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  • Rest in Peace, Holly Chilton
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Tue, 25 Mar 2025
    We are sorry to report that our brother in song, Holly Chilton has passed away. Holly was a member of the choir in 1954 and then the Choir director from 1961-1964 after John Rusch. Here is his obituary:

    Holly Howard Chilton, age 91, of Harrodsburg, KY, widower of Annunciata “Ann” (Williams) Chilton, died Saturday, March 22, 2025. Holly was born June 2, 1933 in Harrodsburg, KY, to the late Kellis Holly and Margaret (Dean) Chilton. Holly was a retired Lt. Commander in the US Navy, where he had served during the Vietnam War and had Directed the Naval Choir in Pensacola, FL. He was also a member of the Mercer Masonic Lodge, a former Vocational School Teacher, and had a love for cows and horses on his farm. He is survived by one daughter: Janet Kathleen [Aaron] Cox of Harrodsburg, KY; one son, H. Howard Chilton, Jr. of Harrodsburg, KY; grandchildren, Kasey Quinn, Traci Chilton, Kellis Poynter, Spencer Collado & Tanner Cox; four great grandchildren, Maidali Collado, Malachi, Kage, and Oakley Quinn. Funeral services 11 AM, Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Ransdell Funeral Chapel, 345 E. Lexington St., Harrodsburg, KY with Micki McHugh officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery, Harrodsburg. Visitation will be 5 PM until 8 PM, Thursday, March 27th, Ransdell Funeral Chapel. Pallbearers are Kellis Poynter, Aaron and Tanner Cox, Daniel Chilton, and Jonathan and Spencer Collado. Memorials are suggested to Heritage Hospice. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family on Holly’s Tribute Wall at www.ransdellfuneralchapel.com.

    Flowers were sent on behalf of the Alumni Choir.

    May the Peace of God be with you and yours,
    The Executive Board of the Naval Aviation Alumni Choir.
  • Sounds of the Season Concert December 20th, 2024, Univ. of Florida
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Sun, 22 Dec 2024
    Our very own Dr Will Kesling conducts "The Sounds of The Season" again this year. Enjoy the holiday concert free on this youtube link courtesy of WUFT (PBS.org) https://youtu.be/rvm7MQFX7Vo?si=Buprw4MSyK_T4IDi
     
    YouTube Video URL:
  • What to wear at a performance
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  •  Date Posted: Tue, 12 Mar 2024

       
























    For all of our performances, we'll be wearing "Choir Blue”. See table below.

     

    Male

    Female

    Topside

    Navy Blue (for USN or USCG) or Red (for USMC) Polo shirt with embroidered insignia*

    Navy Blue (for USN or USCG) or Red (for USMC) Polo shirt with embroidered insignia*

    Below Decks

    Black trousers (black belt if trousers have belt loops), no jeans

    Black slacks or skirt (the latter hemmed at or just below the knee)

    Anchor

    Black socks and shoes, no clunky boots or athletics shoes unless you have a medical issue requiring same

    Black pumps or flats with no bling

    Because we have many performances lined up so far, please bring at least two sets of shirts and trousers with you. We always want to keep a professional and consistent appearance when we perform. So no overgarments (such as jackets or sweaters) are to be worn during the performances. Friendly reminder: If you wear a T-shirt underneath your polo, make sure it does not show (a V-neck).  Officers do not dress with their underwear showing!

    OUR VENDOR FOR OUR SHIRTS WILL BE THE NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM SHIP’S STORE for a consistent and professional appearance. They sell our polo shirt with insignia*. Order ASAP. If they’re out of stock in your color or size, there may be a 3-week delay.

    *  Typically, pilot or NFO wings. Call 800-247-6289,  If you have different wings, you will need to pin your ones at home onto a plain shirt. Here is a website to get a plain shirt. https://www.bigtopshirtshop.com/products/port-authority-mens-dry-zone-moisture-wicking-short-sleeve-polo-shirt-k572-navy-blue?variant=32262557696067

