Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum
  • Home
    • Squedule a Tour
    • Exhibits
    • Online-only exhibits
    • Donate
    • Memorial bricks
  • About
    • Veterans History Project
  • Events Blog
  • Merchandise
  • Direction/Contact
  • Home
    • Squedule a Tour
    • Exhibits
    • Online-only exhibits
    • Donate
    • Memorial bricks
  • About
    • Veterans History Project
  • Events Blog
  • Merchandise
  • Direction/Contact

U.S.S Bunker Hill Vintage Art

12/29/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
_USS Bunker Hill was one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers built during WWII for the US Navy. She was commissioned in May 1943, and served in several campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations, earning eleven battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation. The ship was named for the Battle of Bunker Hill. It was the second US Navy ship to bear the name. During the remaining months of WWII, the ship fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima; the 5th Fleet raids against Honshū, the Nansei Shoto and the 5th and 3rd Fleet raids in support of the Battle of Okinawa. The ship became one of the most heavily damaged carriers to survive the war.

The Museum is offering this vintage image of the USS Bunker Hill on their Online Gift Shop. All proceeds from the sales benefit the Museum. The image is available in Posters, postage/stamps, iPad cases, mousepads, cards and more: Bunker Hill Gifts
__
The Museum is offering this image at their Online Gift Shop
All proceeds from sales benefit the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum
0 Comments

Our Most Helpful Volunteer

12/29/2011

1 Comment

 
_ Member Spotlight
Ray Rivera, USNR WWII

USS Bunker Hill Survivor

Frogman Trainee and Korean Veteran
Picture
Ray Rivera at the NASFL Museum
_Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum - Maintenance Volunteer
_Ray Rivera was born in Bronx, New York. It was perhaps part of his ancestry of seafaring peoples from the French region of Corsica, that Ray was interested in the Navy ever since he can remember. At 13, he joined the group American Blue Jackets as a way to prepare for a career in the Navy. At 16, he was finally a member of the US Navy and on his way to the South Pacific on the USS Bunker Hill-- where he celebrated his 17th birthday. He became a 2nd class Petty Officer. Ray recalls that he was aboard the aircraft carrier on May 1945, when it got attacked by Japanese kamikaze pilots. He was below deck on his way to the galley, when the first plane hit the ship. He was immediately assigned to “damage control.” The fires raged on deck, and heavy smoke infiltrated into the decks below, killing many men. The crew of the Bunker Hill suffered from the loss of 346 sailors and airmen killed, 43 more missing (and never found), and 264 wounded. The damaged ship returned to Pearl Harbor, and then onto Bremerton WA, for repairs. When the war ended, the Bunker Hill became a “Magic Carpet” taking troops back and forth, throughout the South Pacific. Ray then got transferred to Little Creek VA, to become part of the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT), also known as Frogmen. The UDT were an elite special-purpose force established by the United States Navy during World War II. Their primary function was to reconnoiter and destroy enemy defensive obstacles on beaches prior to amphibious landings. They were the precursor to the present-day SEALs.

Ray was discharged from the Navy in 1947 and joined the reserves. In 1950 when the Korean war started, he was called to active duty. He was assigned to the USS Grand Canyon AD-28, a destroyer tender (a ship designed to provide maintenance support to a flotilla of destroyers or other small warships). He was also on a tour of duty in the Mediterranean. Ray was awarded several medals: American Defense, Asiatic-Pacific-Campaign two battle stars, Victory medal, Liberation of Philippines, the Presidential Unit citation, as well as other Korean ribbons. Ray got discharged in 1953, and moved to Florida. He then joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and became Commander for 9 years; then District Commander for 2 ½ years in Hialeah, FL. Ray is married to Alice and they both live in Pembroke Pines. They have three children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ray Rivera has been one of the most active members and helpful volunteers of the NASFL Museum since 2006.
Picture
Click here to see a Gallery of vintage images
from the U.S.S Bunker Hill

1 Comment

Member Spotlight

12/28/2011

0 Comments

 
___ARM3/C George L. Lord, Jr., USNR
Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale
Gunnery Instructor from August 1944 to July 1945
Picture
George and his wife “Bubbles” on their wedding day
_George L. Lord, Jr., enlisted in the Navy at Springfield Illinois on January 19, 1944— 11 days before his 18th birthday. George went to boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois until about May, at which time he was transferred to Millington, Tennessee for Radar/Radio school. Upon completion, he was transferred to Gunnery School in Miami, Florida. He was given choice for either naval base at Norman Oklahoma, or Miami Florida. George chose Florida as he thought it would be warmer, not knowing he would be working in TBF's. When he completed gunnery school, he was awarded Third Class Petty Officer.

