Our commemorative granite block awarded to Al Locilento in 1996 is cut from the original seaplane ramp laid at The Naval Air Station North Island at San Diego, CA, in 1918. These granite blocks became treasured awards for military service because of North Island’s place in aviation history. The House Armed Services Committee officially recognized North Island as the “Birthplace of Naval Aviation” in 1963 due to its special associations with naval aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss. Curtiss, who opened a flying school there in 1911, invited both the Army and Navy to use the sandy shoreline site for aviation training. In addition to being the training grounds of the of the Navy's first aviator, Lieutenant Theodore Ellyson, North Island witnessed numerous naval aviation milestones including the first seaplane flight in the United States and the first midair refueling. The 1929 merger of Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company with the Wright Brothers Aeronautical Corporation and 18 affiliate companies cemented North Island’s place in history as the birthplace of one of the most influential aerospace, defense, and naval power companies in the world. Mr. Locilento, who passed away in 2006 was awarded the block in recognition of his 45 years’ service in the Navy. Condition: Overall excellent with some pitting of the brass plaque and "Curtis" (sic). Dimensions: Base, 7" x 5" x 1/75". Stone block, approximately 3.5" x 3".