Marina in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation
The Celebration
Photographed by Denise Boose, June 21, 2015
1. San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation Marker
In response to the city's festive welcome, the fleet sent 64 companies of officers, bluejackets and Marines who paraded down Broadway. More than 75,000 excited onlookers watched while Governor James Gillett officially extended the state's welcome.
An editorial in the Evening Tribune stated: "It was only after the great American armada reached the port...that the people of this country awoke to the fact that San Diego was on the map."
San Diego made quite an impression on the Navy. In a speech during the grand review, a naval offical said, "San Diego." On December 4, 1910, the cruiser USS California sailed into the newly-dredged harbor and anchored near what is now known as G Street Pier located to your left.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical date for this entry is December 4, 1910.
Location. 32° 42.832′ N, 117° 10.609′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Marina. It is on North Harbor Drive, on the left when traveling north.
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Regionally, this marker is in California’s Peninsular Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
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); San Diego's Guardians of the Southwest (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); A National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line). 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
Photographed by Denise Boose, June 21, 2015
3. San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation Marker
Sailors disembarked from whale boats at Broadway Pier after being towed from the Fleet by steam-driven launches. After assembling, they began a long march to City Heights, to begin their parade down Broadway.
Photographed by Denise Boose, June 21, 2015
4. San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation Marker
The city fathers went all out in their preparations to make the men of the Fleet feel welcome in San Diego. A special committee, headed by local insurance agent William Kettner, made sure the city presented its best face to its military and civilian visitors.
Photographed by Denise Boose, June 21, 2015
5. San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation Marker
Companies of sailors in full battle dress stepped off to begin their parade to the bay.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2018, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 354 times since then and 20 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.
