2012 AnnuAl RepoRt

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Vision and Mission StatementThe vision of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation is to inspire, engage 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. BushHonorary Chairman of the Board

Board of DirectorsMr. Patrick J. Finneran Jr.Chairman of the Board ADM Mark P. Fitzgerald, USN (Ret)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)VADM Michael L. Bowman, USN (Ret)Chairman of the Board EmeritusRADM 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 IIIMr. Henry E. Gonzales Jr.RADM H.E. Grant, JAGC, USN (Ret)Mr. William Britton GreeneMr. Walter P. HavensteinCAPT Morris L. Hayes, USN (Ret)

Mr. O. Lewis HumphreyRADM 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. RussenbergerVADM 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 WoodburyVADM James M. Zortman, USN (Ret)

Board of Directors/Trustees

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Chairman’s Report

Patrick J. Finneran Jr.Chairman of the Board

The Annual report for the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation for calendar year 2012, demonstrates our commitment to support the National Naval Aviation Museum’s mission in preserving, presenting and promoting the history of Naval Aviation. The Foundation continues to work with the leaders of aviation industry, private donors, contributors and local, state and federal leaders encouraging support of this national treasure and its mission.

This report also communicates the dedication and commitment of the Foundation in their support of engaging the public and in particularly our nation’s youth educating them on the sacrifices of many men and women throughout history. The rare aircraft and dynamic exhibits on display portray the poignant stories and sacrifices and serves as reminder to all who visit that freedom isn’t free. The staffs of

the National Naval Aviation Museum and the Foundation have played a substantial role in this year’s activities. Together, we have achieved great success.

In addition, the Foundation is a strong supporter of national science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) initiatives. In such, the Foundation officially opened the National Flight Academy’s flagship Ambition in May of 2012. Ambition is a unique immersive educational facility geared toward students in grades 7-12 using aviation applied principles as an immersive teaching method to encourage students to enter into the technological fields. We are making great strides in becoming the premier STEM education destination for students to attend.

2012 presented many economic challenges. However, 2012 also presented many opportunities to build on a strong strategic plan which continues our vision of working toward financial security and enhancing our engagement with the general public. We remain committed to our goals and objectives and look forward to next year focusing on those goals.

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President’s Report

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

Greetings from your Naval Aviation Museum Foundation! On behalf of the Foundation and the National Naval Avia-tion Museum, thank you for your continued generous support through participation in Corporate Alliance, Benefactors’ Cir-cle, Wings of Gold, annual giving programs, and Foundation Membership. Your contributions have been key to providing the financial support necessary for the restoration and preserva-tion of our nation’s historic aircraft and the promotion of the National Naval Aviation Museum educational programs. 2012 was a year of significant milestones. A few of those highlights include:

In May of 2012, The National Flight Academy’s Ambition was officially commissioned with true Naval Aviation tradition. This innovative educational initiative opened its doors to “In-spire, Engage and Educate” our nation’s youth — embracing a technological future. We gratefully acknowledge our lead contributors such as Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Northrop Grumman Corporation, The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust, The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and Escambia County as well as the thousands of individual donors and corporations who have turned this dream into a reality.

With the generous support of private donors, education and industry partners in support of this country’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) initiatives, the summer of 2012 was an amazing success story at National Flight Academy’s Ambition. More than 600 students partici-pated in Ambition’s week-long sessions experiencing the thrill of living on an aircraft carrier. The Students (AXPs) ate on the mess decks, slept in staterooms and flew missions using the latest im-mersive learning simulators.

2012 also marked the 40th anniversary of Apollo XVII and Captain Eugene Cernan’s last steps on the moon. Commemorating the historic Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space missions, major cor-porate sponsors included Northrop Grumman, Omega, Rolls-Royce, Bombardier, Delaware North Companies, Wells Fargo, Budweiser, Fender, Up with People, Johnson Supply Company and Visit Florida, as well as private individual donors. The Museum’s newest exhibit, an Apollo Lunar Excur-sion Module (LEM) was unveiled. “Salute to the Pioneers of Space” was a night to remember. Spe-cial guests included Senator John Glenn, retired Navy Captains Eugene Cernan and James Lovell, astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs and several former NASA officials.

On August 25, 2012, Neil Alden Armstrong made his last take-off at the age of 82 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Neil achieved so much in his lifetime … yet remained a humble individual who used his notoriety to help his fellow man. An everlasting moment witnessed on TV by millions around the world occurred when Neil set his left boot on the lunar surface at 2:56 UTC July 21, 1969. From that moment on his name was forever chiseled into the historical record of Great Americans.

