Members of the Aloha Chapter of the Ninety-Nines Organization of Women Pilots celebrated their 80th anniversary today, Sunday, November 1, 10am at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor. To commemorate it, they raised their glasses and cut their anniversary cake in the Museum gallery and presented the Museum with a visitor bench for installation in Hangar 79, The Restoration Hangar.

Executive Director Kenneth DeHoff and other Museum staff participated in the celebration. 99s Member Cindy Fiaui gave a short talk about the importance of women in aviation history.

Established in 1929 by 99 women pilots to provide mutual support and advancement of aviation, The Ninety-Nines Organization of Women Pilots boasts Amelia Erhart as its first president. Today, the organization promotes world fellowship through flight, provides networking and scholarship opportunities for women, aviation education in the community, and preserves the unique history of women in aviation.

Following in the footsteps of these early 99s, Hawaii's members are represented in all areas of aviation today. And, to quote Amelia, they fly "for the fun of it!"

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor occupies World War II-era hangars that still bear the scars of our nation's first aviation battlefield. It features rare aircraft such as a 1941 Japanese Zero, an F4F Wildcat, and a B-25 Mitchell Bomber, similar to the one Jimmy Doolittle made famous during his 1942 raid "30 Seconds Over Tokyo." Other attractions include combat flight simulators, an aviation-themed Museum Store and dining at Laniākea Café. The Museum is located in Hangars 37 and 79, Ford Island, 319 Lexington Boulevard, Pearl Harbor. 441-1000, www.PacificAviationMuseum.org