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Alvin Townley keynotes Centennial Symposium at NAS Pensacola
May 5, 2011

On the fiftieth anniversary of naval aviator Alan Shepard's first U.S. spaceflight, FLY NAVY author Alvin Townley addressed a sold-out luncheon in the main wing of the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola, Florida.  Among the audience were three legends of aviation: Apollo 11 commander and first man on the Moon Neil Armstrong; Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell; and Apollo 17 commander Gene Cernan, the last man on the Moon.

In his speech, Townley spoke about his year-long adventure in naval aviation, which took him to five aircraft carriers in three oceans and most major bases in the United States.  During his travels, he discovered the values that define the past century of naval aviation, which officially marks its centennial on May 8, 2011. 

He shared stories of a twenty-year old plane captain, who found purpose and a better life in the navy; a helicopter pilot who became a hero by risking his life to rescue wounded sailors in Vietnam; and the vital family community that supports our servicemen and women.  Challenging the audience to spread the values of naval aviation, he said, "These are the virtues that will make our nation's future stronger.  Each of us must carry these values beyond this museum, beyond our navy, and share them with America, and most importantly, our rising generation."

FLY NAVY, Townley's third book, was released on April 26, 2011.  For more information, please visit www.AlvinTownley.com.

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