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This Historical Summary was compiled by CAPT Bill Young, USN (Ret). Assisted by Web Master CAPT J. R. Davis, USN (Ret) with photographs and format. The Continuing Historical Summary covers the period from the Golden Eagles Reunion of 24 to 27 April 2025 at the Coeur d’ Alene Resort Hotel in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, until the Golden Eagles Reunion of 09 to 12 April 2026 at the Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, VA. Introduction:The 63nd annual reunion of the Early and Pioneer Naval Aviators Association (Golden Eagles) was held at the Coeur d’ Alene Resort Hotel in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, with Board of Governors Meeting, New Member introductions, and Welcome Aboard Reception occurring on Thursday the 24th of April followed by the golf tournament and an amazing Lake Coeur d’Alene cruise on Friday afternoon the 25th. On Saturday the 26th of April the General Membership met with Flight photographs followed by the Ladies Luncheon, the Memorial Service, and ending in a formal reception and banquet that evening. The West Flight sponsored the reunion and 238 members and guests attended. Coeur d’ Alene Images
Golden Eagles New Member Introductions: New Member Images LtGen Kenneth J. GLUECK, USMC (Ret), 16 Feb 2025, Southeast Flight.
Golden Eagles Memorial Service: VideoCAPT Fred A.W. “Bill” FRANKE, USN (Ret), 17 Feb 2025, Central Flight. Golden Eagles’ Wives and Widows:Lynn Watson RADM Thomas C. Watson Jr 20 April 2024 Ladies Lunch Images
Golden Eagles 2025 Annual Membership Meeting Minutes:2025 - 2026 Flight Leader Consolidated Reports:
Group ImagesWEST FLIGHT April 2025 - April 2026Following the West Flight hosted Golden Eagle annual reunion from 23-27 April 2025 at the picturesque and remarkably welcoming Coeur d’Alene Resort in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, West Flight returned to our normal events’ routine and to supporting West Flight Golden Eagles on the Binnacle list, Emeritus members and widows. Examples of some of the events and activities where West Flight Golden Eagles participated or attended in 2026 are listed below. West Flight Golden Eagles participated in other Naval Aviation and other organizational events throughout the year. These include Tailhook Association (THA) and Tailhook Educational Foundation (TEF) quarterly Board of Directors meetings and socials plus several local Tailhook Ready Room events in San Diego, California, Pensacola, Florida, Reno, Nevada, and Washington D.C. They also included, the Naval Helicopter Association’s (NHA) annual reunion on board Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California, the annual Retired Flag Officers/Aviation Flag Officers seminar (RAFOS/AVFOTS) at the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola, Florida, the Hook 2025 annual symposium at the Grand Sierra Resort also in Reno, Nevada, the Red River Valley Fighter Pilot’s Association (‘River Rats’) reunion at Pensacola Beach, Florida, the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) monthly breakfasts, and San Diego Padres scholarship awards ceremonies at Petco Park. Also attended by West Flight Golden Eagles were Naval Aviation aircraft type-model-series annual reunions and social events conducted by groups such as the A-6 Intruder Association in San Diego, California, E-2 Hawkeye week and ball at/ near NAS Point Mugu, California and the EA-6B Prowler/ EA-18G Growler week and ball at/ near NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. Other 2026 events and activities West Flight Golden Eagles attended included the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at STAR Park in Coronado, California, the 04 July Coronado, California Independence Day parade on Coronado’s Orange Avenue, Wings Over America Scholarship Foundation (WOASF) golf tournaments and social events, CINCPACFLT’s Sailor of the Year recognition and awards ceremonies and various Naval Aviation events conducted at the San Diego Air and Space Museum. West Flight and other Flight Golden Eagles also participated in a wedding of a U.S. Naval Lieutenant son of a well-known Naval Aviator in Annapolis, Maryland. West Flight Golden Eagles additionally partook in birthday celebrations for two of our West Flight Golden Eagle Emeritus members; CDR T.R. Schwartz’s 90th birthday in October 2025 and CAPT Royce Williams 101st birthday in April 2026. West Flight and Golden Eagles from all flights attended Commander Naval Air Forces/ Commander Naval Air Forces U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNAF/CNAP) VADM Dan “Undra” Cheever, USN’s, retirement ceremony on board NAS North Island in Coronado, Calif. The keynote speaker for the event was Commander U.S. Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT) ADM Steve “Web” Koehler, USN. More than 300 shipmates, colleagues, friends, family and, over a dozen Golden Eagles and Golden Eagle Emeritus attended this significant event celebrating VADM Cheever’s 37 years of honorable service to our Navy and our nation.