An ardent supporter of the Foundation and National Flight Academy, Neil will be remembered — Naval Aviator, combat veteran, aerospace engineer, astronaut, space explorer, teacher, corporate executive and Golden Eagle. A man of humble origins he showed what Americans are capable of achieving.

On behalf of the Foundation and the Museum, we thank you for your continued commitment in helping preserve the history and heritage of Naval Aviation. .

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January• Discovery Saturday: Retired Navy Command Master

Chief Mark Curley presented The POW/MIA Search and Recovery Missions: Reuniting America’s fallen heroes and families.

• Snowbird Fly In at Museum.

February• Discovery Saturday: Retired Navy Captain Roger P. Murray

presented “World of Helicopters: Past, Present and Future.”• Glenn Miller Orchestra concert.

March• Blue Angels commenced weekly practices at NAS

Sherman Field and signed autographs in Museum on most Wednesdays.

• Discovery Saturday: New York Times best-selling author John Weisman will discuss his books that pioneered coverage of Naval Special Warfare including the famous U.S. Navy SEAL Team 6.

April• Discovery Saturday: Mr. Bob Coolbaugh, former Naval

Aviator and commercial pilot, presented the Ely Curtiss Pusher and its role in Naval Aviation.

May • The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation’s 26th annual

symposium celebrated 100 years of Marine Aviation and featured a golf tournament, four historical and one active duty panels: “Showtime 100 Over the North (10 May 1972),” “The Battle of Lang Vei” “The National Flight Academy: From Vision to Reality,” “Marine Aviation in Combat,” and “Naval Aviation: Issues and Answers.” More than 2,000 guests attended the Symposium events.

• National Flight Academy’s Ambition Commissioning Ceremony.

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

• Discovery Saturday: Mr. Taras Lyssenko of A. and T. Recovery, discussed the Rescue and Recovery of World War II Aircraft from Lake Michigan.

June• Discovery Saturday: Aviation book author Mr. Brad

Elward discussed his latest book Super Hornets & Growlers: Development & Operational History.

• Fourth year of Summer Day Camp held at Museum comprising of eight weekly sessions and 240 students began and ran through first week in August.

July• The IMAX® Naval Aviation Memorial theatre

celebrated 16 years of operation.• Discovery Saturday: Space Day featured family-fun

activities including Stomp Rockets and samples of astronaut foods.

• Virtual Carrier Flight Deck exhibit opened.

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

8th grade students for the school year 2012-2013.• Discovery Saturday: Museum Tour Guide Mr. Oz

Nunn as discussed Hiroshima & Nagasaki: Beginning of the Atomic Age.

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

October• 14th Annual Halloween event.• Foundation Annual Board of Trustees meeting.• Discovery Saturday: Historian & author Kenneth V.

Jack and special guest CAPT Dan Curry, USN (Ret) as they discussed the “Cuban Missile Crisis.” October marked the 50th anniversary.

November• Discovery Saturday: Award-winning author and U.S.

Navy veteran Bruce Gamble discussed his new book entitled Swashbucklers and Black Sheep: A Pictorial History of Marine Fighting Squadron 214 in World War II.

December• Salute to Pioneers of Space event that featured

two panels of astronauts and NASA officials who participated in the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs during America’s Space Race, a luncheon and the unveiling of the Museum’s newest exhibit, the Lunar Excursion Module replica.

• Myrtle Grove Baptist Church Handbell Choir Christmas concert.

• On the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, a ceremony at the National Naval Aviation Museum honored World War II veterans.

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Year 2012 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 $84.75 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 was to finance the Phase IV expansion of the Museum — The National Flight Academy (opened in May 2012) and Hangar Bay One (completed in 2010). “Dynamic” best describes the last 49 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 almost 600 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 Foundation

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2012 Financial Matters

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 $8.03 million, with a goal of reaching $100 million.

