On Veterans Day, November 11, the Museum will dedicate a Memorial Tribute to its A-6 Intruder aircraft in the Aviation Pavilion.
Donated by the National Intruder Association, this seven-foot tall plinth commemorates the legacy of the aircrew and maintenance personnel of the Intruder community. Its laser etched granite panels depict the highlights of the history of the A-6 aircraft, its capabilities and the insignia of those Navy and Marine Corps units that operated this incredibly capable all-weather attack aircraft. It compliments the Museum's A-6 which was dedicated to the memory of a Washington based aircrew lost in Vietnam and the aircraft is decorated with the squadron markings of that crew.
The Dedication will consist of two events:
2 to 4 PM - Panel Discussion: A-6 combat operations during the Vietnam and Desert Storm conflicts
Location: Side Gallery
The panel will consist of former A-6 aircrew combat veterans; retired Marine Brigadier General Bruce Byrum, two retired Navy Captains, Greg Wood and Butch Bailey, and Mr. Steve Coonts.
4:30 PM - Dedication Ceremony
Location: Aviation Pavilion at the Grumman A-6E Intruder
In addition to Museum and Intruder Association individuals, the Principal Speaker will be Mr. Stephen Coonts, a former Intruder pilot who flew combat in Vietnam and turned his experiences into the best-selling book "Flight of the Intruder." He has since followed that first success with fifteen other New York Times' best sellers.
All Museum visitors are invited to attend the A-6 Intruder Panel Discussion and Tribute Dedication, in addition to other Museum Veterans Day activities.
