Naval Air Station North Island

• Birthplace of Naval Aviation: Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) is often called the "Birthplace of Naval Aviation," as it was here in 1911 that Lt. Theodore G. Ellyson became the first naval aviator. • First Aircraft Carrier Landing: In 1917, North Island hosted the first-ever landing of an airplane on a ship, when a Curtiss Jenny landed on the USS Langley, the US Navy’s first aircraft carrier. • Charles Lindbergh’s Connection: Charles Lindbergh, the famous aviator, conducted test flights at North Island before making his historic solo transatlantic flight in 1927. • World War II Hub: During World War II, North Island became a major hub for training and deploying naval aviators and aircraft, supporting the Pacific theater operations. • Home to the Blue Angels: The US Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron was officially formed at NAS North Island in 1946. • Historic Hangars: The base contains some of the oldest operational aircraft hangars in the United States, dating back to the early 1910s. • Hollywood Connections: North Island has been used as a filming location for several Hollywood movies, including the iconic Top Gun (1986). • USS Midway’s Homeport: The USS Midway (CV-41), now a museum ship in San Diego, was homeported at North Island for many years during its active service. • Presidential Visits: Several US Presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy, have visited North Island during their terms. • Modern Importance: Today, NAS North Island is the homeport of several US Navy aircraft carriers and is a key base for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft operations in the Pacific.