Join the San Diego Air & Space Museum in celebrating the honorees on Saturday, October 21, 2023, in the Edwin D. McKellar Pavilion of Flight. Guests from around the world are assembling for a spectacular evening of fun and extraordinary recognition, as each guest is treated to a behind the scenes look into the lives of these true air and space legends. Since 1963, the International Air & Space Hall of Fame has honored the world’s most significant pilots, crew members, visionaries, inventors, aerospace engineers, business leaders, preservationists, designers and space explorers.

“We’re exceptionally pleased to honor this exemplary Class of 2023 because these men and women represent a vast range of the ongoing advances in aviation and space exploration,” said Jim Kidrick, President & CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum. “Achievements in aviation and space, as embodied by the honorees in the prestigious International Air & Space Hall of Fame, directly represents the human pioneering spirit and pursuit of mankind’s final frontiers. This is a can’t miss event and something every guest will remember for the rest of their lives! Guests come from all over the globe just to be in the room with the Honorees and join in this momentous celebration.”

The International Air & Space Hall of Fame Class of 2023:

William Shatner

William Shatner has cultivated a career spanning over 70 years as an award-winning actor, director, producer, writer, recording artist, and equestrian. He is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures and a major philanthropist. On October 13, 2021 he became the oldest person to go into space, at age 90, on board the Blue Origin NS-18; He went beyond the Kármán line. In 1966, Shatner originated the role of “Captain James T. Kirk” in the television series Star Trek. The series spawned a feature film franchise where Shatner returned as Captain Kirk in seven of the Star Trek movies, one of which he directed. Shatner played the title role in the hit television series T.J. Hooker before hosting television’s first reality-based series, Rescue 911. He won Emmys and his first Golden Globe for his portrayal of eccentric lawyer “Denny Crane” on both The Practice and Boston Legal. Shatner has received four more Emmy nominations as well as other Golden Globe and SAG Award nods.

Royce Williams

On November 18, 1952, E. Royce Williams was flying with three other members of VF-781 from the USS Oriskany when they encountered seven Mig-15s. Before they could engage, William’s Flight Leader and his wingman had to return to the Oriskanydue to a fuel pump issue. Out manned and piloting what most consider an inferior aircraft to the Mig-15, Williams engaged the seven Migs for 35 minutes, shooting down four of them. This would be the longest dogfight in the history of the US Navy, and the deciding factor would be Williams’ skill as a pilot. Though his Panther was shot 263 times, he was able to make it back to the Oriskany and land safely. Williams is the recipient of the Navy Cross, the Silver Star, and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. 

Robert DeLaurentis 

Robert DeLaurentis is an American aviator, businessman and author. He was the first solo pilot to fly a Piper Malibu Mirage, a small, single-engine plane, around the world from May 17, 2015 to August 14, 2015. The flight covered 26,000 nautical miles and 23 countries in the ninety-eight days for a fundraising campaign to support aviation programs. On August 10, 2020, DeLaurentis completed a nine-month, 26,000 nautical mile polar circumnavigation and global peace mission, “One Planet, One People, One Plane: Oneness for Humanity” in his modified 1983 aircraft named “Citizen of the World”.

Jessica Meir

Jessica Meir is a distinguished NASA astronaut, biologist, and a pivotal member of the groundbreaking Artemis program aimed at landing the first woman and next man on the Moon. Selected as an astronaut in 2013, Meir made history with her participation in the first all-female spacewalk in October 2019 alongside Christina Koch. This milestone exemplified her commitment to breaking barriers in both gender and science. Meir completed her first spaceflight on September 25, 2019, as a flight engineer on Expedition 61/62, logging 205 days in space. Her multi-disciplinary background, which includes a Ph.D. in Marine Biology, enriches NASA's interdisciplinary missions and bridges the gap between science and space exploration. A skilled communicator, Meir is renowned for engaging the public about the importance of STEM and the future of human spaceflight, inspiring a new generation of explorers. She continues to train and prepare for the forthcoming Artemis missions, setting her sights on both lunar and Martian frontiers.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) is a worldwide leader in the design, development, and production of remotely piloted aircraft systems, commonly known as drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). GA-ASI is renowned for its advanced unmanned aircraft systems, particularly the Predator series and the more advanced Reaper series. Over the years, GA-ASI has continued to innovate and improve its drone technology, expanding its product lineup to include additional variants and capabilities. The company’s contributions to the field of unmanned aviation have had a significant impact on military operations and have paved the way for developments in civilian and commercial drone applications. Founded in 1993, GA-ASI is a subsidiary of General Atomics, a diversified technology and defense company.

More honorees to be announced in the coming weeks.

Schedule of Events:

Partnerships & Sponsorship Information

For partnership and additional information please contact Nicole Velazquez at (619) 234-8291 x109 or email at nvelazquez@sdasm.org.

Sponsors