From TOPGUN to the Red Bull Air Races, a Naval Aviator's Journey

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Program Type:

Lecture

Age Group:

Adult, Senior
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Program Description

Event Details

If you were one of the only people in Naval Aviation History to amass over 5,000 hours in 5 different fighter aircraft, what would you do next? Following an impressive naval aviation career, including stints in and leading the TOPGUN adversary squadrons, Capt. Jim DiMatteo (ret.) became the first and only US Race Director for the International Red Bull Air Races. DiMatteo revamped AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, one of the largest aviation events in the world.  The Mayor of San Diego declared March 16th to be Jimmy DiMatteo Day in San Diego and he was inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame for his Lifetime Achievements in Aviation at the renowned Palm Springs Aviation Museum.

A truly distinguished Naval Aviator, DiMatteo, whose father and brother were also Naval Aviators, will present “From TOPGUN to the Red Bull Air Races, a Naval Aviator's Journey” on Tuesday, August 24th at 6:30 p.m at the Coronado Public Library’s Winn Room.

This talk will be recorded and available for on demand viewing on the Library's Facebook and Youtube pages following the event.


Registration is recommended but not required. Please register below for this event.

**All-in person events will be subject to County of San Diego Health Department guidelines**