Coast Guard holds dedication ceremony

WHO: Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile, Ala.

WHAT: Dedication ceremony.

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011 at 1 p.m.

WHERE: Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile
8501 Tanner Williams Road
Mobile, AL 36608

The Wilks Hall dedication will be named in honor of Capt. Bobby C. Wilks, the first African American in the Coast Guard to become a pilot, to the achieve the rank of captain and to command a Coast Guard air station, which was located in Brooklyn, N.Y. Wilks earned his commission from Officer Candidate School in 1956 and completed flight training in 1957. A few of Wilks' many accomplishments include more than five personal military awards, more than 6,000 flight hours, a Bachelor of Arts from Harris-Stowe Teachers College and a Master of Arts from the University of St. Louis.

Additionally, the base pond will be named in honor of Capt. Bradley W. Bean. Bean served 28 years in the Coast Guard, which included a tour as executive officer for ATC Mobile. He received more than five personal military awards, flew more than 5,000 hours, and he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Science from Saint Anselm College and a Master of Science in Industrial Administration from Purdue University.

***Media wishing to attend the dedication ceremony are asked to R.S.V.P. to Lt. Terdell Nash at (251) 441-6807. Attendees are asked to arrive no later than 12:15 p.m.***

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