100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation Announces Centennial Sponsors

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation welcomes The Boeing Company as the Presenting Sponsor for the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Events in 2011. Boeing leads a group of prestigious sponsors, including Platinum Sponsors Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, in supporting the Foundation's Events recognizing and paying tribute to Naval Aviation's 100th Anniversary of flight. The Foundation distinguishes the incredible advances made by the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard over the past century to protect the country's freedom and safety.

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"The Centennial of Naval Aviation represents a major milestone in the history of the United States and we plan to ensure the entire year will showcase the commitment and service made by hundreds of thousands for our country," said Foundation Chairman, Vice Admiral Mike Bowman, USN (Retired). "We are thrilled that Boeing, one of the world's leading aerospace companies, has signed on as the Presenting Sponsor. It is wonderful that so many of America's leading companies, such as our first major sponsor, Lockheed Martin, have offered to contribute to the Foundation's efforts."

"Boeing has been a leader throughout the entire first century of Naval Aviation, and it is a privilege and honor for our company to be the Presenting Sponsor of the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation," Boeing Chairman, President & CEO Jim McNerney said.  

Joining The Boeing Company as National Sponsors are Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Rolls-Royce, Raytheon, Breitling, Sikorsky, Pratt & Whitney and DRS Technologies. Breitling, Vanguard Industries and Sparta Promotions have also signed on as licensing partners to the Foundation. For more information on the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation, including sponsorship and licensing opportunities, please visit www.navalaviation100.org or contact Katie Everhart at [email protected], or (619) 814-1352.

About the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation

The 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.  The Foundation's mission is to raise national Naval Aviation awareness and honor a century of mission-ready men and women throughout the 2011 Centennial of Naval Aviation. As a result of regionally based events and educational displays, the Foundation will recognize unique Naval Aviation achievements throughout the past 100 years as well as provide resources for national involvement in the Centennial of Naval Aviation.  

Plans for the Centennial include 32 national "Tier 1" events selected by the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard to coordinate and focus joint resources in supporting their Centennial Commemoration. Surrounding these 2011 Tier 1 events are the Foundation's events, namely the Centennial Kickoff Gala in San Diego and a Centennial Closing Gala in Chantilly, Virginia. The sponsorship and licensing of the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation will be used in support of Centennial events and to generate awareness of the United States' 100th Anniversary of flight.

About The Boeing Company

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial airplanes and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in more than 90 countries. Its products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training. With corporate offices in Chicago, Boeing employs more than 159,000 people across the United States and in 70 countries. Its leadership is strengthened further by hundreds of thousands of people who work for Boeing suppliers worldwide.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2009 sales from continuing operations were $44.5 billion.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.northropgrumman.com.

About Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce is a world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air. It is the world's number two defence aero engine company with 160 customers in 103 countries, offering engines in all key defence market sectors - combat, transport, helicopters, trainers, patrol, maritime and reconnaissance - and is well positioned on a number of new programmes that will deliver products over the next decade and beyond.

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2009 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 88 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 75,000 people worldwide.

About Breitling

Breitling has created precision timepieces since 1884 when Leon Breitling opened a workshop specializing in chronographs.  Breitling "instruments for professionals" have a long history in the aviation world where accuracy, technical innovation and reliability are critical dating back to 1915 when Gaston Breitling created the first wristwatch chronograph which subsequently provided pilots with their first wrist instrument.  In 2009, Breitling celebrated its 125th anniversary and launched the Chronomat 01 with its own chronograph movement, a high performance "motor" securing its longstanding quest for independence, innovation and excellence.

About Sikorsky

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of military and commercial helicopters; fixed-wing reconnaissance aircraft; spare parts and maintenance, repair and overhaul services; and civil helicopter operations.  Sikorsky Aircraft employs more than 17,000 worldwide and is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

About Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Corp. company, is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, industrial gas turbines and space propulsion systems. For 85 years, Pratt & Whitney has led industry change with innovative, reliable and dependable products, services and technologies.  The company's 35,500 employees support more than 11,000 customers in 195 countries around the world.

About DRS Technologies LLC

DRS Technologies, a Finmeccanica company, develops, manufactures and supports a broad range of mission critical and military sustainment systems and services for military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide. With a history of products on every U.S. Navy ship since World War II, DRS brings surveillance and reconnaissance technology, communications, target acquisition systems, and tactical computer systems to the naval and aviation customer, providing an integrated family of products, systems and services to support U.S. forces in both the sea and air.

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