Guests from around the world are assembling for a spectacular evening of fun and extraordinary recognition for the annual star-studded International Air & Space Hall of Fame gala on Saturday Nov. 21.

Since 1963, the International Air & Space Hall of Fame has honored the world’s most significant pilots, crew members, visionaries, inventors, industry leading companies, aerospace engineers, aerospace industrialists, preservationists, designers and space explorers.

This year’s International Air & Space Hall of Fame “Class of 2026” will be announced at a later date. In addition to inducting the “Class of 2026,” this year’s celebration pays tribute to four extraordinary aviation pioneers – Buzz Aldrin, Clay Lacy, Seymour “Si” Robin and Royce Williams – whose groundbreaking achievements shaped modern aerospace. During the gala, Museum President & CEO Jim Kidrick will present Aldrin, Lacy, Robin and Williams with the International Air & Space Sword of Excellence, recognizing their enduring legacy of innovation and inspiration to generations of innovators and explorers to reach ever higher.

“The International Air & Space Hall of Fame ‘Class of 2026’ and Sword of Excellence recipients represent the true pioneering spirit of aviation exploration, from American icons in the skies over countless cultural and historic moments, to record-setting flights, legendary fighter aircraft, and groundbreaking revolutions in commercial and business aviation innovation,” 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 represent the human pioneering spirit and pursuit of mankind’s future 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 of achievement.”

The four recipients of the International Air & Space Sword of Excellence include:

Buzz Aldrin
Astronaut, aeronautical engineer, and fighter pilot, Buzz Aldrin became the second person to walk on the Moon after mission commander Neil Armstrong on July 20, 1969, spending two hours and 15 minutes collecting surface samples and deploying experiments. Aldrin made three spacewalks as pilot of NASA’s 1966 Gemini 12 mission, and was the Lunar Module Eagle pilot on the 1969 Apollo 11 mission.

Clay Lacy
Airline captain, military aviator, experimental test pilot, air race champion, world record-setter, aerial cinematographer, and business aviation entrepreneur, Clay Lacy established Clay Lacy Aviation in 1968, the first executive jet charter company in the Western United States which is now one of the largest corporate jet providers in the country.

Si Robin
Innovator, visionary and leader, mentor, and philanthropist, Si Robin guided the aviation industry, advanced safety and technology, changed the lives of countless aspiring aviators and helped inspire the next greatest generations.

Royce Williams
A recipient of the Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, Silver Star, and two Distinguished Flying Crosses, Royce Williams is a national hero. On November 18, 1952, out manned and piloting what most consider an inferior aircraft to the Mig-15, Williams engaged seven Migs alone for 35 minutes, shooting down four of them in a legendary display of dogfighting skill and bravery.

Sponsorships for this once-in-a-lifetime event are still available! For sponsorship information, contact Michelle Wiseman at mwiseman@sdasm.org or by calling (619) 234-8291, Ext. 109.

The International Air & Space Hall of Fame is the most prestigious induction of its kind in the world and is composed of hundreds of air and space pioneers, engineers, inventors and innovators, along with adventurers, scientists and industry leaders. NASA Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts and Russian cosmonauts are honored in the Hall, as well as famous legends such as the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Neil Armstrong and Amelia Earhart. Notable inductees also include Buzz Aldrin, Chuck Yeager, Igor Sikorsky, Wernher von Braun, Jack Northrop, Jackie Cochran, William Boeing, Sr., Reuben H. Fleet, Glenn Curtiss, Walter Zable Sr., Fran Bera, Wally Schirra, Bill Anders, Jim Lovell, T. Claude Ryan, Jimmy Doolittle, Bob Hoover, Ellen Ochoa, Peggy Whitson, Linden Blue, Jeff Bezos, Patty Wagstaff, and many more. See the following link: http://sandiegoairandspace.org/exhibits/online-exhibit-page/international-air-space-hall-of-famehttp://sandiegoairandspace.org/exhibits/online-exhibit-page/international-air-space-hall-of-fame.

Proceeds from the prestigious International Air & Space Hall of Fame gala benefit the Museum’s youth education programs.

“Inspiring kids to undertake tough science and engineering challenges is a critical first step for our future,” Kidrick said. “We must also give them the resources and impetus they need to pursue science education degrees.”

More than 500 national and international business, aviation and space leaders are anticipated to attend the 2026 International Air & Space Hall of Fame gala, including prominent representatives and Hall of Fame members from prior years.

Schedule of Events:
5:30pm - Reception
6:30pm - Seating in the Pavilion
6:45pm - Welcome
7:00pm - Dinner
7:30pm - Introductions and Program