Naples Airport Authority Commemorates 50th Anniversary

Naples Airport Authority is recognizing its 50th anniversary with a commemorative historical display in the general aviation terminal lobby as well as various events over the next few months. Courtesy: Naples Airport Authority.Naples Airport Authority, the government entity that operates Naples Airport, began commemorating its 50th anniversary with a retrospective event and a historical display.

Howie Franklin, author and retired Chief Master Sergeant and U.S. Air Force Chief Flight Steward on Air Force One, served as guest speaker at the event kicking off the Naples Airport Authority anniversary celebration. NAA executive director Chris Rozansky (right) says the agency is proud of its history, customer service and community partnerships.At the event kicking off the anniversary celebration, Naples Airport Authority commissioners, employees, tenants of the airport and others were able to view the commemorative display, which documents the origins of the airport and the agency as well as milestones and key moments in their history. Crews and passengers may view the display in the general aviation terminal through the end of the year.

“It’s quite humbling to look back and realize how far we’ve come,” NAA executive director Chris Rozansky says.

When it opened in 1943, the airport was an asset during World War II. Five years later, the military transferred the airport to the city of Naples and Collier County. Complete control of the airport resided with the city by 1959. Ten years later, Florida state lawmakers created an independent authority to manage the airport at the Naples City Council's request. The airport authority continues to manage the airport under a 99-year lease.

At the event, retired Chief Master Sergeant and U.S. Air Force Chief Flight Steward on Air Force One Howie Franklin extended the history theme. The only flight steward to work for five presidents, Franklin linked humorous anecdotes to the current general aviation environment, the airport authority says.

NAA plans to announce more public events in the coming months.

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