San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation

The Promise 1908 - 1910

Photographed By Denise Boose, June 21, 2015

1. San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt sent America's battleships, called the Great White Fleet, on a world cruise. Dispatched largely as a goodwill gesture to Japan, the Fleet was scheduled to make San Francisco its first U.S. stop.

Led by local businessman John D. Spreckles, a group of San Diego businessmen seeking federal investment in their city, chartered a steamer and met the Fleet off Baja California. They convinced the Fleet's commander that they would be enthusiastically welcome by the city.

On April 14, 1908, 16 battleships dropped anchor off the beach just south of the entry to San Diego Harbor. True to the promise made by the delegation, more than 20,000 people flocked to the shore to welcome the Fleet.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 14, 1908.

Location. 32° 42.832′ N, 117° 10.609′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. Marker is on N Harbor Dr, on the left

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when traveling north. Located on the stern of the USS Midway Museum Flight Deck. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego CA 92101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation (a few steps from this marker); Bridle-Arrest "Horns" (within shouting distance of this marker); Clifton A. F. Sprague, Vice Admiral, USN (approx. 0.2 miles away); United States Aircraft Carrier Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Photographed By Denise Boose, December 13, 2015

2. San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation Marker

1908

3. San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation Marker

Members of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce sailed to Magdalena Bay, Baja California to request that the Fleet make San Diego its next port of call.

1908

4. San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation Marker

Crewmen of the Battleship USS Illinois waited for transportation ashore to take part in the welcome by the city.

1908

5. San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation Marker

Rear Admiral Robley D. "Fighting Bob" Evans flag ship, the USS Connecticut, anchored off Coronado in 1908.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2018, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 265 times since then and 110 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 10, 2018, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.