Washington, D.C.
Nov. 19, 2003

The U.S. Navy is the most recent federal organization to commit resources to the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission. As a result of a memorandum of agreement, the Commission will provide outreach support for the Navy's centennial involvement, and the Navy will help promote the national campaign honoring the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first powered flight.

The 100th anniversary on Dec. 17, 2003, is now less than 40 days away and people around the world are preparing to travel to Kill Devil Hills, N.C., where the first flight will be recreated exactly 100 years to the minute in the most accurate reproduction 1903 Wright Flyer ever made. The event will mark the end of a yearlong celebration designed to commemorate a century of aviation and aerospace history.

The six-day First Flight Centennial Celebration in North Carolina will begin Dec. 12. The Navy has been working with event organizers in North Carolina and will participate in several fly-bys along with the other armed services during the celebration. All Navy aircraft are expected to come from East Coast bases.

"Few organizations have made as much aviation history as the U.S. Navy," said J.R. "Jack" Dailey, chairman of the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission. "We couldn't be more pleased to have the Navy be part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration in December."

The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission is coordinating a national outreach campaign, Centennial of Flight: Born of Dreams - Inspired by Freedom, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first powered flight. More information, as well as a calendar of events, may be found online at http://www.centennialofflight.gov.

Contact:

Julie Breissinger
U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission
804.675.8167
jbreissinger@crtpr.com