MARBLEHEAD, Mass. -- For a century now, the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) has taken to the skies in defense of our nation, and GE Aviation is proud to have powered many of their aircraft.
The beginning of USMC aviation dates to the first solo flight by Lieut. Alfred Cunningham in August 1912. Cunningham arrived in Marblehead, Mass. to learn to fly at the Burgess Aviation Company. After his training Cunningham returned to his base and headed up the brand new aviation division of the Marine Corps which went on to distinguish itself in two World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, conflicts in the Persian Gulf, Middle East and still today.
To commemorate this 100-year anniversary, the USMC and the town of Marblehead organized a two-day celebration Aug. 3-4 that included aircraft flyovers and landings, static exhibits and a parade. GE sponsored a tent and arranged for several engine models - many used to power USMC aircraft - to be on display for public viewing.
In preparation for the event, GE employees volunteered at Marblehead's Hammond Park where they sanded, primed and painted the seawall railing, painted the flagpole, replaced landscape timbers and planted a variety of shrubs/flowers.
And at a special ceremony, GE donated an engraved stone it had commissioned to Marblehead and USMC officials to mark this historic occasion. The stone will be permanently displayed at the town's park.
"GE Aviation and its employees salute our valued customer, the U.S. Marine Corps, on this significant milestone," said Jean Lydon-Rodgers, Vice President & General Manager of GE Aviation's Military Systems Operation. "Having the roots of Marine Corps aviation traced to Marblehead, only two towns over from our Lynn plant and the birthplace of the first U.S. jet engine, is certainly fitting historical symmetry."
GE Aviation's Lynn Massachusetts facility powers 70% of active USMC aircraft including the F404-powered Hornet, T700-powered AH-1W Super Cobra/AH-1Z Viper/ H-1Y Venom, J85-powered F-5E Tiger II, T5-powered CH-46E Sea Knight and T64-powered CH-53E Super Sea Stallion.
About GE Aviation
GE Aviation is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.