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After WWI, the Navy sought elite talent within its own ranks, establishing a dedicated flight training program for enlisted Sailors. They were the Naval Aviation Pilots, enlisted legends who earned the right to wear the 'Wings of Gold' alongside officers, flying the missions that defined an era and changed history.
NAPs retained their specialty rates and performed rating duties in addition to their flight assignments. From training and transport to combat missions, they did it all. While the program concluded in 1947, the 'Silver Eagles' continued to fly for decades. In 1981, the last of the NAPs, Master Chief Robert K. Jones, retired.
Forty-five years have passed since the Silver Eagles left the cockpit, yet their legacy of grit and excellence remains the bedrock of Naval Aviation. Learn more about these pilots and the early days of naval aviation at the National Naval Aviation Museum.
| Date Taken: | 02.05.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 02.13.2026 12:54 |
| Category: | Video Productions |
| Video ID: | 995177 |
| VIRIN: | 260205-N-FJ200-1002 |
| PIN: | 2602052 |
| Filename: | DOD_111512717 |
| Length: | 00:01:17 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Downloads: | 2 |
| High-Res. Downloads: | 2 |
This work, 45th Commemoration of the "Silver Eagles" (Vertical), by Clifford Davis, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
