The Coronado Historical Association proudly presents the first lecture in our highly anticipated Spring Wine and Lecture Series. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to hear from Coronado resident Colonel Jim Jamison, USMC (Ret.), as he takes us behind the scenes of history and aviation.
In his engaging lecture, Col. Jamison will unveil exciting plans for a new monument at Naval Base Coronado (NBC) honoring CDR Clyde E. Lassen, USN (Ret.), and his courageous crew. The centerpiece of this tribute is a stunning SH-60F helicopter painted in the Medal of Honor scheme that will “fly as a wingman to VADM Stockdale’s A4 Jet at the end of the Avenue of Heroes. The “helicopter on a stick” is a remarkable collaboration between the USS Midway Museum, Naval Base Coronado, and the Naval Helicopter Association Historical Society (NHAHS).
Col. Jamison will also share captivating stories of his time as a Marine One Helicopter Command pilot, offering an insider’s perspective on what it was like to fly the President of the United States. From high-stakes missions to personal anecdotes, his tales promise to entertain and inspire aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Sip on fine wine, connect with fellow community members, and enjoy an evening filled with fascinating history, heroic feats, and tales from the skies.
Important Registration Information: Capacity is limited and reservations are required. No walk-ins will be admitted.
If you have any questions please email info@coronadohistory.org or call (619) 435-7242.
Speaker Information:
Colonel James F. Jamison, USMC (Ret) was born in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1955. He enlisted in the Marines in 1974 and achieved the rank of Corporal before accepting an appointment to the US Naval Academy. After USNA graduation in 1980, and The Basic School in 1981, he earned his Naval Aviator wings at Pensacola, FL in 1982.
Jim primarily flew UH-1N utility helicopters, deploying with several squadrons. He completed a tour as an instructor pilot at the Fleet Replacement Squadron, before becoming a Forward Air Controller for Battalion Landing Team 2/1. He then served with the Presidential Helicopter Squadron, HMX-1 from 1988-1992 flying as Helicopter Aircraft Commander in the CH-46E and the VH-1N, VH-3D, & VH-60N executive lift helicopters for Presidents Reagan and G.H.W. Bush. Jim did his Joint tour with the U.S. Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois as the Concepts and Technology Officer. He then served as Operations Officer for Marine Air Group 39 before Commanding and deploying HMLA-367 Scarface, a Huey and Cobra squadron, from 1999 to 2001. He was a Senior Fellow for the CNO’s Strategic Studies Group in Newport RI prior to taking command of Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Atlantic from 2003-2005 in Little Creek, VA. Jim then served as Deputy Commander of the U.S. Safety Center in Norfolk, VA (2005-2007) and as the Senior Marine at Commander Naval Air Forces, North Island Naval Air Station where he retired from the Marines in 2009 after thirty-five years in uniform. He took a government civilian position as Chief of Data Requirements on the Joint Staff J6 in Norfolk, VA from 2009-2017. He is currently a Fleet Professor of Joint Maritime Operations for the Naval War College and Chief Instructor for the Marine Corps University’s Expeditionary Warfare School Distance Program.
He is an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. Over the years, he has earned four masters degrees, including a National Security and Strategic Studies Masters, Distinguished Graduate, from the Naval War College in 2001 and a MBA, Outstanding Graduate, from Regent University in 2013. Jim has been married to the former Jamie Gallant of Coronado, CA for over thirty-seven years; together they have three adult children: James, Jr., Joy, and John, and four grandsons.
