Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod celebrates centennial of naval aviation (media invited)

BOSTON — The media are invited to U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod for a centennial of naval aviation celebration, scheduled for 6 p.m., Friday.

The event, including a "Flight Suit Formal," is being held to celebrate 100 years of Naval Aviation and will have live music, dancing, refreshments and distinguished guests.

Speaking at the event will be distinguished guests: veteran aviator Vice Adm. John Currier, the current Ancient Albatross, an honorary title given to active duty Coast Guard aviator with the greatest number of years of designated aviation service, and Senior Chief Petty Officer Peter MacDougall, the enlisted Ancient Albatross.

The guest of honor is the Coast Guard's second helicopter pilot, retired Cmdr. Stewart R. Graham. Trained to fly helicopters by legendary designed and inventor Igor Sikorsky, Graham pioneered shipboard operations of helicopters, perfected helicopter search and rescue techniques, and performed the first night time medical evacuation and survivor hoist. During his 25-year career, Graham earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, two air medals, he was commissioned as a "Knight of the Order of Leopold" by the government of Belgium for his part in the rescue of the survivors of the Sabena Airline crash in 1946, and was inducted into the United States Coast Guard Aviation Hall of Fame in 1995 and the United States Naval Aviation Hall of Honor in 2004.

Capt. David Throop, the commanding officer of Air Station Cape Cod, will also be speaking during the celebration.

Media representatives are encouraged to attend. Please contact Air Station Cape Cod Public Affairs at 508-968-6613 for more information.

Editor’s Note: Media must be escorted onto the base. Please contact 508-968-6360 once at the gate to arrange the escort.

###

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.