The Cradle of Naval Aviation

Pensacola, FL, is a 100% Navy town. You could call it the cradle of naval aviation. Naval pilot and navigator training for fixed-wing and helicopters all takes place in the Pensacola area. Air Force aircraft avoid Pensacola airspace because it is constantly patrolled by T-34's, T-6's, TH-57's and more. Being a Navy town, it's bound to have some great Naval history. Part of that is the Naval Aviation Museum.

AviationBull editors Jason & Jon got to stop by that museum this weekend and it was an outstanding trip!

The museum is chocked full aircraft...everything from gliders to WWII fighters to jets to blimps. The condition of their aircraft is truly unbelievable, but the opportunity to hear about their history from the people who made it is even better. Being a Navy town, Pensacola is full of people who retired from the Navy and are proud to tell their stories. The museum is staffed by volunteers who can say things like: "This was my favorite airplane to fly because..." If you go, be sure to take a guided tour and ask lots of questions!

The museum is aways working on new aircraft too. They have a large restoration hangar outside that gives tours during the week. They also have an IMAX theater and simulators to fly. It's a very interactive place, less formal or cold than the USAF's museum in Ohio, according to Jon. Another great selling point for the museum is that admission is free. The sim and the movies are the only parts of the deal you have to pay for.

Pensacola is also the home of the Navy's Blue Angels. You can watch them fly when they are practicing from the museum of pretty much anywhere around town. (They have a schedule of the practices at the front desk.)

One of our favorite parts of the museum was a room full of cockpits from real Navy aircraft. We got to sit in everything from the A-4 Skyhawk to the UH-1 Cobra and more. We especially liked the F-14. Jon was gracious enough to give me the front seat and deal with being called "Goose" the entire time.

If you get the chance, be sure to go! You can't possibly be disappointed. Be sure to give yourself more than one day or you'll feel rushed. There is so much there to see...

Though Jon and I both chose other branches of the service, we definitely have respect for the aviators who land large aircraft on postage stamps for a living. It was a great experience to see some of their history and we will be going back again. We hope to see you there.