DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
2000 NAVY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON DC 20350-2000
OPNAVINST 1650.35A
N98
17 Apr 2018
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 1650.35A
From: Chief of Naval Operations
Subj: HONORARY NAVAL AVIATOR DESIGNATION
Encl: (1) Sample Honorary Naval Aviator Designation Certificate
1. Purpose. To establish orderly procedures and guidelines for nominating and designating
certain outstanding individuals to become honorary naval aviators, and to assign responsibility
for management and maintenance of the official list of honorees. This instruction is being
reissued with a new date, updated version and signature authority to meet Chief of Naval
Operations’ (CNO) age requirement for Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV)
instructions.
2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 1650.35.
3. Scope and Applicability. This instruction is applicable to CNOs N-codes; Commander, U.S.
Fleet Forces Command; Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Commander, Navy Installations Com-
mand; naval component commanders; type commanders; systems commands; regional com-
manders; and all subordinate commands.
4. Responsibility. Commander, Naval Air Forces (COMNAVAIRFOR) will manage the pro-
gram. Final approval of the nomination is made by CNO. The Naval History and Heritage
Command (NAVHISTHERITAGECOM) will assist COMNAVAIRFOR in the maintenance of
the official list of honorees.
5. Background. The practice of officially designating certain outstanding individuals as
honorary naval aviators began in October 1949. This designation is not conferred lightly, and
the contributions rendered to naval aviation by those so honored have been of a truly
extraordinary nature. In recognition of an individual’s service, an honorary naval aviator
designation is bestowed on the individual with the right to wear the “Wings of Gold.”
6. Selection Criteria
a. Nominees may be either military or civilian.
b. Nominees need not be qualified pilots.
