2010 Annual Report - National Naval Aviation Museum - Home

2010 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 10 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 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 DirectorsVADM Michael L. Bowman, USN (Ret) Chairman of the Board Mr. Patrick J. Finneran Jr. 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)RADM 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 III Chairman of the Board EmeritusMr. 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. RussenbergerMr. James R. SchmitzVADM 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 WoodburyMr. Paul K.Y. Chen Honorary Trustee

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 10 A n n u a l R e p o r t 3

Chairman’s ReportThe year 2010 was a banner year for the Naval Aviation

Museum Foundation. I am pleased to announce that the Na-tional Naval Aviation Museum’s newest expansion project — Hangar Bay One — was completed in November. The Na-tional Flight Academy project is nearing completion and con-struction is expected to be finished by Spring of 2011. This truly has been a year of great progress.

As the Centennial of Naval Aviation approaches in May of 2011, the expansion of the Museum and the completion of the National Flight Academy will be in the forefront of the 100th anniversary of Naval Aviation celebration activities. Despite a recovering economy and a major oil spill off our beautiful coast, end of year fundraising efforts and visitation for 2010, to the Museum, are turning upward. We continue to focus on ensuring the National Naval Aviation Museum is recognized as one of the top tourist attractions in the state of Florida. A

great deal of effort has been focused on forming partnerships with companies and organizations with shared philanthropic needs. We could not accomplish what we do without the support of our members, donors and corporate alliance partners who share the passion for Naval Aviation, sup-port local and national educational initiatives and are interested in preserving this nation’s history.

We are fortunate to have an extremely talented and dedicated Foundation, Museum and Flight Academy staff who have worked tirelessly as a team to meet the mission and vision of the National Naval Aviation Museum. As this year closes, I would also like to recognize and thank the Founda-tion’s Board of Directors, Trustees and Officers for their support and contributions throughout this year. Their talent and expertise are resources that have contributed immeasurably to the many successes enjoyed throughout 2010.

Our continued success is what makes the National Naval Aviation Museum a true “national treasure” — one to be enjoyed by generations to come.

Michael L. BowmanVice Admiral, USN (Ret)Chairman of the Board


President’s Report

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

The Chairman said it best — 2010 has been a banner year for the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. Hangar Bay One was completed on-time and under budget. The opening was rolled out with a Gala celebration and displays the National Naval Aviation Museum’s magnificent collection of Vietnam-era and subsequent Naval Aviation aircraft.

As you may know, the National Flight Academy was designed to address shortfalls in STEM education throughout the United States. This educational initiative will inspire and educate future generations of national leaders through positive exposure to Naval Aviation. The National Flight Academy will blend the culture and excitement of aviation with 21st century technology and core competencies in an exclusive, entertaining and immersive environment. It has the potential to help reform traditional education in our country, while increasing the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from our education system.

Of course, these two major projects would not have happened had it not been for the hard work and dedication of the Foundation, Museum and Flight Academy staffs, support and advice from our Board of Directors and Trustees and through generous contributions from our members, donors and corporate sponsors.

Although the economy has been on the downside and the Gulf Coast was the victim of a major oil spill, we have been successful in raising funds in support of the National Naval Aviation Muse-um. Through generous donors we secured funding for the recovery of a F4U-1 “Birdcage” Corsair and funding for the restoration of a F6F Hellcat. We also recovered a rare SB2C Helldiver which will be restored by our Museum restoration department.The endowment has also grown due to the fiduciary diligence of our Trustee Investment Committee and through Wings of Gold donations.

The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Mr. William Britton Greene, former President and CEO of the St. Joe Company; Rear Admiral Gary R. Jones, USN (Ret), Vice President, Alion Science and Technology; Admiral Timothy J. Keating, USN (Ret); General Robert Magnus, USMC, (Ret); Rear Admiral James Maslowski, USN (Ret), President, U.S. and International Government Business, Hawker Beechcraft; and the former Assistant Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable B.J. Penn have joined our Board. Please join me in welcoming them.