Direct Support — $1.4 Million• Volunteer Program• AircraftCollectionSupport• AircraftRestoration• AircraftRelocation• JanitorialServices/Housekeeping• ExhibitDevelopment• ExhibitOperation• FlightLineBusTours• LibraryOperations• MiscellaneousExpense

Indirect Support — $0.8 Million• Marketing• BlueAngelAirshowPracticesSupport• VisitFloridaWelcomeCentersAircraftUpkeep• EventSchedulingandServices• SpecialCommemorativeEvent• FlightAdventureDeck

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Museum Support LLCConducts revenue-producing business activities, principally the Flight Deck Store, the IMAX® Theatre, Motion-Based Simu-lator, MaxFlight 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 $3.1 Million Generated

To financially segregate the development/membership/education functions of the Foundation from the business endeav-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 Foundation Museum Support Company, 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 $4.3 Million Produced $1.3 Net

Contribution•16.4%$0.5 million

Memberships•4.2%$0.1 million

InvestmentIncome•44.3%$1.4 million

Symposium•5%$0.2 million

Development•23.3%$0.7 million

PlannedGiving•4.7%$0.1 million

FlightAdventureDeck•1.3%$0.04 million

Concerts•.8%$0.03

Museum Attractions (IMAX® Theatre, Mo-tion-BasedandMaxFlightSimulators)•25.9%$0.3 million

CubiBarCafé•4.8%$0.1 million

MuseumStore•69.3%$0.9 million

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National Flight Academy LLC2012 Funds Raised: $1.2 MillionTotal Assets of $11.6 million at the end of the year.

Combined AssetsYear Ended December 31, 2012Total assets $24.3 million. Predominantly cash and cash equivalents.

ProgramRevenue•24%$0.3 million

Contributions•76%$0.9 million

Investments•43.2%$10.5 million

Pledges & AccountsReceivable•18.4%$4.5 million

Net Property &Equipment•29.8%$7.2 million

MuseumStoreInventory•2.2%$0.5 million

Cash & Equivalents•5.3%$1.3 million

OtherAssets•1.1%$0.3 million

The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation has achieved the exceptional 4-star rating for sound fiscal manage-ment from Charity Navigator.

Charity Navigator is America’s premier charity evaluator that works to guide intelligent giving. They help charita-ble givers make intelligent giving decisions by providing information on more than 5,000 charities and by evaluat-ing the financial health of each of these charities. They ensure their evaluations are widely used by mak-ing them easy to understand and available to the public free of charge. By guiding intelligent giving, they aim to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace, in which givers and the charities they sup-port work in tandem to overcome our nation’s most per-sistent challenges.

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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 118,566 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 16th year of operation in July 2012. At the end of 2012, 102,212 film-goers enjoyed the theater as part of their Museum experience. This brings theatre attendance to more than 3.4 million since its opening.

Simulators: MaxFlight Simulators … This exhibit challenges visitors to experience the thrill of air-to-air combat and stunt flying, combined with fully interactive 360 degree pitch and roll technology and offered in 2D or 3D. Visitors have complete control of these one-of-a-kind simulators by using a joy stick and throttle and can experience multiple scenarios with dozens of different aircraft. During 2012, 19,063 visitors took this exciting challenge. Motion-Based Flight Simulator … 76,972 Museum visitors took a thrilling ride during 2012. 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.

The Flight Deck Store … Long a principal source of Foundation revenues, the Flight Deck Store has grown over the years to its 2012 level as a $2.6 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.

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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 ’12, celebrating the Centennial of Marine Aviation, featured a golf tournament, Commissioning of the National Flight Academy with guest speaker Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret), panels entitled “Showtime 100 Over the North (10 May 1972),” “The Battle of Lang Vei” “The National Flight Academy: From Vision to Reality,” “Marine Aviation in Combat,” and “Naval Aviation: Issues and Answers.”

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, astronaut, Mr. Neil Armstrong and Admiral Timothy J. Keating, USN (Ret).

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 417,119 school children and teachers have participated in the Flight to Excellence program including 23,325 students during the 2011-2012 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 67,000 middle school students have participated in the FAD, including 5,511 in 2012. In addition to the students, the Flight Adventure Deck has trained more than 675 teachers to participate in the program. Currently, the FAD addresses 38% of the Sunshine State Standards benchmarks inscienceforsixththrougheighthgradestudentsand57%ofthemathematicsbenchmarks.Measures of effectiveness based on pre- and post-testing of students participating in the FADprogramshowa74.9%increaseinsubjectmatterknowledge.Thisconcepthassince 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.

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Foundation Education Programs

The National Flight Academy’s AmbitionAfter 20 years of dreaming and planning, and after raising more than $40 million in donated private

investment, the National Flight Academy Ambition was commissioned by the Foundation on 11 May 2012, on the grounds of the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola.

