A Heartfelt Contribution
Captain Lee A. Tarlton Sr. Makes a Generous Donation to the National Naval Aviation Museum
Captain Lee A. Tarlton Sr. has dedicated an impressive 31 years of his life to the United States Navy, leaving behind a legacy that spans numerous duty stations, aircraft, and invaluable contributions to military aviation. In 1954, Tarlton embarked on his naval training at NAS Pensacola, where he honed his skills as a pilot. By 1955, he earned his wings, marking the start of a distinguished career that would take him to various corners of the world. During his service, Captain Tarlton completed two notable tours on the aircraft carriers USS Lexington and USS Shangri-La, each lasting six months. He was part of Fighter Squadron VF-24, where he not only flew but also trained fellow aviators. Throughout his career, Captain Tarlton flew several iconic aircraft. His flight experience includes:
• F3H-2M Demon: Captain Tarlton flew the BUNO which now resides in a museum
• F9F-6 Cougar
• TV-2 Shooting Star
• FJ-1 Fury
• Various Trainers: Captain Tarlton also flew several different trainers, honing the skills of the next generation of naval aviators.
A Generous Donation to the National Naval Aviation Museum
Recently, Captain Tarlton and his children made a special visit to the National Naval Aviation Museum, where they presented a generous check donation to the museum foundation. This heartfelt contribution not only underscores his ongoing support for the museum but also reflects his commitment to preserving the rich heritage of naval aviation for future generations.
The National Naval Aviation Museum relies on the generosity and support of corporate and individual donors. Your donations will help the Museum achieve its mission to educate the public, inspire students and commemorate those who have contributed to Naval Aviation history.