As 2010 ends and 2011 begins, we look forward to this upcoming year, which incidentally marks the 100th anniversary of Naval Aviation, as a year of continued success. I would like to personally thank Foundation members, donors, corporate sponsors, staff and Board of Directors and Trustees for their support of our mission — “to inspire and educate.”


January• Construction continues on Museum’s Hangar Bay One.• “Discovery Saturday: Marine Red.” The story of a man and

his Corsair featured Eugene “Red” James, a fighter pilot who served in World War II and Korea.

February

• “Discovery Saturday: Anatomy of a Strike.” Retired Navy Captain John Paganelli discussed how air strikes were planned and executed during the Vietnam era when he was assigned to Attack Squadron 86 flying A4E aircraft aboard the USS Independence.

• Glenn Miller Orchestra concert.• Orlando Jazz Orchestra concert.

March• Blue Angels commenced weekly practices at NAS

Sherman Field and signed autographs in Museum on most Wednesdays.

• The IMAX® film Hubble debuted at the Naval Aviation Memorial Theatre.

• “Discovery Saturday: USS Enterprise (CV-6) at Guadalcanal.” Retired Aviation Ordnance Chief Petty Officer, Chuck Wheeler shared his experiences from this important time in history.

April• “Discovery Saturday: USS Independence (CV-62), the

Great Storm.” Rear Admiral Skip Furlong (CO aboard CV-62), retired Captains Bill Dickson and Roger Murray shared their personal experiences & historical perspectives of the Great Storm of 1977.

May • The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation’s 24th annual

symposium featured a golf tournament, two historical and one active duty panels: “Genesis: The Birth of Naval Aviation (1898-1914),” “Answering the Call: Naval Aviation’s Dynamic Expansion for the Great War” and “Naval Aviation: Issues and Answers.” More than 2,000 guests attended the Symposium events.

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

• “Discovery Saturday: The Battle of Midway.” Captain Kevin Miller, USN (Ret) described how the U.S., still reeling from Pearl Harbor, was able to defeat a superior Japanese force in the Battle of Midway.

• Navy Band Concert.

June• National Flight Academy Stepping the Mast ceremony.• Opening of the Flight Deck Cordova Mall store.• “Discovery Saturday: You’ll Be Sor-ree!” Featured

World War II veteran and author Sid Phillips, of HBO’s, The Pacific, who shared his true story of strength and survival during the early days of World War II in the Pacific.

• Aviation Classroom Experience (ACE) opened at Warrington Middle School, Pensacola.

• Second year of Summer Day Camp held at Museum comprising of six sessions and 110 students.

July• The IMAX® Naval Aviation Memorial theatre

celebrated 14 years of operation.• “Blast Off! Space Day” featured Russell Romanella,

director of the International Space Station and Spacecraft Processing Directorate at John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

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

8th grade students for the school year 2010-2011.• NASA’s Orion crew exploration vehicle displayed for

one day en route to Johnson Space Center.• “Discovery Saturday: Fortress Rabaul, the Battle for

the Southwest Pacific, January 1942-April 1943” featured noted author Bruce Gamble.

• SB2-4 Helldiver arrived at Museum after 65 years underwater.

September• Put Your Hands on History — Paint a Plane event.

October• 12th Annual Halloween event.• “Discovery Saturday: The Battle of Leyte Gulf ”

Captain Kevin Miller, USN (Ret), told the story of the largest naval engagement of World War II.

November• Foundation Annual Board of Trustees meeting.• Gala celebrated the Museum’s newest addition,

Hangar Bay One. December• Pearl Harbor Ceremony held to commemorate the

69th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.• Myrtle Grove Baptist Church Handbell Choir

Christmas concert.