West Flight Golden Eagle mini-reunion social events were conducted in November of 2025 and in February 2026. Between 50 and 60 West Flight Golden Eagles attended these gala events held at the Coronado Yacht Club in Coronado, California. And finally, of very special note from the West Flight to all Golden Eagles, on Tuesday, 03 February 2026, President Donald Trump personally called West Flight Golden Eagle Emeritus Royce WILLIAMS to inform him he was to receive the Medal of Honor (MoH) at a future date this spring. That date turned out to be the evening of 24 February 2026 during the President’s State of the Union speech. BRAVO ZULU, well-earned, well-deserved and long-awaited congratulations to Golden Eagle Emeritus Royce WILLIAMS, who now proudly wears our nation’s highest award, the Medal of Honor. SOUTHEAST FLIGHT HISTORY APR 2025-MAR 2026Those that could attend the West hosted 2025 reunion in Idaho enjoyed a superbly planned and executed event. For the Southeast Flight, we got to see the official welcome ceremony of our new members and remember those who made their last takeoff and farewell. This year we welcomed nine new Southeast Flight Golden Eagles and spouses: ADM JOHN AQUILINO, ADM WILLIAM LESCHER, VADM TED BRANCH, RDML DENNIS FITZPATRICK, CDR BRIAN FITZPATRICK, CAPT WILLIAM HAMILTON, COL LAWRENCE ROBERTS, LtGen MARK WISE, AND RADM RALPH SUGGS. Also, the following members transferred to Emeritus Status during the year: CAPT ROBERT CRIPPEN, LtGen HARRY BLOT, VADM RAYMOND ILG, CAPT JOHN ALLEN, AND RADM MICHAEL JOHNSON. Over the course of the year, we were saddened by the Last Take Offs of: CAPT RAY DONNELLY, RADM RONALD JESBERG, MajGen MIKE SULLIVAN, AND RADM JAMES FLATLEY III. We also lost four spouses who endured and sacrificed for our country: DIANA SMITH, JUDY ROBB, MARIE ELIZABETH BLOT, AND THELMA “TIMMIE” SCOTT. Beginning in October, the primary focus was to finalize the planning and execution of our Mini Reunion, slated for 18-21 November to be held at the One Ocean Resort and Spa on Atlantic Beach, Florida. The staff were fantastic and reworked our cancelled mini last year due to two cat 5 hurricanes which ravaged our entire region. We expected 50 folks and ended up with 64 Golden Eagles and wives. The uniform was casual, flight jackets and the oldest unit ball cap you could find. Awards were given to those in several categories ranging from oldest and newest wings, 1956 and 1981 respectively... to the greatest number of great great-grandchildren 26!!! The grand prize was to an Eagle shot down the most times...4!!! A great time for all. Southeast Flight began the new calendar year excited about the upcoming Northeast Flight Golden Eagle reunion at the Landsdowne Resort in Virginia. We also began finalizing the plan of attack for the Southeast Flight sponsored reunion scheduled in April 2028. The planning was done with Charley Dey from Armed Forces Reunions, and supported by Flash Gordon, Spanky O’Hanlon, and Rhett Butler. We scoured the east coast to include resort hotels from Daytona Beach, North Aamelia island, Fernandina Beach, Brunswick Ga, Myrtle Beach, and Virginia Beach. We finally decided on the Sheraton Oceanfront hotel facility in Virginia Beach. Per pilot direction, the site selection committee met in February, and each flight leader gave an update of the future sites and status planning. The Southeast site was approved, and the contract was signed and a deposit made. The 2026 reunion at the Landsdowne was a huge success, highlighted by the memorial service and eulogies for 19 of our golden eagle brothers and eight spouses. They will be missed. At the conclusion of the reunion, Rhett Butler assumed the duties as Southeast Flight Lead. Dizzy Gillespie did a tremendous job as the Southeast Fight Lead leaving us in great shape and poised for success over the next two years, culminating with the Southeast Flight sponsored Golden Eagle Reunion in April 2028. CENTRAL FLIGHT HISTORY APRIL 2025 TO MARCH 