The NFA Ambition is the best-in-the-world immersive aviation-themed science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning experience. Designed for young people 7th through 12th grade, it is a 5.5 day “camp” aboard our 100,000 square foot virtual aircraft carrier Ambition located adjacent to the Museum. That’s right — they eat on the mess decks, sleep in staterooms and plan missions and fly them in 30 networked flight simulators — the most outside the Department of Defense.

It is fully immersive and fascinating to see — and hear — from the rumble of the ship’s “engines” pushing it through the water to the sounds of flight ops on the “roof ” to 1MC announcements calling the crew to action to the scenically treated bulkheads and simulator centers to the state-of-the-art flight simulation technology. Each week during the summer months, Ambition will have a complement of up to 108 Ambition Experimental Pilots or AXPs. A “sea-story” from last summer is of one young AXP, caught up in the immersion and not sure, pulling back the curtain to a window to see if Ambition was really on the open ocean! A child’s mind is the greatest simulator Ambition can employ. Over 1,000 AXPs have cruised Ambition with a plan of nearly a thousand more this summer.

The missions are non-combat, consisting of search and rescue, disaster relief, air racing, fire-fighting and the like. They were developed by the Foundation with strong input from an academic team led by the University of West Florida who wrote the STEM curriculum from the keel up. Accredited teachers facilitate the program, pulling the STEM learning points from the story, and along with the college-aged camp counselors or “chiefs,” the AXPs have a 6:1 AXP/instructor ratio. Twenty-four hour professional security and a medical nurse are also present when AXPs are aboard.

The flight simulation aircraft the AXPs “fly” was designed by the creative team specifically for Ambition operations. The DARPA designed X-12 Triad is designed for Mach 2+ flight and can also hover to deliver supplies to remote areas and rescue survivors wherever found. It can put out fires and drop chemical dispersant. The Triad, named after the Navy’s first aircraft, is relatively easy to fly, and Ambition is designed to evaluate young AXPs’ ability to rapidly master this innovative aircraft and employ it operationally with minimal — but effective — instruction. These simulators are fully networked and the AXPs fly them in cooperation with fellow AXPs in the Joint Operations Center, or JOC, to ensure mission success. At the end of their “cruise” they are proficient in the Triad and sound pretty good on the radio.

They eat three squares and “midrats” on the “mess decks” with delicious catered food from a licensed provider, and sleep in six-bunk staterooms, rising at 0630 with taps at 2200. They are exposed to the world-

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Inspiration. Guaranteed.

class National Naval Aviation Museum to see first-hand how some aircraft have swing wings, others have directional nozzles, tailhooks, rescue hooks, afterburning engines, high-lift devices and beefy landing gear. The Triad has it all. Not-to-interfere excursions to the NAS Pensacola control tower, rescue swimmer school, and when available, getting to meet the Blue Angels and even have them provide guest lectures and commentary are also afforded the AXPs during their time aboard.

Think about this; AXPs experience five-and-one-half days in the middle of an immersive story where reality is suspended and they are saving the day. This is done nowhere else, not even in immersive military training capstone experiences. While intense, it is fun too, and the squadrons soon gel with stronger AXPs helping the less capable until all are performing at a high level. Friendships are formed and Facebook addresses are exchanged as they depart Ambition after being reunited with their families — who spent the week on the beach in Pensacola.

As mentioned earlier, since Ambition began operating, more than 1,000 AXPs have completed the program in squadrons of 12 placed in “CAG’s” of 36. They are divided by grade level; 7&8, 9&10, 11&12 with more rigorous curriculum in higher grades. They immediately get into the story and are soon leading and directing their fellow AXPs as they take turns in the cockpits, in the JOC and in mission planning. Clear communications are required and curve balls (MAYDAY! MAYDAY! MAYDAY!) are thrown at them that they must handle, right now. It is a serious immersive game they are playing and the STEM tenets they are learning will stay with them through the real-world applications they are experiencing.

They love it. The after-action critiques are glowing and the before-and-after measurement of STEM learning points is significant. AXPs have told us they’ve learned more math and science during their stint aboard Ambition, than they did all year in school, that it has changed their life, and for some, it was the first time they felt part of a team. Throughout the year and in training leading up to the commissioning, the Ambition staff took great pains to ensure the program exceeded expectations every step of the way. Debriefs were conducted and improvements identified to make the program even better in 2013, with college credit and an enhanced STEM learning program available.

And its not a moment too soon. The United States has long been in the bottom third of STEM performance scorese compared to other countries. The National Flight Academy Ambition provides needed inspiration and motivation for middle and high school students to explore technical fields as a vocation, to take calculus and physics as they can now better see a real-world — and fun — application. Already the NFA Ambition is making a difference.

For our adult professional development programs, we have developed, with the University of West Florida, a half-day, a full day and a day-and-a-half program, each incorporating what are known as 21st century learning skills, namely creativity and innovation, communication, critical thinking, collaboration and problem solving. The Professional Development program follows standards set by the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI).

The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation continues to set the bar high for meaningful aviation-based STEM learning programs sponsored by dozens of corporate sponsors and individuals. There is nothing like NFA Ambition in the world.

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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 Daunt-less 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 dimension 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 addition, 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 signifi-cant repository of naval history and draws researchers from around the world.

The year 2012, brought a number of acquisitions to the collections of the National Naval Aviation Museum. Artifacts and archival col-lections acquired during the year included: a spectacular, unique steel model of USS Saratoga (CV-60), constructed by retired Master Chief Hull Technician, Ken Hyde, and donated to the Museum by his fam-ily; a AD-4N Skyraider, now on loan to Battleship Alabama Memorial Park; the only remaining Vought F6U Pirate; a replica of a Vought VE-7 “Bluebird;” and “trench art” from World War I.

As the Museum has grown, so has its popularity. In the last de-cade alone, visitation has more than doubled, exceeding 900,000 an-nually in the years preceding Hurricane Ivan. In recent years, Mu-seum visitation has steadily increased as more people return to the area for vacation. In addition, the National Naval Aviation Museum has achieved national recognition as one of the premiere aviation mu-seums in the world and is the most visited museum in Florida. The Museum received the prestigious American Association of Museums’ accreditation 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.

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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 82,899 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.

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The Volunteer Spirit

The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation wishes to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their generous contributions during 2012.

$800,000+ Conrad N. Hilton Foundation $200,000+ The Boeing CompanyThe Emil Buehler Perpetual TrustFedEx CorporationLockheed Martin CorporationNorthrop Grumman CorporationSt. Joe Community Foundation

$100,000+ Escambia County Board of Commissioners

$50,000+ McMullen Family FoundationOmegaThe Reilly Family FoundationThe Mary R. and John J. Schiff FoundationUSAA

$25,000+ A to Z Furnishings, Inc. Bombardier Patrol Squadron Two Association Rolls-Royce North America, Inc. $10,000+ City of Pensacola Delaware North Florida’s Foundation, Inc. The School District of Escambia County Splash Magazine & Gulf Breeze NewsUp With PeopleWells Fargo BankYellow Book

$5,000+ American Legion Post 340Boeing Company Integrated Defense SystemsDRS Technologies Aviation & LogisticsCat Country 98.7 and News Radio 1620Gulf Power Foundation, Inc.Huntington Ingalls IndustriesJohnson Supply CompanyJoyce and Donald Rumsfeld FoundationL-3 Communications Integrated SystemsL-3 Vertex AerospaceThe Lewis Bear CompanyLockheed Martin Aeronautics CompanyRaytheon CorporationRaytheon Missile SystemsSanta Rosa Island AuthorityDr. Scholl Foundation

$2,500+ ABSee The Museum, Inc.America RemembersAppRiver, LLCBell Helicopter Textron, Inc.Bigtop Bingo, Inc.Breitling USACobhamCook ImagesEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityEscambia County Sheriff ’s OfficeEvergreen Printing & MailingGreater Pensacola ChamberGulf Power CompanyO’Sullivan Creel, LLP Sikorsky Aircraft CorporationWEAR TV-3

$1,000+ All Coast Aircraft Recovery, Inc.Apple Corps, Inc./The Appleyard FoundationArmstrong World Industries, Inc.Beggs & LaneBizzell Neff & Galloway, P.A.CAE USA, Inc.Cape Flattery FoundationDeBardeleben FoundationDRS Technologies, Inc.Enterprise Holdings FoundationExecutive Landscaping, Inc.Fender GuitarFLIR Systems, Inc.Hiles-McLeod Insurance, Inc.Jewelers Trade Shop, Inc.Kelton CompanyLevin & Papantonio Family Foundation, Inc.Mansfield IndustrialMcMahon-Hadder Insurance, Inc.Miracle Strip Corvette Club, Inc.Mitchell Proffitt Company, Inc.Navy Federal Credit UnionOmega Aerial Refueling Services, Inc.Robb & Associates, Inc.Sporty’s FoundationUniversity of West Florida

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2012 Corporate Alliance

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

www.NavalAviationMuseum.org