On 26 October 2013, the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum hosted its sixth Bi-Monthly MEET The AIRPLANE! event. With blue skies and sun shining, the Panel of F/A-18 experts told their stories and shared their experiences with visitors young and old.
The panel of F/A-18 experts included CAPT “Spanky” Morley, PMA-265; Col Mercier, Commanding Officer of Marine Aviation Detachment; Mr “Sting” Wallace, Boeing Contract Test Pilot; and LT “Alf” Liberg, a student at the Naval Test Pilot School. With Hank Caruso as moderator, the Panel told stories and shared information that not only informed us about the F/A-18 and its fighter attack missions but entertained us immensely.
The PRNAM was pleasantly surprised by the arrival of CAPT Ben Shevchuk, Commanding Officer of NAS Patuxent River. CAPT Shevchuk and LT Liberg came prepared with some flight gear that they demonstrated on some of the younger event participants.
The Hank Caruso Print raffle was won by Mr Chris Harritt, an employee at NAVAIR in the Contracts division. Chris was there with his five-year old son and said that they both had a great time. New to the children’s activities was a model of a carrier top. This carrier is scaled to match the paper airplanes assembled by children during the event. Children were encouraged to try to land their airplanes on the carrier. Everyone enjoyed this activity regardless of the success of their landing attempts.
Once again, Days Off Catering Food Truck supported the event with delicious cheese steaks and hot dogs.
The success of this event would not be possible without the participation of our tireless Fleet of Volunteers. The PRNAMA is very grateful for the role that the Command Master Chief and his Active Duty Military played in this event.
For more information regarding upcoming events or volunteer possibilities, please contact PRNAMA at 301/863-1900.
