Family of Navy’s First Pilot Joins in 100-Year Flight Celebration in Coronado

“It’s beautiful!” said Elizabeth Gordon Ellyson Carmichael, as a replica of the Curtiss A-1 Triad, the first aircraft of the U.S. Navy, whizzed past the crowd on San Diego Bay.

Carmichael, fondly known as “Gordie,” is the only living daughter of Theodore Gordon Ellyson, the first naval officer designated as an aviator.

Carmichael, her two children, and 10 other members of the Ellyson family—all grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the famed pilot—caught a sneak preview of Saturday’s on North Island.

Carmichael, 89, made the trip to Coronado from her home in Georgia.

“My mother went to all the 50th anniversary celebrations, and I want to do the same—for my father,” Carmichael told her daughter Helen before the trip.

The rest of the Ellyson family traveled from Maryland, Washington state, and as far away as Toyko. They were the guests of honor as the Navy conducted a quick test run of the Triad replica on the San Diego Bay.

The replica was rebuilt and reconditioned specifically for the centennial event, according to Cmdr. Tami Ryley, assistant director of the Centennial of Naval Aviation Task Force. 

The original model of the hydroaeroplane was built by Glenn H. Curtiss. In November 1910, Curtiss wrote to the Secretary of the Navy and offered free flight lessons for one Navy officer to assist "in developing the adaptability of the aeroplane to military purposes," according to historical documents.

Ellyson was the lone lieutenant ordered to report to the Glenn Curtiss Aviation Camp at North Island, San Diego on Dec. 23, 1910. He completed his training in April of the following year, and became Naval Aviator No. 1.

About a month later, the Navy commissioned Curtiss to build the Triad at a cost of $5,500. The Navy’s specifications called for “one Curtiss 8-cylinder biplane or Triad fitted for rising from or alighting on land or water,” according to historical documents. The order was placed on May 8, 1911—the birth date of naval aviation.

Ellyson later made history in November of 1912, when he executed the Navy’s first successful catapult launch from a stationary coal barge at the Washington Navy Yard. The lieutenant spent the years before World War I honing his flying skills and experimenting with the art of aviation. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his aviation service in the war.

Carmichael is one of Ellyson’s three daughters, all of whom married naval officers.

At Friday’s preview on base, the Ellyson family recounted stories of the legendary pilot—stories that have been passed down through generations, stories that are now part of this nation’s history. 

Ellyson died in 1928, when his plane crashed over Chesapeake Bay. It was his 63rd plane crash. It was also his 43rd birthday. Carmichael was just 6 years old at the time.

The is being held to honor Ellyson and the others who bravely risked their lives to advance military flight.

As part of the celebration, Naval Air Station North Island will host an open house on Saturday, Feb. 12. The base gates open at 8 a.m. and the venue opens at 9 a.m.

The highly anticipated Parade of Flight is set to soar over San Diego Bay at 1 p.m. The parade will include about 200 different types of aircraft, spanning the century of naval aviation. There will be planes and helicopters from the Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy.

The Blue Angels will kick off the flyover, and the finale will include a fly-by from Carrier Air Wing 9 of the USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group—featuring a V-formation of more than 30 planes.

For aviation buffs, there will be more than 30 vintage Navy warbirds, including: the N3N Canary, N2S Stearman, SNJ Texan, SNB Kansan, FM-2 Wildcat, F6F Hellcat, F8F Bearcat, F4U Corsair, TBM Avenger, SBD Dauntless, PV-2 Harpoon, SB2C Helldiver, HU-16 Albatross, four T-28 Trojans, four T-34B Mentors, A-1 Skyraider, FJ-4 Fury, T-2 Buckeye, and T-33B Shooting Star.

The U.S. Navy Leap Frogs will also skydive through the air and are scheduled for three separate jumps.