Next, he transferred to the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale. While waiting for the next operational school to start, he was assigned to Pilot's torpedo training at this base. As George recalls from his days at NASFL: “We had small battery carts with a small torpedo under it. We also had a battery operated model ship that was started across a concrete pad where pilots steered the cart and dropped torpedoes to try to hit the ship. Our practice area was attached to the Link Trainer Building, currently the NASFL Museum. After we finished operational training I was offered a position on the Beach-Range target practice, on the thirty-caliber range. We had both .30 and .50 calibers. The 30's were mounted on wooden tripods on the beach sand. The 50's were mounted on turrets on raised stands, also on the beach sand. A TBF would fly out to sea, then turn back west, towing a sleeve target. When the plane passed overhead, the students were to open fire. I recall one time when the cable was shot apart, less than 30 feet behind an airplane. As I remember, the pilot was a little put out about this close call.”

In July 1945, George was transferred to North Island in San Diego, CA, to be part of the Squadron Xray – VT41, which was formed of all instructors. He then moved to Oxnard CA, for advanced operational training. In August 1945, he transferred back to North Island to load aboard the USS Ranger for Pearl Harbor.

As he recalls: “The war ended prior to leaving, so we were transferred once more to an old converted Army base at Fort Emery, which the Navy called Coronado Heights. Those of us with enough points for close discharge, were sent to Shore Patrol in the city of Chicago. The others, were sent out to fleet. We rode trains from Chicago in all directions.” On March 3, 1946, he was given his discharge at Great Lakes, Illinois. George currently resides with his wife, in Plantation Florida.

Click on thumbnails to read description
0 Comments

MIKE GRADY from the FORT LAUDERDALE FIRE MUSEUM

12/28/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Mike Grady aboard the vintage Pirsch fire truck.

Mike Grady came over to the NASFL Museum, with a sparkling, vintage red 1942 Pirsch Engine Pumper. Mike is a firefighter, historian, restorer and trustee at the Fort Lauderdale Fire Museum— an historical landmark which was established in 1927. This historic building, formerly home to the Fort Lauderdale Fire Station No. 3, has been restored to it's 1927 ambiance. The museum showcases the history, tradition, and service of the Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Department and its heroes. In addition to Saturday hours, tours are available on weekdays upon request. Admission is free. Donations are always welcome. To learn more about this Fire Museum and their amazing, restored engines and exhibits, please visit their interactive website at:

www.fortlauderdalefiremuseum.org
0 Comments

More Vintage T-shirt designs!

12/28/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
_AS REQUESTED:
We added more T-shirt designs & the NASFL Ensign George H.W. Bush cartoon. The designs are fully customizable! Customize your color, size and style. Available in Men, women and kids sizes. 100% quality guaranteed!
_Visit the NASFL Museum Giftshop: zazzle.com/nasfortlauderdale
For our New Photo Calendars visit: lulu.com/spotlight/nasflmuseum

All proceeds from sales benefit the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum
0 Comments

39th Annual Pioneer Day Event

12/15/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
The Broward County Historical Commission honors individuals who are committed to preserving records and artifacts of the County’s heritage, resources and sites as well as raising awareness of local history. The Commission held its 2011 Broward Pioneer Day Event at the Fort Lauderdale History Center. The reception for this event was held on the grounds east of the New River Inn. A recognition ceremony followed, in the area between the King-Cromartie House and the Philemon Bryan House.

As John Rodstrom, Jr., Broward County Mayor mentions: "The pioneer spirit defines Broward County. Charting new territory, overcoming immense hardships, adapting to the environment and paving the way for a new life in a new community was all part of the pioneer's journey."

