PORT ANGELES — An aircraft display, a search-and-rescue demonstration and a safe-boating exposition will be the highlights of the centennial celebration of U.S. naval aviation today at Coast Guard Air Station/Sector Field Office Port Angeles.
The celebration — which some expect to draw as many as 2,000 people — will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the base on Ediz Hook.
Admission to the open house and expo is free.
In tribute to 100 years of naval aviation, the base will host a fly-in for government and commercial aircraft from around the Northwest. A variety of aircraft will be on display.
The search-and-rescue demonstration, which will show what happens to unsafe boaters who are rescued, will take place at 1 p.m. in Port Angeles Harbor directly in front of the base.
The rescue will be conducted by the crew of an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter.
Chief Seth Hunt said the centennial expo will be a good opportunity for boaters to fine-tune their safety skills and tour the Coast Guard facility.
Hangar, boats, aircraft
Attendees can see the hangar and locally stationed response boats.
“We look forward to opening up the base and giving folks a chance to look around,” Hunt said.
“Hopefully, it will be a good time for everyone.”
Coast Guard officials will examine boats, fire extinguishers and emergency radio beacons. Boating vendors will demonstrate the latest in safety products and first aid.
Other vendors catering to professional and recreational mariners and food vendors will be on hand.
Boating safety classes will be offered.
“The Power Squadron and Coast Guard Auxiliary courses do meet the requirement for the boater safety education card,” Hunt said.
Members of the Coast Guard’s “paddle smart” program will be available to inspect registered kayaks.
Small Boat Station Port Angeles will demonstrate how to operate the dewatering pumps deployed by the Coast Guard to vessels in distress.
Extra parking
Petty Officer John Sopher said the air station has arranged for extra parking for the event. Portions of the grassy area near the runway will be used.
Sopher said the parking situation will depend on how many show up.
“It might be a bit of a walk,” Sopher said.
“Some people are expecting around 2,000.”
The U.S. aviation program includes three branches: the Navy, the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard is celebrating its own history as naval aviators and honoring its fellow aviators in the sister services.
If the centennial celebration and safety expo is a success, Hunt said, the Coast Guard would consider making the safe-boating expo an annual event.
Seagoing aviation began when a Curtiss biplane piloted by Eugene Ely performed the first shipboard landing on the USS Pennsylvania in San Francisco Bay in January 1911.
Ely died in a plane crash later that year.
For more information, phone 360-417-5840.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