Year 2010 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 is to finance the Phase IV expansion of the Museum — The National Flight Academy and Hangar Bay One. “Dynamic” best describes the last 48 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 579 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 FoundationFour and a Half Decades of Progress


2010 Financial Matters

Annual Gifts to the Navy for Museum Support Year Generated Profit Contributed Funds Total Gift to NNAM

2010 $408,000 $1,268,000 $41,676,000

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 $8.53 million, with a goal of reaching $100 million.

Direct Support — $1,676,000• Volunteer Program• AircraftCollectionSupport• AircraftRestoration• AircraftRelocation• JanitorialServices/Housekeeping• ExhibitDevelopment• ExhibitOperation• FlightLineBusTours• LibraryOperations• MiscellaneousExpense

Indirect Support — $495,100• Marketing• BlueAngelAirshowPracticesSupport• VisitFloridaWelcomeCentersAircraftUpkeep• EventSchedulingandServices• SpecialCommemorativeEvent• FlightAdventureDeck

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. — 2 010 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 $1.86 Million Produced $527,852 Net

Contributions $172,940

Memberships$5,103

Investment Income$235,874

Symposium$113,935

32.7%

44.7%

21.6%

1.0%

Tofinanciallysegregatethedevelopment/membership/educationfunctionsoftheFoundationfromthebusinessendeav-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 $3.62 Million Produced $882,974 Net

IMAX® Theatre$82,695

Cubi Bar Café$50,197

65.3%

Motion-Based Simulator$150,787

Museum Store$577,059

9.4%

17.1%

5.7%

2.5% F-14 Simulators$22,236


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National Flight Academy LLC2010 Funds Raised: $5,468,168

Total Assets of $9.8 million at the end of the year.

Grant Revenue $146,137

Contributions$5,207,487

2.7%

Combined AssetsYear Ended December 31, 2010

Total assets $22.78 million. Predominantly cash and cash equivalents. There is no debt or other liability.

Investments$11.23

Museum Store Inventory$.63

Pledges & Accounts Receivable$6.20

Cash & Equivalents$2.75

Net Property & Equipment$1.73

% $ millions

49.3%

7.6%

27.2%

12.1%

2.8

95.2%

Other Assets$.24

1.0%

Investment Income$114,544

2.1%

Note:Reduction of total assets from 2009 to 2010 is due primarily to the construction of Phase IV of the Museum. Phase IV consists of a 55,000 sq.ft. Hangar Bay and a 100,000 sq.ft. Flight Academy.


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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 103,719 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 14th year of operation in July 2010. At the end of 2010, 126,711 film-goers enjoyed the theater as part of their Museum experience. This brings theatre at-tendance to more than 3.2 million since its opening.Our Motion Based Flight Simulator had 82,204 Museum visitors take a thrilling ride during 2010. 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 wwere 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 2010 level as a $2.1 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.

F-14 Topgun Air Combat Simulators … This Museum exhibit challenges visitors to experience the thrill of flight in four authentic F-14 Tomcat training simulators that were used to train more than 1,000 F-14 pilots during the 30-year service of the Tomcat. Visitors can land on an aircraft carrier, engage in a dogfight and much more! During 2010, 5,757 Museum visitors took this exciting challenge.


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 ’10 featured a golf tournament, panels entitled “Genesis: The Birth of Naval Aviation (1898-1914)” “Answering the Call: Naval Aviation’s Dynamic Expansion for the Great War” and “Naval Aviation: Issues and Answers.” Mr. Neil A. Armstrong, first man on the moon, 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 377,150 school children and teachers have participated in the Flight to Excellence program including 21,509 students during the 2009-2010 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 58,500 middle school students have participated in the FAD. In addition to the students, the Flight Adventure Deck has trained more than 630 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“On Time and Under Budget”

The staffs of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation and the National Flight Academy (NFA) have delivered the facilities that will house the NFA programs and Hangar Bay One, on time and under budget, a phrase seldom heard today. Now the final stages of Phase IV expansion at the National Naval Aviation Museum are at hand: final development of the NFA’s unique and inspiring program, and outfitting of the NFA into our aircraft carrier, Ambition. That said, the accomplishments of 2010 go far beyond the brick and mortar construction of these two buildings.

