Apollo 15 CMP Al Worden to Visit Birthplace of Powered Flight for Apollo 11 50th Anniversary

Free public event at Currituck Whalehead Club on July 18 will feature “Behind the Scenes” discussion of the Apollo 11 mission, including rare film footage and photos.

Corolla, NC (15 July) – Col. Al Worden, (USAF Ret.) Command Module Pilot, Apollo 15 will be presenting “Apollo 11: Behind the Scenes” at the Whalehead Club, in Corolla, NC, Thursday July 18th (8:00-9:00pm).

As support for Apollo 9, back-up crew-member for Apollo 12, and primary on Apollo 15, Worden is uniquely qualified to share insights and experiences that led to mankind’s greatest technological accomplishment — landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to Earth.

“It’s been a lifelong endeavor reaching out to and sharing my experiences with the next generation of explorers. Getting to Mars and beyond is going to take all kinds of talent, not just pilots and navigators, but men and women of every discipline. The methodical approach we took on Apollo sets an example for programs in the future – and that future starts now.”

“I’m excited to make my first visit to the Outer Banks and the birthplace of heavier-than-air flight.  When Apollo 15’s Saturn V lifted off, we were, at that time, the heaviest object to ever lift off the ground at nearly 7,000,000 lbs.  Throughout my life, as I’m sure every pilots does, I’ve appreciated the determination and innovative spirit the Wright Brothers demonstrated and know how much we owe them as we reached for and achieved our Lunar objectives,” shared Col. Worden.

Worden’s presentation will feature film clips and rarely-seen Apollo 11 photos giving the audience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear from one of the 12 remaining Apollo lunar explorers.   As CMP on Apollo 15, Worden was also the first man to ever perform a deep-space “EVA” (space walk) just outside Lunar orbit.  His 65-solo revolutions around the moon also earned him the Guinness Book of World Records recognition as the most isolated man ever.  

Since his mission in 1971, Al has dedicated his life to inspiring the next generation of students and explorers.   “It’s been a lifelong endeavor reaching out to and sharing my experiences with young men and women around the world.  Getting to Mars and beyond is going to take all kinds of talent, not just pilots and navigators, but men and women of every discipline.  The methodical approach we took on Apollo sets an example for programs in the future – and that future starts now.”

Twiddy & Company, Currituck Travel and Tourism and Kallman Worldwide Inc, the New Jersey based air show organizers have sponsored Col. Worden’s visit to the Outer Banks.  Clark Twiddy of Twiddy & Company remarked, “We’re honored to have such an American hero in our ranks and very excited to spend time with Al Worden.  Twiddy & Company has supported numerous events like this, but on the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11, this is a particularly special opportunity for our guests and the entire Outer Banks community.”

Tom Kallman, President & CEO of Kallman Worldwide adds, “Al plans to visit the Wright Brothers Memorial, view the beaches from a bi-plane, and watch the sunset from the Outer Banks like millions before him!  We’re just happy that so many people will be able to learn about the Apollo program and especially Apollo 11 from someone who was right there in the middle of it.”

Admission to the “Apollo 11: Behind the Scenes” presentation is free of charge and will take place on the North Lawn at the Whalehead Club beginning at 8:00pm.
 

Check out the Facebook Event page for more details