Inaugural Award to be Presented on Former President's 80th
Birthday
In a tribute to America's 41st president, the Association of
Naval Aviation (ANA) will present its inaugural President George H.
W. Bush Award on his 80th birthday at the 29th Annual Convention
finale, the ANA/Naval Aviation Ball Saturday, June 12, 2004.
The annual award will be presented to a first-tour, aircraft
carrier pilot whose performance of duty best embodies the qualities
of courage, commitment and professional skill which were
exemplified by President Bush during his first tour of duty as a
World War II Naval Aviator. Sponsor of the trophy for this
prestigious honor is the Lockheed Martin Corporation.
"Naval Aviators have a keen appreciation for the patriotism of
George Bush. They remember that with his nation at war he enlisted
in the Navy as an aviation cadet on his 18th birthday," said
Admiral James L. Holloway III, USN (Ret.), former Chief of Naval
Operations, ANA's Chairman of the Board Emeritus and a friend of
the former President. "He was just out of high school, setting
aside his plans to attend Yale University where he was already
accepted, to take his place on the front lines of World War II as a
carrier pilot, flying TBM Avengers. When he received his wings and
commission, just days before his 19th birthday, he was the youngest
Naval Aviator on record." Admiral Holloway, who conceived the
prestigious award, also said, "it was necessary for the Naval
Aviation community to further honor President Bush for his service
as a Navy pilot -- his 80th birthday is a more than appropriate
date."
This award showcases today's young
Naval Aviators who aptly carry on the legacy of President Bush and
his shipmates. Aviators on their first duty assignment aboard an
aircraft carrier face unique challenges. In addition to launching
from and landing on runways at sea, intense aerial combat
operations are almost the norm in today's Global War on
Terrorism.
The Convention & Symposium will be held from Wednesday, June
9 through Saturday, June 12, 2004 at the Sheraton Premiere at
Tysons Corner Hotel.
The Association of Naval Aviation with headquarters in
Alexandria, VA is the professional, non-profit, educational and
fraternal society of Naval Aviation, whose main purpose is to
educate the public and our national leaders on the vital roles of
the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation as key elements of
our national defense posture.