    • Naval Aviation Museum Store: SKU 1973-1 NFO wings: SKU 2015-1: Here are the links
    • Sizes tend to run slightly larger, i.e., an XL from the Museum will be a little larger than an XL you buy at national retail stores like Kohl’s  But unless you are still running marathons, a Medium will be too small!
    For more information, see: https://navalaviation.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Wing+polo
  • Jan 2024 Newsletter
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  •  Date Posted: Wed, 31 Jan 2024
    Jan 2024 Newsletter
  • Oklahoma City Reunion in One Month!
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Thu, 3 Aug 2023
    Oklahoma City Reunion in One Month!
  • Oklahoma City Choir Performance Hotel Block Information (Naval Aviation Alumni Choir, OKC retreat goers)
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Mon, 13 Mar 2023
    Oklahoma City Choir Performance Hotel Block Information

    For our upcoming reunion, we have two hotels blocked for the event, which are only .8 of a mile apart.  Most rehearsals will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn "Garden Room," with the first rehearsal at 3 pm on Sunday the 3rd. The Seawolf banquet/reception will be at the Hilton Embassy Suites on the 6th, where we'll dine and perform at the banquet starting at 7 pm.

    Based on our rehearsal schedule and facilities needed, the Choir’s primary recommended hotel is the Hilton Garden Inn Midtown, located at 2809 Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.
    • All the rooms are at a rate of $119/night + tax, with four choices of room configurations available and was newly renovated in 2022. The hotel amenities include free breakfast. To book your room, use this link: HIlton Garden Inn Hotel Block Link  If you prefer calling the hotel directly, please call 405.607.4000 and reference Seawolf Reunion 2023 and the dates, 3-7 September. Check-out time is 12 noon.

    The Seawolves primary hotel is the Hilton Embassy Suites Oklahoma City Northwest, located at 3233 Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.

    • The rates for the hotel rooms range from $119.00-$159 per night + tax, configuration dependent. Hotel amenities include free made-to-order breakfast, on-site restaurant, and concierge. To book your room, use this link:  https://hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/okcones-swr-25a6302c-6b79-42a6-bf77-85a29fc0fd4f/  If you prefer making your room reservation with the hotel directly, please call (405) 842-6633 or Toll-Free (888-728-3025) and reference Seawolf Reunion 2023 with the reunion dates of September 3 – September 7, 2023. Check-out time is 11 am.

    SOCIAL:  Events are still in the planning stages.

    We will have a choir dinner on the 3rd at a local restaurant.
    Downtown "Bricktown" and sites on the 4th
    The TACAMO PAO is hosting a hangar BBQ and performance for us on the 5th,
    The OKC Navy League is hosting a happy hour/reception for us the 5th.
    The HAL-3 dinner/reception on the 6th will be $59/plate.
    Stay tuned for more information as we draw closer to the event. Meanwhile, please talk to your friends and family and get your hotel rooms and airline tickets.

    We look forward to seeing you in Oklahoma City for these events and our many performances. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Thank you for your attention and cooperation in making this event a success.

  • HAL-3 is having a Reunion in Oklahoma City- and we will be there too~
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Mon, 6 Mar 2023
    HAL-3 is having a Reunion in Oklahoma City- and we will be there too~
    The Seawolves HAL-3 are having a reunion in Oklahoma City from September 3-7. We will practice and perform at Tinker the 4th and 5th with another performance at a VA facility and at the Seawolves banquet on the 6th. Plan on practicing all our songs starting on the 3rd. Look at the upcoming events to get updates on the details.
     
  • what to wear at a performance
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Tue, 30 Aug 2022
    what to wear at a performance

       

     

    For all of our performances, we'll be wearing "Choir Blue”. See table below.

     

     

    Male

    Female

    Topside

    Navy Blue (for USN or USCG) or Red (for USMC) Polo shirt with embroidered insignia*

    Navy Blue (for USN or USCG) or Red (for USMC) Polo shirt with embroidered insignia*

    Below Decks

    Black trousers (black belt if trousers have belt loops), no jeans

    Black slacks or skirt (the latter hemmed at or just below the knee)

    Anchor

    Black socks and shoes, no clunky boots or athletics shoes unless you have a medical issue requiring same

    Black pumps or flats with no bling

     

    Because we have many performances lined up so far, please bring at least two sets of shirts and trousers with you. We always want to keep a professional and consistent appearance when we perform. So no overgarments (such as jackets or sweaters) are to be worn during the performances. Friendly reminder: If you wear a T-shirt underneath your polo, make sure it does not show (a V-neck).  Officers do not dress with their underwear showing!

    OUR VENDOR FOR OUR SHIRTS WILL BE THE NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM SHIP’S STORE for a consistent and professional appearance. They sell our polo shirt with insignia*. Order ASAP. If they’re out of stock in your color or size, there may be a 3-week delay.

