MEDIA should arrive at the NAES front gate not later than 1:30 p.m.

6 May 04, LAKEHURST, NJ -- The media is invited to the Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst on Saturday, May 8, 2004 as the base and Navy Lakehurst Historical Society (NLHS) conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony outside Hangar 1 for the base’s new Information Center. The ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m.

The Information Center, to be staffed by volunteers from the Historical Society, will house artifacts, models and photographs that depict over 80 years of Navy aviation history, alongside information and displays explaining current and future missions at NAES Lakehurst.

Due to security restrictions at military installations, the ceremony is not open to the public.

The youth of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Squadron One that trains in the hangar will perform the honors and Cdr. Edward G. Gunning, the base executive officer, will address those attending.

Donna Chapman, legislative aide to Congressman Christopher H. Smith (4th district) will present a U.S. flag to the history society and read a congratulatory letter and proclamation from the Congressman.

Thomas Worsdale, NAVAIR Lakehurst Public Affairs Officer, will read letters from U.S. Senator Jon Corzine and Governor James McGreevey addressed to those attending the event.

Joseph H. Vicari, Ocean County Freeholder, will comment for the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Carl Jablonski, President of the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society, and Ron Mongomery, Vice-President, will comment on behalf of the volunteers from the historical society.

The Historical Society plans to hold public tours on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month in conjunction with security arrangements with the base. Groups and individuals interested in historical tours must make reservations in advance and can contact the Historical Society at 732-818-7520 to register.