The Navy’s 235th birthday will be marked by California State University, Fresno with a flyover by Strike Fighter Squadron 122 (“Flying Eagles”) from Naval Air Station Lemoore before the Bulldogs’ Centennial Homecoming game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16.
The Navy traces its roots to Oct. 13, 1775 when the Continental Congress authorized purchase of two ships to seek British ammunition supply ships, about six months after the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
To commemorate that event, two F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets will fly over Bulldog Stadium immediately following the National Anthem’s playing by the Bulldog Marching Band shortly after 7:20.
The flyover pilots will be recognized on the field in the third quarter as part of the birthday salute. Attending the game will be NAS Lemoore junior enlisted maintainers who provide support for the aircraft.
Fresno State works with military branches several times each year organizing flyovers, which pay tribute to U.S. armed forces and honor Fresno State alumni and students for serving their country.
Fresno State also helps the Lemoore base in Kings and southwestern Fresno Counties through Dr. Klaus Tenbergen, a Culinology® professor at the university and a chef with international experience. He recently was commended by NAS Lemoore commanding officer Capt. James R. Knapp for training chefs at the base to improve their kitchen skills.
Tenbergen also went to sea aboard the guided missile destroyer Halsey in 2009 to help improve culinary practices for chefs through the Naval Supply Systems Command’s Adopt-a-Ship Program.
NAS Lemoore was commissioned in 1961 as a master jet base. Now, it is home to the Pacific Strike Fighter Wing’s training and operational squadrons deployed in Pacific and Middle East operations.
Related links:
