Daniel M. Rusk, Jr. (1922-2013) was the only “Centurion” -- ever -- aboard the aircraft carrier “Hornet". (A Centurion is a pilot who makes 100 or more landings on a carrier). He did, in fact, serve on nine different flattops in WWII. After the war, he continued with the Navy as a flight instructor and served as an aide to Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr.
Dan has given nearly seven decades to Naval and Delaware aviation and, in his 80’s, is still going strong. His career began in 1942 when he enlisted in the Navy and was commissioned as an ensign. At his request, he was transferred in 1944 to a fighter squadron in the Pacific, where he served until war’s end.
In 1963, after more than 20 years of service, Dan retired as a commander. He joined Atlantic Aviation, a world leader in aircraft sales for Beechcraft, Grumman, Piper and Bell Helicopter, and Delaware’s largest aviation company. He rose rapidly to vice president and general manager of its Wilmington division. He oversaw Atlantic's operations throughout the country, until his retirement in 1988.
Dan embarked on yet another aviation career in 1992 by starting Airframe Management to construct aircraft hangars. The company recently finished a project in Bucks County and has plans for other projects in the area.