    *  Typically, pilot or NFO wings. Call 800-247-6289,  If you have different wings, you will need to pin your ones at home onto a plain shirt. Here is a website to get a plain shirt. https://www.bigtopshirtshop.com/products/port-authority-mens-dry-zone-moisture-wicking-short-sleeve-polo-shirt-k572-navy-blue?variant=32262557696067

    • Naval Aviation Museum Store: SKU 1973-1 NFO wings: SKU 2015-1: Here are the links
    • Sizes tend to run slightly larger, i.e., an XL from the Museum will be a little larger than an XL you buy at national retail stores like Kohl’s  But unless you are still running marathons, a Medium will be too small!
    For more information, see: https://navalaviation.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Wing+polo
  • Things to Do in Pensacola
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Tue, 29 Mar 2022
    Besides reading a good book on the beach and enjoying the weather, there are lots of activities for you and your guests to enjoy while we sing songs and tell lies. We also have wide swaths of open time in our schedule to go for an outing. here are some top ideas of things to do in the Pensacola area.

    On Base, NAS Pensacola


    1.    The Blue Angels will be practicing flight demonstrations Tuesday and Wednesday, 4/26/22 and 4/27/22. The museum opens their flight line behind the museum for best viewing. Practice starts at 10:30am and they fly for approximately 45 minutes.
    website: https://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/blueangels/

    2.  Explore the famous Lighthouse and Museum of Pensacola, and experience vistas of Pensacola Beach unparalleled and unrivalled by any other vantage point. Climb the 177 steps to the top of the lighthouse and check out the impressive view of the Pensacola Pass (the point where Pensacola meets the Gulf of Mexico). Built in 1859, the lighthouse has been part of the Pensacola skyline for hundreds of years.

    A visit to the lighthouse also means a visit to the newly restored keeper’s quarters, built in 1869, which is now known as the Richard C Callaway Museum. This is a great place to get in some edu-fun activities, on your day.

    Admission is 7 USD for adults and 4 USD for kids, seniors and military. Operating hours are daily between 10.00am to 5.30pm.

    Lighthouse and Museum of Pensacola

    Address: 2081 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508, USA

    Website: Lighthouse and Museum of Pensacola

    3.  National Museum of Naval Aviation. Pensacola has always been an important place for the military and for the aviation industry in the United States. This museum is dedicated to the history of aviation in America. National Naval Aviation Museum is a local landmark that showcases some of the best aircraft the U.S military has ever had, along with aircraft they still currently operate. Established in 1962, this museum near Naval Air Station Pensacola is home to 150 aircraft and spacecraft spanning the history of aircraft in the military, with models starting from the 1920s all the way to the modern age. If you’re interested in aviation or military history or even engineering, this museum will surely have what you’re looking for. Located across the street is a training center for piloting military aircraft.

    National Naval Aviation Museum

    Address: 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508, United States

    Website: National Naval Aviation Museum

    4. Learn Florida state history at Fort Barrancas. Established in 1787, the fort was built by the first Spanish colonizers in the area as a means of defending the region. Fort Barrancas was built on a strategic hill overlooking the bay, and the area where the former gun batteries are located is still accessible to tourists. During the War of 1812, the historical fort saw action against the British Royal Navy in the Battle of Pensacola, with the results being an American victory. Today, the fort stands as a museum and has been designated a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

    Fort Barrancas

    Address: 3182 Taylor Rd, Pensacola, FL 32508, United States

    Opening hours Thu - Mon: 9am - 4:15pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

    Off Base - Downtown Pensacola

     

    1. View modern masterpieces at Pensacola Museum of Art.

    Founded in 1954 by a group of local women, Pensacola Museum of Art is a great place to spend the afternoon if you’re looking to get out of the sun for a bit and see some local art as well as some pieces from international artists. Visiting the art museum is another thing to do in Pensacola. It offers a place for artists to showcase their work on a rotating basis, and it also hosts plenty of activities for kids and families, from art classes to guided tours. Some permanent pieces in their collection include iconic and legendary artists like Dali, Picasso, and Calder.

