Pensacola’s Naval Aviation Museum Soars

Pensacola, Florida is known for its sugary-white sand beaches, delicious Gulf Seafood, and one of the country’s best aviation museums, the National Naval Aviation Museum. Every naval aviator flyboy (or fly girl) comes through Pensacola Naval Air Station to earn their wings of gold. So, what better place to house the nation’s premier collection of Naval Aircraft?

It’s a museum like no other. Here, you can walk aboard the actual wooden flight deck from a World War II aircraft carrier. Travel back in time to Pensacola circa 1940’s to see what life was like as the boys went off to war. Find yourself on a Pacific Island as American forces advance across the Pacific. Walk through a World War II aircraft carrier, complete with a pilot ready room. Go deep below Lake Michigan in search of World War II aircraft. Take a tour of a flight line filled with vintage, historic Navy aircraft. Test your aviation skills inside an F-14 Tomcat simulator.

Then, there’s the impressive collection of airplanes. The museum is land out by period, beginning with the first Navy aircraft. Fantastic displays show just how far aviation came in such a short time period. See the massive NC-4, the first airplane (aka Flying Boat) to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. Marvel at the Blue Angels suspended high above in a 7 story glass atrium. Take a look inside a PBY Catalina. Get your picture taken by a Tomcat, Hellcat, Viper, or Hornet. Peak inside a K-47 flying airship.

And, there’s more. The much anticipated Hanger Bay One opened in late 2010, paying tribute to post World War II aircraft. Walk up the stairs of a Presidential Helicopter that once flew President Nixon. See the Navy’s last flying boat, the SP-5B Marlin. Check out the R4D-5L Skytrain and P2V-1 Neptune.

Make sure to stop at the Cubi Bar Café for a cold drink or sandwich during your visit. It’s a replica of the famed NAS Cubi Point Officer’s Club in the Philippines. The plaques hanging on these walls came directly from the Cubi Club. The food’s great too – the best on the base!

Admission to the National Naval Aviation Museum is absolutely free! Try to take one of the free guided museum tours that are offered throughout the day. The guides are all retired military and provide fantastic insight on the history of Navy aviation. Plus, you can see the Blue Angels practice on select Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year!

For more details, visit www.navalaviationmuseum.org