Gen. Jones is the Navy's 25th 'Honorary Aviator'.

• Position: Gen. James L. Jones

In appreciation for his role in securing the integration of Navy and Marine Corps tactical aviation, the chief of naval operations made Gen. James L. Jones an Honorary Naval Aviator earlier this year. Jones, who was the commandant of the Marine Corps until January 2003, joined an elite group of only 25 people who have ever received that award.

The chief of naval operations can bestow honorary "Wings of Gold" on an individual whose contributions to naval aviation are deemed of "truly extraordinary nature."

In a ceremony at the CNO's office on January 10, Adm. Vernon Clark pinned the gold wings on Gen. Jones. Also in attendance was Vice CNO and senior naval aviator Adm. William Fallon.

The practice of designating 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," said Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Matt McLaughlin.

Former recipients include Vice Adm. Hyman C. Rickover, Sen. John Warner, Adm. Arleigh Burke, Gen. James Doolittle and Bob Hope.

Jones, who is now the 14th Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, was the 32nd commandant of the Marine Corps. Upon becoming Honorary Naval Aviator No. 25, he was presented a Navy leather flight jacket, a set of Naval Aviator gold wings (donated by the Marine Corps Aviation Association) and a certificate designating him as the 25th Honorary Naval Aviator.

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