Unmanned aircraft have a history dating back to the years before the Second World War. The recent discovery of a naval officer’s dog tags revealed the little-known story of a top-secret drone squadron that flew missions against the Japanese in the South Pacific during the Second World War. The effort to return the dog tags to the officer’s family uncovered personal photographs and films, as well as a mystery of three missing-in-action pilots and a surprising coincidence.
A talk, STAG-1: The US Navy’s Secret Drone Project in WWII, will be given by World War II researcher Donna Esposito during the Empire State Aerosciences Museum’s monthly all-you-can-eat fly-in breakfast on Saturday, February 15th from 8:30 to 10:30 am at 250 Rudy Chase Drive, in Glenville, NY.
The Empire State Aerosciences Museum is located at the Schenectady County Airport in the Town of Glenville, at the site of the former General Electric Flight Test Center. Dedicated to interpreting aviation, particularly as related to New York State, the museum offers visitors a variety of educational experiences, including interpretive exhibits, a collection of restored aircraft, the State’s largest aviation library and an airpark with over 20 aircraft.
The program begins at 10 am. The breakfast menu will include pancakes, french toast, eggs, sausage, potatoes, juice, coffee, tea and more.
Pilots: Tower Frequency 121.3; Ground 121.9. Land at Schenectady County Airport and taxi to Richmor Aviation North. Tell them you are going to ESAM.
For more information about the museum call (518) 377-2191.
Photo of Grumman F-14 Tomcat, courtesy Empire State Aerosciences Museum.
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