Mr. Allan McElhiney
, President and founder of the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum, holds the visionary spirit of preservation. It was because of his efforts that this Museum was established. By doing so, he safeguarded this important piece of our past, to allow us to take a close and personal look at Broward County's rich history. Pioneers leave a legacy for us to remember and cherish.

Mr. McElhiney was inducted into the Broward Pioneers, on December 3, 2011.
CONGRATULATIONS ALLAN!

Picture
Picture
Allan McElhiney in front of Bob Jenny's aviation mural. NASFL Museum.
0 Comments

Aspiring Poets Needed for The Amelia Project!

12/11/2011

0 Comments

 
_ Aspiring Poets Needed for The Amelia Project!
Picture
_ Broward County Poet-in-Residence Anastasia Clark presents
Our Poetic Tribute to Aviatrix Amelia Earhart

The Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum is proud to support this Project!
A chance for Broward area poets to attend free workshops and create poetry inspired by the life and legends of famed pilot Amelia Earhart and to share that poetry with the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum and other organizations, including Margate Catharine Young Library, Stirling Road Branch Library, Dania Beach Paul DeMaio Library, Miramar Library, Southwest Regional Library and Weston Library,as a tribute to her during April 2012 National Poetry Month* Also, a chance for poets to read their poems as part of a public presentation at Studio 18 in the Pines*

*Poets will retain copyright to their work. Individual organizations will have final discretion over poetry displayed.

Amelia Earhart was not only a pilot and advocate for women’s causes, but she was also a writer and poet. This project is dedicated to her life and legend.

Three free poetry workshops remain! Please verify date and time before you go:
  • Margate Catharine Young Library: Saturday Jan 07, 2012 from 11:00am to 1:00pm
    5810 Park Dr. Margate, FL 33063 - Tel: 954-968-3800

  • Main Library: Wednesday Feb 08, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00pm
    100 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 - Tel: 954-357-7443

  • SW Regional Library: Saturday Mar 03, 2012 from 11:00am to 1:00pm
    16835 Sheridan St. Pembroke Pines, FL 33331 - Tel: 954-538-9956

Picture
_
Funding for this project is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council.

Picture
_
This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.


_ Additional support is being provided by Shae Leighland-Pence, LeatherScrapbook.Com, Inc., WeMerge Magazine, Total Real Estate Consultants, Inc., Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum, Purchon Travel & Logistics, LLC and The Friends of Stirling Road Branch Library and Studio 18 in the Pines, who is providing a free venue for this special celebration. Thank you to Broward County Cultural Division.

If you want to support this project or participate, please contact Anastasia Clark directly at: goldenrush59@aol.com or call 954-536-8311 for more information. Visit her website at: www.AnastasiaClark.com

0 Comments

Flight 19 Ceremony

12/9/2011

2 Comments

 
On 5 December, 2011 the 66th Flight 19 Memorial Ceremony was conducted at the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum building. About 130 people attended, including Jack Seiler Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti with several of his officers, County Commissioner Chip LaMarca, Ismael Bonilla Deputy Director of Broward County Aviation, Navy League President- Commander Tom Melville USN (ret), Sgt. Major Don Bennett USMC (ret) with his Stranahan High School MJROTC Color Guard, and WWII and other war Veterans as well as several members of the Press.
  • The Master of Ceremony was Chief Warrant Anthony Atwood, USNR.
  • Chaplain Jay Walrond performed the Pledge of Allegiance and the Invocation.
  • The principal Speaker was Captain Peter Husta, USN - Fourth Fleet Liaison Officer at U.S Southern Command.
  • Captain Frank Dailey USNR (ret) spoke about "Prewar 1941 and Postwar 1945: Challenges for Training Commands."
  • There was a tribute to the 95 servicemen who died while training at NASFL, including those of Flight 19 and NAS Banana River.
  • Mike McGee performed the Flight 19 "Reading of the Names".
  • The "Sounding of the Bell" was performed by Donald Prichard, Executive Officer to the Sheriff (served in Iraq).
  • The lovely Vocalist Jahida Jorganes sang "God Bless America".
  • The master Bugler was Robert Young who began and closed the ceremony.
  • There were four NASFL WWII personnel present: George Lord, Aviation Gunner's Mate on TBMs, William Warneke, Aviation Radioman on TBMs, Johnny Johnson, Aviaton Gunner's Mate on TBMs and Jack Bellow, Aviation Gunner's Mate on TBMs.
Thank you all for attending, in remembrance of the brave men and women who have served in the defense of our beloved United States of America. May their sacrifice be always remembered.

