Coast Guard Aviation Association

The Ancient Order of the Pterodactyl

Objectives, Accomplishments and Value

Activities and programs in response to our association’s objectives provide value to members, to the Coast Guard and to the public. Absent the existence of this association, this document would not exist, none of the recent past accomplishments listed here would have occurred and none of the ongoing programs of the association would be pursued.

Accomplishments and Projects

Download Decade of Achievements Brochure

(Many activities and programs serve more than one objective of the association. This listing includes only major undertakings and not each and every project of value)

• Created world class, ever expanding CG aviation web site (uscgaviationhistory.aoptero.org)
• Published or assisted with research for books on CG aviation

• Donated funding for CG aviation exhibit at National Aviation Museum, Pensacola

Oversaw expansions, additions and improvements to this exhibit, including addition of vintage RD-4, HO-4S, HH-52A, HH-3F aircraft; CG air station patch display; Ancient Albatross and Enlisted Ancient Albatross Trophies

• Established and sponsor CG Aviation Hall of Honor at ATC Mobile

 Promote and coordinate induction ceremonies and materials

• Assisted with funding and historical research

CG Aviation Memorial Monument at Elizabeth City

• Helped fund and coordinated or supported memorial monutment fund raising

HH-65A 6505 at Barbers Point
HC-130H 1705 at Sacramento
LT Jack Rittichier memorial at Kent State University
Monument to a Century of Flight at Kittyhawk
CG Vietnam Memorial at CG Academy
Greenland Patrol Memorial at CG Academy

• Conduct regular and frequent collaborative liaison with CG Historian’s Office, other members of the Commandant’s staff and CG aviation commands asappropriate, supportive of and helpful to those officials and organizational entities

• Researched and publicized 1946 history-altering CG helicopter rescues in Newfoundland (Sabena Airways) and documented recommendation for long overdue official recognition for Army Doctor Samuel Martin responsible for multiple life saving role in that rescue; helped coordinate and fund ceremony for presentation of posthumous Legion of Merit to Martin family

• Provided funding for CG aviation exhibit at Aerospace Museum at Sacramento
• Committed to ongoing and complex project aimed at seeing a CG airframe displayed for the first time in the Smythsonian Air Museum – acquired HH-52A airframes from various sources – currently engaged in volunteer recruitment and fund raising to complete project
• Helped to fund and coordinate acquisition and relocation of HU-16E airframe for display at Elizabeth City

• Helped and continue to help coordinate and fund Change of Watch ceremonies for          The Ancient Albatross of the Coast Guard and The Enlisted Ancient Albatross of the Coast Guard
• Provided and continuing to provide funding for the CG Academy Aviation Club
• Publicize the names of newly designated CG aviators and ATTC honor graduates
• Commissioned CG aviation art

Bryan Snuffer painting at CG Academy
Large Gold Leaf CG Aviator Wings at CG Academy
Large Gold Leaf CG Aircrew and Rescue Swimmer Wings at ATTC

• Published and continue to publish the association journal PTEROGRAM in color
• Committed to the establishment of local groups of association members to provide direct support to CG aviation commands wherever possible
• Conceived and continue to sponsor annual awards for CG active duty personnel