2026:Binnacle List: John E Paganelli CAPT USN (Ret) on 1 May Pag had five stents inserted through his arm into his heart. His recovery is going very well, as he is gaining weight and back to his normal routine. Pag is also battling CLL Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. He is feeling great and has never had a problem going 1v2! Last month a small, but highly motivated, gathering of the Pensacola mafia met for lunch at the Pensacola Yacht Club. A wonderful time was had by all with many stories of great feats of flying (they get better as time goes by). Other topics included our gratitude to West Flight for all their hard work to make our recent Coeur d' Alene reunion so enjoyable. Many thanks to the West Flight team! Photo HereFrom left to right: Ras Rasmussen, Bill Wheat, Sly Magill, Pag Paganelli, Sterls Gilliam, Drano Theissen, Phil Wood, C. Flak Logan. Binnacle update: Dave Morris RADM USN (Ret) is currently in a skilled nursing facility. Kathy has a full plate right now, so your prayers are most welcome. Other news: On 19 September Golden Eagle Captain James W. Ryan's celebration of life was held at Barrancas National Cemetery. Jim began his amazing decades-long career in Pensacola, where he earned his wings of gold in 1955, spanning a remarkable career as a Naval Aviator his final leadership role was commanding the schools command at NAS Pensacola. For Jim, his deep draft tour as Commanding Officer of the USS Wabash was life changing. As the Skipper, he and his shipmates rescued 114 Vietnamese refugees adrift in the South China Sea. Remarkably, a young man speaking at Jim's celebration was 5 years old when he and his family were rescued. His remarks were extraordinary, reflecting upon a lifelong relationship that developed with Jim and Marge, he was filled with gratitude for Jim's actions so many years earlier that gave them their life in America. Preceding Captain Ryan's celebration, the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, along with the National Naval Aviation Museum (NAS Pensacola), hosted the Return with Honor Vietnam POW exhibit (located in hangar one); it was a tribute to the courage, sacrifice and survival of Vietnam POWs. The master of ceremonies was Golden Eagle Capt. Sterling Gilliam, USN (ret). The atrium, underneath the Blue Angels division, was completely overflowing with more than 800 people, including seven Vietnam POWs. Giving their perspectives of their time in captivity, Capt. Mike McGrath USN (Ret), Cdr. Everett Alvarez , Jr USN(Ret), Capt. Jack Ensch, and his wife Kathy, gave impactful accounts of their experiences. Speaking with one of the POWs after the event, I learned that this exhibit is an exact replica of Heartbreak Hotel (Hanoi Hilton): the 7'x7' cells, including the actual doors from that prison that only had a handle on the outside. The exhibit is now open to all for viewing and reflection. Update on Golden Eagle Reunion 2027: With the asistance of the Armed Forces Reunions Incorporation (AFRI), we have a signed contract with the Hilton Pensacola Beach for our event spanning 21-25 April 2027. This is a great facility that will provide an excellent experience for our group. On 10 January 2026, Central Flight participated in the memorial service for RADM Glen "Corky" Lenox at Bayview Memorial Park in Pensacola, Florida. The following Golden Eagles served as Honorary Pallbearers: RADM Jack Calvert, Capt Rodger Welch, Capt Sterling Gilliam, and LtCol Chuck Magill. The Lenox family expressed their deep appreciation for the entire service. From the Navy Chaplain and honor guard to the perfectly timed flyover, it was a seamless and beautifully orchestrated tribute to a fallen hero. The outcome would not have been as impactful without the assistance and guidance of NE Flight Leader Col Larry Outlaw, West Flight Leader Rodger Welch, and Central Flight's Capt Sterling Gilliam. NORTHEAST FLIGHT HISTORY April 2025 – April 2026NE Flight started off the year by