Thanks for attending,

Allan McElhiney, President
NAS Fort Lauderdale Museum

- Click on thumbnails to read description -
Photos by Minerva Bloom for the NASFL Museum
__In attendance there was a WWII veteran that was stationed here at NASFL, Jack Bellow, USN WWII - Aviation Gunner's Mate on TBMs. He said he was supposed to be the 15th man on Flight 19, but was spared the tragedy when he took leave. His brother called and told him their mother was sick in Philadelphia. As luck had it, another man Corporal Allen Kosner, also asked to be excused from the exercise. The mystery certainly deepens.
2 Comments

David White Interviewed by BBC Radio

12/9/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
__Witness
The Bermuda Triangle
by Louise Hidalgo, Witness Senior Producer for the BBC World Service

The story of the Bermuda Triangle began when five US Navy planes went missing in 1945. No trace of the bombers was ever found - and since then - other ships and planes have diappeared in the same area of the Atlantic Ocean.

Witness hears from one man who took part in the original search for Flight 19: Lt. David White USN WWII.

Download this episode (mp3)
Related Article: Bermuda Triangle plane mystery 'solved' (Sept 13, 2009).
0 Comments

    Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum

    Picture

    ​National Register of Historic Places. A 
    Florida Heritage Site. Only remaining structure from WWII left on the naval base property
    . Home of Flight 19 one of the great aviation mysteries. A 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. The Only Military Museum in Broward County.

    Browse Museum's Giftshop:
    Support the Museum at Amazon
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    May 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    August 2019
    July 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011