The University of West Florida (UWF) was contracted to develop the formal curriculum, aligned with both state and national standards, for NFA. Led by Dr. Pamela Northrup, interim dean for the College of Professional Studies, the development team includes an interdisciplinary team of teacher educators, instructional designers, technology innovators, game designers, scriptwriters and retired military aviators. Together, they are working closelywithNFAandTEQGames/ImagineCreativeofOrlando,Florida,todevelopanengagingeducationalplancenteredaroundaseriesofcarrier-based,aviation-inspired,real-worldscenariosforthe51/2daylearningadventure at the National Flight Academy.

AgaincollaboratingwithTEQGames,thefirstNationalFlightAcademy/AviationClassroomExperience(NFA/ACE) was installed at Warrington Middle School in Pensacola, Florida.This strategic partnershipallows us to offer an immersive, serious game-based learning environment that teaches science, technology, engineering and math(STEM)inthecontextofaviationonsiteatlocalschools.AstheseNFA/ACEclassroomsexpand across the state, region and country, the same engaging scenarios used aboard Ambition will be available through TEQ Games and NFA On-Line. Students around the world will be able to log on and take part in some of the same drills and exercises used by participants at NFA Pensacola. At a distance, teachers will use on-line workbooks and curriculum guides developed by the National Flight Academy to lead students in individual and team exercises in which the fantasy of flight drives real-time problem solving that requires the use of STEM related knowledge.

After a highly competitive bid process, Southwest Scenic Design of Tempe, Arizona, was awarded the contract for scenic outfitting of the interior of the National Flight Academy. The first stage of this process took place last summer and consisted of initial treatments to the academic wing of our aircraft carrier, Ambition. All six of the Simulation and Immersion Centers (SICs), comprised of one Joint Intelligence Center (JIC), Ready Room and


Joint Operations Center (JOC), began the transition from empty spaces to those reminiscent of our virtual ship.

To improve our brand recognition and enhance our marketing strategy, NFA has partnered with Campbell-Ewald, one of the largest advertising and digital communications agencies in the United States and the agency behind the marketing campaign for the U.S. Navy. Campbell-Ewald will provide strategic development and planning, community management, brand auditing, reputation management, influencer outreach programs, as well as web site development.

In December, after reviewing proposals from five highly qualified companies, NFA selected Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. of Huntsville, Alabama, to provide our flight simulators. Pinnacle will provide the high and medium fidelity simulators, instructor operating stations and remotely piloted systems stations, which are the core of NFA’s learning adventure.

While there was a great deal of positive news for NFA, one troubling trend in our nation’s student performance continued. The 2009 Program for International Student Assessment Survey (PISA), released in January 2010, showed a continued subpar performance by U.S. students when compared to other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations. However, the report also used recent economic modeling to relate cognitive skills (as measured by PISA and other international instruments) to economic growth. The relationship indicates that relatively small improvements in the skills of a nation’s labor force can have very large impacts on future well-being. In fact, by increasing average scores on PISA by 25 points over 20 years, a relatively modest goal (less than Poland achieved in just six years), would result in an increase in the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $40 trillion over the lifetime of the generation born in 2010. The impact is even greater, as much as $100 trillion, if we bring all U.S. students up to minimum PISA standards (400 on a 0-to-1,000 scale), or to the performance level of Finland, who led all countries’ student performance.

As the PISA report shows, our mission to inspire and educate future generations of leaders through positive exposure to Naval Aviation is needed now more than ever. A continued decline in academic performance by U.S. students makes our nation more reliant on those nations achieving academic excellence. Future developments in all areas of science, technology, engineering and math will be led by those nations that commit to the highest standards of educational performance. The National Flight Academy and Naval Aviation Museum Foundation have made that commitment to academic excellence.