    Pensacola Museum of Art

    Address: 407 S Jefferson St, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States

    Website: Pensacola Museum of Art

    Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 10am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
    Price: 8 USD

    2. Learn about local history at T.T. Wentworth Jr Museum.

    Built back in 1907, T.T. Wentworth Jr Museum is located along South Jefferson Street and is part of Pensacola Historic District. It aims to bring local history to life, as it is dedicated to teaching both tourists and locals about the origins of the city. The museum was built in the Alamo mission style, which pays homage to Florida’s first Spanish settlements. It officially opened in 1988 and has always been an integral part of the city’s history. History buffs will have a grand time here for sure.

    T.T. Wentworth Jr Museum

    Address: 330 S Jefferson St, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States

    Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)

    3. Join a unique BEER tour with Pensacola Pedal Trolley

    How about a unique take on a pub crawl? Explore the best neighborhoods of Pensacola with your friends and sign up for this one-of-a-kind sightseeing tour! Pensacola Pedal Trolley provides a 14-seater vehicle that’s powered by pedals! You will be pedaling the trolley yourself, slowly but surely, all around downtown. You’ll go from bar to bar, just like a classic crawl, but it’ll be an eco-friendly journey throughout. This fun activity in Pensacola is best done with your closest friends or loved ones, so better round them up soon and join the tour!

    Pensacola Pedal Trolley

    Address: 11 S. Palafox St Suite F, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States

    Website: Pensacola Pedal Trolley

  • Mustin Beach Dinner Payment options
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Mon, 28 Mar 2022

    Mustin Beach Dinner Reception and Performance:

    • Where:450 Radford Blvd, bldg 253, On base, Pensacola.
    • When 5pm muster, 6 pm dinner and performance Saturday, April 30th.
    • What: Please fill out the google form (link below) BY MARCH 31ST. Dave Carlson is fronting the money, but I will collect the money and pay Dave back. (Each person is $40/plate regardless of main course choice chicken, beef or vegetarian.)
    • How to pay: :You can pay me $40/plate by mail (Carol Kudish, 0S513 Brannon Ln, Geneva, IL 60134) or by Venmo (@Carol-Kudish), PayPal (@carolkudish), or finally, Zelle (David Kudish, dckudish@yahoo.com, cell: 630-470-4383)
    • Google Form: https://forms.gle/B7F5mCCRzYQAvJBg9.  This form is necessary to select your choice of meal and how many.
    • Attire:  For choir members we will wear our choir performance polo (Navy, blue; for Marines, red) with black slacks and black shoes. If you are bringing a guest, the dress code for the guests is casual Aloha attire (shirts, muumuus, etc)
    • ***All HC-7 reunion members need not fill out the google form, just the choir only attendees!
  • Polling for Pensacola for the Planning Committee
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Thu, 10 Mar 2022

    We are getting closer to Pensacola 2022!

    We need your help, Can you please fill out this google form so that we can use your responses to plan for the Pensacola Retreat?
    It will only take 2 minutes! Thank you!
    https://forms.gle/hHMJ3JP4kU6BH7aw6
  • Newest Members to join the Alumni Choir
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Sun, 17 Oct 2021
    Newest Members to join the Alumni Choir

    We welcome to our growing ranks:

    Chris Long
    Dan O'Neill
    Dale Steinmann
    Gary Forsberg
    Lee Savoia-McHugh
    James Haigler
     
  • News on San Francisco Fleet Week 2021 : Regrets
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Sat, 28 Aug 2021

    Very reluctantly, the Choir Executive Committee made the decision to cancel our participation for SF Fleet Week 2021. In the recent weeks, we lost about 1/3 of the originally committed participants due to Covid protocol changes and mask requirements in the San Francisco Bay area. This decision was not made lightly. We wanted so much to have a reunion this year after such a long wait, but circumstances that were out of our control have changed. Musically, the directors made the best decision they could.

    The committee thinks that with the world class performance venues like the Herbst Theatre and St Ignatius Chapel and the many vacation-type opportunities that our time and resources would be better spent in participating in the 2022 San Francisco Fleet Week. We hope you will be available to join us!

  • San Francisco 2021 Fleet Week and Airshow
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Thu, 15 Jul 2021
    San Francisco 2021 Fleet Week and Airshow

    Excitement is building as a result of news sources announcing the 2021 return of the U.S. Navy's Fleet Week Celebrations in San Francisco featuring the Blue Angels, the Naval Aviation Alumni Choir and a fleet of ships for the public to enjoy ship tours.  The Choir will be there 6-10 October.

  • BHS Tips for Singing Health
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  •  Date Posted: Tue, 4 May 2021
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