    Categories

    All
    776th Tank Batallion
    Admiral Jim Black
    Admiral Michael Yurina
    AeroQuest.org
    Airborne Leaflet Propaganda
    Aircraft Paint Schemes
    Aircraft Torpedo Camera
    Air Show
    Alexander Nininger
    Allan Mcelhiney
    Allan Mcelhiney
    AmazonSmile.org
    Amelia Earhart
    Anastasia Clark
    Anita Zanky
    Anthony Cusolito
    Arthur Mulock
    Avenger
    Aviation Calendar
    Aviation Mystery
    Aviators Flight Diaries
    Bcad
    Board Of Directors
    Boca Raton Pilots Association
    Bombing Squadron 243
    Brad White
    Brazilian Expeditionary Force BEF
    Brick Donation Program
    Brigadier General Jack Cram
    Bromley And Cook
    Broward Goes To War
    Broward Navy Days
    Broward Navy League
    Cal Taylor
    Captain James Westfall
    Captain Rich Kenin
    Charles Schaus
    Christiana Marcroft
    City Hall Exhibit
    Commemorative Coin
    Connect
    Curtiss Pusher
    Cyril Dobrovolc
    Daughters Of American Revolution
    DAV Chapter 133
    David Epstein
    David Epstein
    David Flynn
    David Plumb
    David White
    Denmark Flight 19 Group
    Dino Carpi
    Donald Prichard
    Donations
    Doolittle Raiders
    Ecountyline
    Edgar Buddy Galvin
    Edgar Buddy Galvin
    Edward Odabashian
    Edward Steidler
    Elaine L. Chao
    ESPN Channel
    Exhibits
    Fleet Week
    Flight 19
    Flight 19 Naval Report
    Flight 19 Search
    Fort Lauderdale Fire Museum
    Fort Lauderdale History Center
    Frank Frezza
    Franklyn E. Dailey Jr.
    Freedom Awards
    Fundraising Events
    Gary Kilbride
    Gary Lee Littrell
    George Beyer Fairchild
    George Bush
    George F. Weixler
    George Lord
    George Maznicki
    George Tanelian
    Giancarlo Chatara
    Gift Shop
    Gino Martone
    Gold Coast Railroad Museum
    Goodyear Blimp
    Gordon Hartman
    Gunter Diehl
    Hank Petri
    Henry Flagler
    Henry Torres
    Herbert Weigand
    Heritage Of Valor
    Home Schoolers
    Homestead Airshow
    Honor Flight
    Howell Thompson
    How To Fly The Flag
    IMAX
    Intown Publications
    Jack Cawley
    Janos Victor Lutz
    Janos-victor-lutz
    Japanese Wwii Photo Album
    Japanese Wwii Propaganda
    Jeanne Grushinski
    Joe Cobb
    John Bowen
    John Casey
    Jon E Krupnick96db44b826
    Jon F Myhreca3bfa406e
    Judge Edward Merrigan
    Ken Kaye
    Ken-kaye
    Kermit Weeks
    K Price Randelb76bf274f6
    Kukan
    Kurt Langsenkamp
    Lani Day
    Legion Of Honor
    Leo Gray
    Leroy Crouch
    Letters
    Lhp Keepers Day
    Library
    Linkedin
    Link Trainer
    Link Trainer Building
    Lone-survivor
    Lori Parrish
    Lou Grab
    Lou Seldon
    Loyce Deen
    Luncheons
    Malcolm Barker
    Marc Poveromo
    Margaret A. Ahnert
    Marilyn Johnston
    Mariner 49
    Mariner 49 Expedition
    Matthew Yee
    Maurice J. Baird-Smith
    Medal Of Honor
    Membership
    Memorial Brick Program
    Memorial Day
    Michael Barker
    Military Art
    Military History Research Foundation
    Military Museum South Florida
    Military Patches
    Military Show
    Mission 31
    Model Aircraft
    Mysteries At The Museum
    Nasfl History
    Nasfl-history
    Nas Richmond
    Nas Sanford
    National Poetry Month
    Naval Aviator
    Navy Heritage Project
    Navy Park
    Newsletter
    Nose Art
    Old Seven Mile Bridge
    Online Only Exhibits
    Open House
    Otto Schwarz
    Pan Am
    Paul Bradley
    Pbm Mariner 49
    Percy-paget
    Pete And Maddie Husta
    Peter Accornero
    Philippine-scouts
    Phillip Bower
    Producer Ron Lowther
    Project 19
    Project Mariner 49
    Ray Rivera
    Ray Rivera
    Rebecca Jones
    Rey Scott
    Richard Haddad
    Rick Makowski
    Robert Gallivan
    Ron Wilen
    Roy J. Urbanek
    Senator John Mccain
    Service Men Center
    Seymour Baumgartner
    Shopping For Soldiers
    SMART
    Squadron Two VQ-2
    Stearman Fly-in Show
    Stephen J. Engasser
    Strikers Flight 19
    Sue Presley
    Survivor Outreach Services
    Survivor Stories
    Thalassa
    The Lost Pilot
    Thomas Tex Ellison
    Torpedoes
    Travel Channel
    Travel For Aircraft
    Tuskegee Airmen
    Udt-seal Museum
    Us Coast Guard
    Uss Bunker Hill
    Uss Gettysburg
    Uss Houston
    Uss Montrose
    USS New York
    Uss Pine Island
    Uss Saratoga
    Uss Taylor
    Valiant Air Command Museum
    Veterans
    Veterans Court
    Veterans History Project
    Veterans Memorial Museum
    Vets Helping Heroes
    Vietnam Memoir
    Volunteer
    Volunteer Of The Month
    Volunteers
    Walter R. Parpart
    War Illustrators
    War Photographer
    War Stories
    William Hopwood
    William Lightfoot
    William Thomas Wright
    Willys Jeep
    Wings Of Freedom
    Woody Woodbury
    Wreaths Across America
    Wwii Love Letters
    Wwii Saipan
    Wwii Torpedoes

Copyright © NAS Fort Lauderdale Museum
For use of images or text please contact webmaster
Website created by Moonrisings, August 3, 2010
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum
4000 West Perimeter Road
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315


Phone: (954) 359-4400
HOURS: THURSDAY, SATURDAY, & SUNDAY
from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm
​
Events Blog | Contact | Tours
 | Privacy