attending the 2025 Golden Eagle Reunion (23-27 April) at Coeur d’Alene Resort, ID. Coeur d’Alene provided a spectacular location for the reunion, and the events were executed extremely well. West Flight also included the NE Flight Planning Team, led by Col Dave “Frosty” SEDER, in several of their planning sessions and provided a wealth of information and several organizational templates. Thank you to West Flight for your superb effort. NE Flight’s planning for the 2026 GE Reunion at Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, VA scheduled for 8-12 April 2026 continued throughout the year with monthly zoom planning sessions (thanks to LtGen Keith “Shadow” STALDER for his zoom technical support) and included three on-site visits to Lansdowne. Frosty Seder established a reunion planning team consisting of 19 Golden Eagles, Hazel Lee KIZER (wife of GE CAPT Clyde KIZER), and Molly DEY (Armed Forces Reunion, Inc.). The monthly routine helped to complete the detailed plan and enhanced the cohesion of the team. In addition to the monthly planning meetings, NE Flight held two Golden Eagles Luncheons at the Mount Vernon Country Club. The first was held on 16 July with 34 Golden Eagles and wives in attendance. After lunch, we enjoyed a presentation by one of our own, LtGen Bob “Rooster” SCHMIDLE, as he explained the intricate details of flying aerobatics in airshows and participating in National air races. Rooster’s energy level is sky-high even when he is just talking about flying. Frosty Seder also provided an update on planning for the 2026 GE Reunion at Lansdowne. Our second Golden Eagles luncheon was held on 11 December at the Mount Vernon Country Club with 24 Golden Eagles, wives, and one active-duty guest, CDR Mason Fox (son of VADM Mark “MRT” and Priscilla Fox). Although our primary speaker was unable to attend the luncheon, RADM Mike “Nasty” Manazir stepped up and provided a well thought out brief on current policy and budget issues in the Pentagon. Frosty Seder closed the meeting with a Lansdowne update. Congratulations to Golden Eagle MajGen Charles F. BOLDEN who was inducted into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame (VAHF) on 11 October in Williamsburg, VA. Charlie was introduced by Golden Eagle Emeritus RADM Robert H. SHUMAKER (2024 VAHF inductee). Chief Pilot RADM Don BOECKER, Col Ron GATEWOOD (2018 VAHF Inductee), and Col Larry OUTLAW, were also in attendance. Other Golden Eagles who were previously inducted include Gen John R. DAILEY (2008) and VADM Donald ENGEN (1987). NE Flight welcomed five new Golden Eagles during the year: - VADM Kevin “Kid” DONEGAN and his wife, Debbie. Sadly, NE Flight had four Golden Eagles who made their Last Take Off (LTO) during the year: - VADM James F. “Yank” DORSEY, Jr. made his LTO on 14 July, and he and his wife, Jeanne, were buried together at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) on 13 November. Additionally, Rita KNOTT (widow of Golden Eagle CAPT Zebulon V. “Zeb” KNOTT) passed away on 1 September and will be buried with Zeb at ANC. Topping off the year, NE Flight was honored to host the 2026 Golden Eagles Reunion at Lansdowne Resort. During the reunion eighteen new Members and their wives were introduced, we had perfect weather for the golf tournament, and everyone seemed to have a great time at the Ready Room. The highlight of the reunion, as always, was Memorial Service. Our Chaplain for this year’s event was U.S. Navy active-duty Chaplain, RDML Carey Cash, son of Golden Eagle CAPT Roy CASH and his wife, Billie, our vocalist. Billie CASH has served as vocalist for the Reunion Memorial Services for an amazing 15 years. There were nineteen Golden Eagles who were eulogized and nine wives who were remembered. Additionally, fifty family members of the LTOs attended the service. At the completion of the reunion, Col Frank “W3” Wickersham assumed the Flight Lead from Col Larry “Bandit” Outlaw. |
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