The cost of Ambition and Hangar Bay One construction has been paid through funds previously raised, and $10 million of the $15 million needed to complete the interior features and program development for NFA has been secured. We are asking for your continued support in raising the remaining funds in order to open our doors to tomorrow’s leaders in 2012. For naming and sponsorship opportunities, or to make a charitable gift to this worthy cause, please visit our web site, NationalFlightAcademy.com or call the National Flight Academy at 850.458.7836 or 877.552.3632.



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 Dauntless 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 di-mension 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 addi-tion, 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 significant repository of naval his-tory and draws researchers from around the world.

The year 2010, in addition to the completion of the 55,000 sq. ft. Hangar Bay One, brought a number of acquisitions to the collections of the National Naval Aviation Museum.

Artifacts and archival collections acquired during the year in-cluded: logbooks from members of VF-38; decorated wooden planks that were part of a gazebo at Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq — an off-duty gathering place for aircrew and ground person-nel —received from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269; artifacts from Naval Aviator Walter S. Reid, one of four aviators who made up the crew of the world-record flight of the P2V-1 Neptune, nicknamed the “Truculent Turtle,” from Perth Australia, to Columbus, Ohio.

As the Museum has grown, so has its popularity. In the last decade alone, visitation has more than doubled, exceeding 900,000 annually in the years preceding Hurricane Ivan. Since the storm, Museum visitation has steadily increased as more people return to the area for vacation. In addition, the Nation-al Naval Aviation Museum has achieved national recognition as one of the premiere aviation museums in the world and is the most visited museum in Florida. The Museum received the prestigious American Association of Museums’ accredita-tion 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 99,196 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 2010.

$200,000 & AboveThe Boeing CompanyEscambia County Board of CommissionersLockheed Martin CorporationNorthrop Grumman CorporationSt. Joe Community Foundation

$20,000 & AboveA to Z Furnishings, IncABSee the Museum.Florida’s Great Northwest, Inc.Goodrich FoundationMcMullen Family FoundationPen Air Federal Credit UnionPensacola News JournalRNI Inc.Sabreliner CorporationThe Mary R. & John J. Schiff FoundationUSAAThe Victory Foundation Wintzell’s Oyster House

$5,000 & AboveAircraftOwnerAT&T The Real Yellow Pages®Ashford Capital ManagementBoeing Company Integrated Defense SystemsBrewer Crane & RiggingBrown-Forman & Premier BeverageBreitling USACAT CountryCity of PensacolaDRS Technologies, Inc.DRS Technologies Aviation and LogisticsFLIR Systems Inc.GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine TeamHawker Beechcraft CorporationJohnson Supply CompanyL-3 Communications Integrated SystemsL-3 Vertex AerospaceLockheed Martin Aeronautics Company

‘Commodore’ Thomas J. Lupo EndowmentPratt & Whitney Military EnginesRaytheon Missile SystemsRobert Kaufman Company, Inc.Studer GroupWEAR-ABC 3Yellow Book

$2,000 & AboveBank of AmericaBaroco Electric Construction CompanyBell Helicopter TextronBell Steel CompanyCACI, Inc.Coastal Bank and TrustCobhamComfort Systems USA SoutheastAlfred duPont FoundationEngineered Arresting Systems CorporationEWA Government Systems, Inc.GE AviationThe Grand MarlinGulf Power Gulfstream Aerospace CorporationL-3 Communications D.P. Associates, Inc.Label Technique Southeast, Inc.Lassin Family FoundationMBDA IncorporatedMMI Mechanical Contractors, IncPanhandle Grading & Paving, Inc.Pensacola Memorial Gardens & Funeral HomeRolls-Royce North AmericaSikorsky Aircraft CorporationSystems Planning and AnalysisTelephonics CorporationVince Whibbs Automotive Group Whitney, Bradley and BrownWyle Laboratories, Inc.


The Volunteer Spirit 2010 Corporate Alliance

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

www.NavalAviationFoundation.org

Documents

2010 Annual Report - National Naval Aviation Museum - Home