News » Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame

The 2023 Honorees: A Summary

This year’s group includes a living World War II bomber pilot, a Marine helicopter pilot from Barrington killed in action in Grenada, and four heroes from Vietnam: three living Army helicopter pilots who flew hundreds of hours of combat, plus a deceased pilot from the Navy’s only assault helicopter squadron. The Hall of Fame will also honor the manager of the first scheduled commercial airline service to Hiilsgrove/TF Green Airport, as well as the avid private pilot who founded the Gregg’s Restaurant chain.

StickyOctober 25, 20232023, NewsAnnouncements, Dinner, Press Releases

In Memoriam: Bob Galkin (1926-2022)

On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame lost one of its strongest supporters and one of its loudest cheerleaders when Bob Galkin died at age 95.

July 21, 20221 CommentIn Memoriam, NewsBob Galkin, Special Awards

In Memoriam: Richard “Dick” Ricker (1941-2021)

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of one of our longest-serving volunteers, Dick Ricker, on Dec. 19, 2021. Never too busy to take on the most complex of projects, Dick was always there when you needed him. His quick wit and sense of humor were a welcome addition to every meeting, parade […]

December 28, 2021In Memoriam, News

Taking a Break: The Volunteer BBQ

Much of 2021 has been dominated by the sale of the building on Post Road in North Kingstown. Take a look at what our volunteers accomplished!

November 8, 2021NewsBBQ, Volunteers

A Glimpse Into Moving a Museum

Much of 2021 has been dominated by the sale of the building on Post Road in North Kingstown. Take a look at what our volunteers accomplished!

November 8, 2021NewsHQ Move

2021 Awards Dinner Postponed Until April, 2022

At the request of a majority of our honoree families, we are delaying the 2021 Honors Dinner until (tentatively) April of 2022.

November 1, 2021News2021 Dinner

RIAHOF Receives Aero Club of New England’s Six-State Award-of-Excellence

ame to receive the Aero Club’s Six-State Award-of-Excellence for the strong effort put forth by the RIAHOF in preserving Rhode Island’s rich aviation history.

September 4, 2021NewsAero Club of New England, Awards

In Memoriam: Brian Murphy (1943-2021)

The Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame family is saddened to hear of the passing of long-time supporter and friend, Brian Murphy. We first met the three Murphy brothers (Brian, Bob and Dick) in 2011 when we inducted their father, Robert T. Murphy, who was instrumental in the drafting of many federal statutes relating to […]

May 28, 2021In Memoriam, News

In Memoriam: Charlie Pitts (1963-2021)

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our most dedicated and talented aviation volunteers, Charlie Pitts, who passed away on Jan. 17, 2021 at the age of 57. His love of planes was infinite, and he brought a smile, enthusiasm and expertise to all of the projects he […]

February 23, 2021In Memoriam, News

Our 2020 Awards and Auction are Going Virtual!

In lieu of an in-person ceremony for 2020, we will honor a slate of honorees virtually through a video. We will also produce a limited number of copies of our sought-after program book, an online auction and raffle.

October 30, 2020News2020

Quonset Land-Based Facility On Hold Due to COVID-19

By the end of 2019 we had made significant progress with the state concerning long-term access to several acres of land at the northeast corner of the main north-south runway at the former naval air station. We had hoped by this time to have been well into the initial development of our new facility, but […]

May 28, 2020NewsCOVID-19, land-based facility, Quonset

2019 Honorees Announced

At this year’s dinner, a Special Award will be awarded to Thomas Prinster (1945-2018) and Lyle Hogg, who saved 11 lives on February 21, 1982 by successfully crash landing their burning commuter plane on the frozen Scituate Reservoir. Click here to buy tickets. In addition to Thomas Prinster and Lye Hogg, we will recognize the […]

November 7, 2019News2019 dinner

2015 Inductee Martha McSally Appointed to US Senate

After a narrowly losing a tight US Senate race in Arizona to Kyrsten Sinema (D), Rhode Island native Martha McSally has been appointed by AZ Governor Doug Ducey to fill the seat vacated by Sen. John McCain’s death in a surprising twist. Retired Air Force Colonel Martha McSally hails from Warwick, and a Distinguished Graduate […]

December 20, 2018NewsMartha McSally, US Senate

Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame

Honoring Rhode Island's Rich Aviation History

Blog