, etc. The Germans gave them years of military aviation, features the pictures the nickname, Nachthexen or “Night Witches” and biographies of fourteen noteworthy female since their sorties against the Germans were at aviators from around the world. There is also an night. The women achieved distinction for both interactive wall-mounted computer where guests their harassment as well as precision bombing may go to see more biographies which also include missions. By war’s end, these women pilots flew stories of famous civilian pilots like Amelia Earhart. over 23,000 sorties and dropped 3000 tons of A display case includes a number of relevant bombs. Twenty-three Soviet women pilots were books, period Life magazines, model aircraft of the awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union. q

Pearl Harbor Showcase Debuts A new showcase, located on the second floor dogfights which resulted in the destruction of of the museum, was created around a piece ten Japanese aircraft. of “witness glass” from Hangar #2 at Wheeler When the Army decided to replace the Army Airfield (AAF) on Oahu, Hawaii. During windows in Hangar #2, several of the old the infamous 7 December 1941 attack on ones were made available. SFC Chad Allaire Pearl Harbor by elements of the Japanese of the US Army (now living in Williamsburg) Imperial Navy, Wheeler AAF came under was stationed with a US Army helicopter unit relentless attack by Val dive bombers and Zero fighters. Of the four hangars at Wheeler that at Wheeler at the time and procured a window day, two were completely destroyed. Hangar pane. He donated this precious artifact to MAM. #2 remained intact. Volunteer Paul Huizenger made a frame for the glass to help preserve it. In addition to the destruction of the two hangars on 7 December, American casualties The showcase also features a period Life at Wheeler included 33 killed and 73 wounded. magazine depicting the attack, a local Richmond Many aircraft of various types were destroyed newspaper dated 8 December 1941, models of on the ground. Twelve American pilots assigned a Val and a Curtiss P-40 as well as books and According to Volunteer Warren Curd, the show- to the 15th Pursuit Group at Wheeler succeeded other print material. Volunteer Dave Gayton case’s designer, remembering Pearl Harbor by being in getting their P-36 and P-40 aircraft off the made the models and is working on a Zero and in the presence of this “witness glass”, should still be ground. They engaged the enemy in furious a P-36 to add to the showcase. important to Americans…especially our youth. q VOLUME 7, ISSUE 1 PAGE 7 Look what’s on exhibit In Memoriam Fairchild P-19 continued contract number AC 29835, for the bargain on 2 March 1944. It transferred to the 2154th low cost of $12,911. As one of the 1,661 built by AAF Base Unit (AAFTC), Fletcher Field Mississippi By Warren Curd BruceJones Fairchild at Hagerstown, Maryland in 1943, it was on 7 September 1944, where it was listed as ADRC, USN (Ret.) (1919-2014) accepted into the USAAF on 23 February 1944. disposed as surplus. At the age of 18, Bruce joined the Navy where According to USAF (USAAF) records, it The museum acquired the Fairchild from Rio he served in WWII as an air crewman and later a appears that the aircraft was assigned initially to Grand Aviation of Boerne Texas in November flight engineer. In the Pacific, he logged 1,700 flight the AAF Basic Flying School, AAF Training 2013. Very little has been confirmed of its owners hours in the PBY and B-24. He was a member Command (AAFTC), at Greenville AAF, Mississippi or whereabouts during the intervening years. q of the first squadron to arrive in Pearl Harbor following the December 7, 1941 attack. Among Aerodrome continued the honors he received are the Air Medal for VA. Wakefield’s Plantation Peanuts joined in the period-appropriate automobiles, too. The oldest combat, a Commendation Medal for combat, fun, a cornucopia of roasted, salted, spiced, and among them was a 1915 Saxon cycle car. From Air Crew Wings with three stars and the Asiatic candied peanuts under their tent. Musicians Mike 1919 was the Museum’s own Ford Model TT Service Medal with two stars. After 21 years he Proffitt and Dana Silvercloud were on hand to “Hucks Starter”, adapted for use as an auxiliary retired from the Navy and worked for 26 years as regale patrons with a tasteful sample of their own power unit–to provide a little extra muscle–when Head Librarian at the US