The Golden Eagles, the Early and Pioneer Naval Aviators Association, was originally founded by a group of Naval Aviators who were guests of the Navy on a cruise aboard USS Forrestal (CVA-59),16-18 September 1956. From that group of World War I era Naval Aviators emerged an organization consisting of pioneers in the development of new concepts, distinguished combat pilots, and those who have received special citations for unusual, outstanding performance, or otherwise warrant special consideration.