I knew when SJS first brought the Naval Aviation Foundation’s 100th anniversary website to my attention there was going to be some backlash. My brothers did not disappoint:
A foundation set up to celebrate Navy aviation’s 100th birthday has disavowed an official history on its website, after former combat pilots complained of inaccuracies and political correctness.
The problem with the historical timeline they displayed was that it focused on PC diversity at the expense of some truly monumental milestones. It was supposed to outline the history of Naval Aviation, the physical act of slinging aircraft off ships and recovering them again during peacetime and war.
Gen. Butcher, who is the 100th foundation’s co-chairman, said the contested history was written by public affairs specialists. “It should not have actually been on the website,” he said. “But it did frankly get up on the website. And, of course, people objected to it because it was certainly not an accurate depiction of the significant events of naval aviation.”
I was shocked that someone with a red pen didn’t murder this mess before it reached the website. Naval Aviators don’t tolerate PC BS.
Absolutely amazing when you realize how far we’ve come in 100 years (and the milestones by women and minorities along the way aren’t bad either).
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And here’s what really chaps my nether regions — after getting a generic “it’s a work in progress” response, the whole d@mn thing was taken down. I ask you — is that the kind of action we expect from those wearing (or formerly wearing) Wings of Gold?
Want to see it done right? Head over to the USNI’s timeline site (http://www.usni.org/navalaviation/the-golden-age)
w/r, SJS
Exactly! The General (a Marine?!?!) blaming the PAO staff sounded like civilian whining. The whole thing was a pathetic mess. USNI’s material is far better, thanks for pointing it out.
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