Naval Safety Center. catalog of standards. starting aeroplanes sans electric starters. Of some- But Bruce’s real passion was for volunteering. what later vintages were a 1921 Packard, a 1925 Interspersed among the tents of visiting He had over 10,000 hours and 28 years at the Virginia Franklin, and a 1929 Buick. Many of the owners vintners were select examples of the MAM’s more Aquarium, 58 years as a member and past president got into the spirit of the proceedings by donning fancifully colored WWI-era aircraft, including of the Kempsville Ruritan Club and three years attire reminiscent of their motorcars’ origins. two iconic Fokker Dr.I triplanes. Additional at the Military Aviation Museum volunteering products of Anthony Fokker’s to be seen included For all those who enjoyed a little rest and as a briefer and tour guide. Bruce had many fine a C.I, D.VII, and D.VIII. The last of these, the relaxation, whether indoors, on the green, or stories which he freely shared with our visitors. D.VIII, was one of the most sophisticated designs under the canopy of our shady marquis, thank you of the Great War and was credited with the conflict’s for your patronage of this inaugural celebration of Albert “Mac”McCants,Jr. last aerial victory. Showing the flag for the Allies, a the inseparable link between motoring and aviation, (1933-2014) silver shone on the field, alongside the and the artisanship of Virginia wine-making. Mac was a graduate of the Virginia Military tent of the Tidewater Region Antique Automobile Like a bottle of wine, many hands were needed to Institute and was employed as an engineer for Club of America (TRAACA). Thanks to the produce the first “Aerodrome Wine Classic”. A British American Tobacco in Mexico and Central membership of the TRAACA we were pleased toast to all those who made possible this special America and later as a civil engineer for Allied to showcase not only planes of WWI, but a few occasion at the MAM. Cheers! q Signal/Honeywell Corporation until his retirement in 1993. Mac enjoyed boating and sailing and learning facts about marine wildlife and aviation, especially during the WWI and WWII era. Mac was a dedicated volunteer at the Virginia Beach Aquarium for over ten years and also volunteered at the Military Aviation Museum. Mac had over 1,000 hours at MAM and held the position of shift coordinator. Richard A. Waterval In Memoriam (1930-2014) Richard completed his undergraduate degree As an aviation and history buff, Richard Skyraider in combat missions over North Korea. at the University of Maryland. He served in the enjoyed being a docent at MAM, eagerly A Vietnam veteran, he was a pioneer of aviation USAF for five years as a B29 pilot stationed at expounding on his favorite WWII planes. He Electronic Warfare, culminating in his assignment Walker AFB, New Mexico and Anderson AFB, had a very inquiring mind and guests on his as Commanding Officer of VAW-13 and Guam. Following his military service, he obtained tours admired Richard’s attention to detail. VAQ-130-(the Zappers)-in Alameda, CA. his law degree from the George Washington He retired after 28 years of active duty while University Law School. William“Bill”B.Nevius on assignment to Chief of Naval Operations, Director Naval Warfare, in Washington, DC. Richard began his private law practice in 1961 in USN (Ret.) (1929-2014) Falls Church, VA, working with a variety of individual, Inspired by the barnstormers that gave him Bill loved the ocean, was an avid golfer, community and business clients until his retirement his first opportunity to fly, Bill entered the United worked with the volunteer fire and rescue in 2003. Richard was also a real estate developer, States Navy under the Flying Midshipmen squad and volunteered as a tour guide at the building his first apartment complex in 1962. Program, starting his flying career in the AD-1 Military Aviation Museum. NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID VIRGINIA BEACH, VA PERMIT NO. 235

Membership Newsletter for the Military Aviation Museum Return service requested 1341 Princess Anne Road Virginia Beach, VA 23457 (757) 721-PROP

Open Daily 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Messerschmitt 108

JULY 14-18 JULY OCTOBER 1-5 OCTOBER 27 SEPTEMBER 13 SEPTEMBER

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MAY 17-18 MAY JUNE 7 JUNE 26 MAy JULY 12 JULY

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8 PAGE VOLUME 7, ISSUE 1 ISSUE 7, VOLUME