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Naval Air Station North Island
Society
Main Category
Era
Date Created
Coordinates
32.699167, -117.215278
Address1
Naval Air Station North Island
City
San Diego
State
Country
Creator

Known as the birthplace of Naval Aviation, North Island was the site of the first successful seaplane flight and the first amphibious flight in the U.S., both made by Glenn Curtiss.  The first Naval pilot, Lt. T.G. Ellyson, was trained here at the Curtiss Aviation Camp.  A flight school established here by Ellyson trained the next Naval aviators as well as the Navy’s first aviation maintenance personnel.  North Island was also the site of the first night flight, and the home of the first aircraft carrier, the USS Langley.

In 1963 the North Island was officially recognized as the "Birthplace of Naval Aviation" by resolution of the US House Armed Services Committee

Image Caption
USS George Washington and USS Ronald Reagan pierside at Naval Air Station North Island

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