A hangar bay at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville was named for Rear Adm. Kevin F. Delaney during a ceremony June 10.

Delaney, who passed away in late 2015, was honored for his distinguished career as a Navy helicopter pilot who flew nearly 700 combat missions in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and was the recipient of the Silver Star Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, 11 Single Action Air Medals and 6 Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Crosses.

Fellow aviators, veterans and family members gathered as Capt. Howard Wanamaker, commanding officer of NAS Jacksonville, spoke before unveiling hangar 1122's sign bearing it's new name: Rear Adm. Kevin F. Delaney Helicopter Center of Excellence.

Wanamaker expressed his gratitude that the base was granted approval by the Chief of Naval Operations to name the largest helicopter squadron hangar in the world after Delaney.

"Admiral Delaney's dedication and commitment to serving in the United States Navy is legendary," Wanamaker said. "He left no doubt that he loved the Navy and his Sailors. As I drove home at the end of my day last night all I could do was thank God for blessing us with someone like Rear Adm. Delaney -- for his allegiance to the United States, for his family that misses him, for our family, our freedom and the opportunity to honor him with this ceremony."

The hangar bay is home to four forward-deployed maritime strike operational squadrons, with more than 1,100 pilots, aircrewmen and maintenance personnel.

After retiring from military service, Delaney went on to be deeply involved in Jacksonville's business community. He served on the boards of 19 area nonprofit organizations in Northeast Florida, as chairman of the Ronald McDonald House Advisory Board, president of the Florida State College of Jacksonville Foundation and was serving his third term on the National Board of Directors of the Wounded Warrior Project.

"His commitment to our country did not end with retirement," said Jackie Smith, district director speaking on behalf of U.S. Congressman Ander Crenshaw. "He used his quality leadership skills, his infectious and charismatic sprit, and deep-seeded care for his fellow citizens and worked hard in our community to make it a better place."

Delaney was also honored by the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce in 2014 as the most influential veteran and was installed as the very first member of their Military Hall of Fame.

"Kevin came to town in the military but remained as a veteran and became a great leader and contributor to our community," said Smith.

Wannamaker echoed Smith's sentiment with a similar synopsis of Delaney's impact on the Navy and the community.

"Honoring Rear Adm. Delaney's 34 years of Naval service by naming this hangar after him underscores our commitment to sustaining a Navy responsive to the challenges of the 21st century," said Wanamaker. "Rear Adm. Delaney was a visionary Naval officer and
civic leader."

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