National Naval Aviation Museum Presents Flight to Freedom: Echoes of Valor

A Historic Commemoration of the O-1 Bird Dog’s Daring Landing on the USS Midway

Pensacola, Fla. (April 14, 2025) — The National Naval Aviation Museum proudly invites the public to attend a moving tribute to one of the most daring acts in military aviation history: the 50th anniversary of the O-1 Bird Dog’s courageous landing on the USS Midway. As part of the Museum’s Echoes of Valor series, Flight to Freedom will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in the Blue Angels Atrium.

This extraordinary event will honor RADM Lawrence Chambers and South Vietnamese Air Force Major Bung-Ly. In 1975, Major Buang-Ly piloted the O-1 Bird Dog to a flawless landing on the deck of the USS Midway with his wife and five children onboard. With fuel running low and nowhere else to turn during the fall of Saigon, Major Bung-Ly’s historic flight and the remarkable leadership of RADM Lawrence Chambers, USN (ret.), saved a family and changed the course of history.

Event Schedule:

Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025

Location: Blue Angels Atrium, National Naval Aviation Museum

Musical Performance: The Blue Anchor Belles at 9:30 a.m.

Ceremony Begins: 10 a.m.

The ceremony will feature a powerful lineup of guest speakers who played a part in this unforgettable story of bravery, leadership, and compassion:

Keynote Speaker: RADM Lawrence Chambers, USN (ret.)

Distinguished Guests:

• Mr. Hill Goodspeed, Deputy Director, NNAM

• CAPT Tony McFarlane, USN (ret.)

• CAPT Fred Braman, USN (ret.)

• CAPT Ed Ellis, USN (ret.)

• Major Buang-Ly

Their firsthand accounts and reflections will offer attendees an intimate look at the challenges, triumphs, and teamwork that defined this daring rescue—forever cemented in military aviation history.

The “Flight to Freedom” ceremony is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the powerful bonds forged in service. We invite veterans, families, and members of the community to join us in honoring this legacy of courage and compassion.

 

About the National Naval Aviation Museum

Located aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, the National Naval Aviation Museum is the world’s largest museum dedicated to naval aviation and one of the most visited museums in Florida. Spanning nearly 350,000 square feet, the museum showcases more than 150 meticulously restored aircraft representing the aviation arms of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Key attractions include Hangar Bay One, featuring post-WWII aircraft such as the presidential helicopter Marine One, state-of-the-art HD flight simulators, and a cutting-edge laser-powered Giant Screen digital theater. Guests can enjoy a variety of sandwiches, snacks, and beverages at the Top Gun Café, conveniently located at the museum entrance, and are encouraged to stop by the Flight Deck Store before departure to find souvenirs that reflect the legacy and spirit of Naval Aviation. Admission to the museum is always FREE.