The Naval Aviation Monument, Virginia Beach
Situated prominently along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the Naval Aviation Monument pays tribute to the rich history and heroic achievements of naval aviation involving the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard. This important landmark captures the spirit and bravery of those who have served in U.S. naval aviation through a series of striking bronze statues, masterfully created by the renowned sculptor Mike Maiden. Each sculpture tells a story of courage, innovation, and dedication, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women in the pursuit of freedom and security.
The centerpiece of the monument is a statue of World War II pilot Eugene Ely, celebrated for his pioneering achievement as the first person to successfully land an aircraft on a shipboard. This historic event marked a significant milestone in naval aviation and transformed aircraft carrier operations worldwide. Ely鈥檚 statue stands not only as a tribute to his individual daring but also symbolizes the adventurous spirit and relentless pursuit of advancement that characterizes naval aviation.
In addition to the statue of Eugene Ely, the monument includes several other sculptures and plaques that detail significant events and figures in naval aviation history. Visitors can walk among the statues and read the inscriptions to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of naval air power and the critical roles played by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in defending and advancing national interests.
The centerpiece of the monument is a statue of World War II pilot Eugene Ely, celebrated for his pioneering achievement as the first person to successfully land an aircraft on a shipboard. This historic event marked a significant milestone in naval aviation and transformed aircraft carrier operations worldwide. Ely鈥檚 statue stands not only as a tribute to his individual daring but also symbolizes the adventurous spirit and relentless pursuit of advancement that characterizes naval aviation.
In addition to the statue of Eugene Ely, the monument includes several other sculptures and plaques that detail significant events and figures in naval aviation history. Visitors can walk among the statues and read the inscriptions to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of naval air power and the critical roles played by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in defending and advancing national interests.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Virginia Beach. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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The Naval Aviation Monument on Map
Sight Name: The Naval Aviation Monument
Sight Location: Virginia Beach, USA (See walking tours in Virginia Beach)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Virginia Beach, USA (See walking tours in Virginia Beach)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Create Your Own Walk in Virginia Beach
Creating your own self-guided walk in Virginia Beach is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Oceanfront Walk
Virginia Beach, the most populous city in Virginia, is a coastal destination renowned for its extensive Oceanfront area, a key attraction with miles of beaches flanked by numerous hotels, restaurants, monuments, and museums. It holds the Guinness World Record for the longest pleasure beach globally. Apart from the beach itself, though, the city is also known for its state parks and military bases.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles