Salute to the Pioneers of Space Legendary Astronauts and NASA Officials at the National Naval Aviation Museum

Pensacola, Fla.–November 6, 2012–The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation invites the public to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17 and former astronaut and retired Navy Capt. Gene Cernan’s last walk on the moon.  This once-in-a-lifetime event will be held at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Fla., and will include panel discussions with astronauts and NASA officials from the well-known Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions, luncheon with guest speaker, evening reception and dinner with unveiling of the Museum’s newest exhibit, a full-scale replica of an Apollo Lunar Excursion Model.

The “Salute to the Pioneers of Space” schedule of events for Saturday, Dec. 15:

10 a.m.-Apollo XIII (13) panel

Learn about the near-catastrophic flight of Apollo XIII, as told by the astronauts themselves. Apollo XIII commander James Lovell (retired Navy captain and fighter pilot) will discuss the harrowing events of that mission with Gemini/Apollo flight director Eugene Kranz and NASA engineer/flight director Glynn Lunney, who were key in successfully bringing the crew home after an oxygen tank explosion crippled the Apollo XIII Command/Service module.

11:45 a.m. Luncheon with special guest speaker

Tickets are $25 per person and include a guaranteed seat for panel discussions.  Tickets are limited and can be purchased online at www.NavalAviationMuseum.org/SpaceEvent.

1:30 p.m. Mercury, Gemini and Apollo panel

Panelists scheduled include former astronauts such as John Glenn (first American to orbit Earth, Marine fighter pilot, Senator and oldest man to fly in space), David Scott (retired Air Force colonel, Gemini astronaut and commander of Apollo XV, first to drive on the Moon), Thomas Stafford (retired Air Force brigadier general, Gemini astronaut, commander of Apollo X and commander of the first joint U.S.-Soviet space mission), and Richard Gordon (retired Navy captain, pilot aboard Gemini XI which achieved a record apogee altitude, and command-module pilot of Apollo XII), among other potential panelists.

5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Salute to the Pioneers of Space reception & dinner

The public is invited to a benefit reception and unveiling of the Museum's newest exhibit, a full-scale replica of an Apollo Lunar Excursion Module (LEM), followed by dinner with guest speakers such as retired Navy Capt. Eugene Cernan, commander of Apollo XVII and last man to walk on the Moon, and emceed by Mr. David Hartman, original host of ABC's Good Morning America.  A moving tribute to the first man to walk on the moon, Mr. Neil Armstrong, will be part of the evening as well as live performances by world-renowned group Up With People.

Tickets for this benefit event are on sale now at www.NavalAviationMuseum.org/SpaceEvent.

For more information and registration, call the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation at (800) 327-5002 or (850) 453-2389, or online at www.NavalAviationMuseum.org/SpaceEvent.

The National Naval Aviation Museum features FREE admission and a full slate of events throughout the year. For a complete list of events, exhibits and attractions at the Museum, visit www.NavalAviationMuseum.org or call (850) 453-2389 or (800) 327-5002.

About the National Naval Aviation Museum

The National Naval Aviation Museum features nearly 350,000 square feet of displays and is one of the world’s largest aviation museums. Located aboard Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida, the facility boasts more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation, and is Florida’s Gulf Coast #1 attraction on Trip Advisor. Be sure to visit the Museum’s new expansion, Hangar Bay One, displaying aircraft of the post- WWII era. Among the countless things to touch, see and experience are thrilling 3D Maxflight simulators and a variety of special exhibits, as well as the drama and power of the amazing IMAX® giant screen theater. The Cubi Bar Café offers a unique dining experience, and the Flight Deck Store is the perfect place to find a memento of the spirit of Naval Aviation. Museum admission is FREE and open to the public. The National Naval Aviation Museum is open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, visit www.NavalAviationMuseum.org