VERO BEACH — A late pilot who served in World War II and the Korean War was honored at a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Vero Beach Regional Airport.

The ceremony also honored the airport, which was previously the Vero Beach Naval Air Station during the wars. It began at 9:30 a.m. Friday in the airport lobby, 3400 Cherokee Road, and lasted until about 10:30 a.m.

Lt. John Carney, who moved to Vero Bech in 1962, served as a pilot trainee at the naval air station, according to airport staff. His wife, Ms. Alma Carney, donated her late husband’s original flight gear to the Indian River County Historical Society to be put on display at the ceremony.

Some of that gear included Carney’s hats, suit, pilot mask and pilot suit. Also on display were pictures of John Carney during his service in the wars.

“She knew I could find a place for the artifacts,” said historical society president Carolyn Bayless. Bayless said the airport used to be the Vero Beach Naval Air Station.

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Nearly 100 people were in attendance at the ceremony. Seven people spoke at the event, including Alma Carney, her daughter Deborah Mace Bayless, Airport Director Ericson Menger, Vero Beach Mayor Laura Moss and County Commissioner Tim Zorc.

Moss joined Alma Carney as she cut the ribbon, followed by rounds of applause. Also in attendance were John Carney’s grandson, John Mace, of Vero Beach, and Carney’s nephew, Robert Carney Jr.

John Carney attended nine flight schools, including the one in Vero Beach where he trained from 1944 to 1945.

He received multiple honors including the distinguished flying cross, gold star, bronze star, air medal and navy occupational medal.