Among the most visited museums in the state of Florida, Pensacola's National Naval Aviation Museum is the largest museum of its kind in the world. Situated on the grounds of the Pensacola Naval Air Station, the museum outlines the history of naval aviation in America, spanning nearly a century.
The centerpiece of this fine museum is the more than 150 planes that are on display both inside and outside the museum. The aircraft represent Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviation and are from a variety of eras. Many are historic and several are one-of-a-kind.
Inside the museum is 300,000 square feet of display space. The main glass and steel atrium includes four A-4 Skyhawks of Blue Angels fame and an accompanying display educates visitors as to the history and grandeur of the Blue Angels and those who were members of the elite flying team. An IMAX film about the Angels also gives guests a chance to "fly'' with the world-renowned group of pilots.
Other planes on display include bi-planes from World War I, many of which survived epic battles of that Great War. The West Wing of the museum is totally dedicated to the World War II era, when aircraft played a huge role in the victory of the Allied Forces. A full-size replica of the USS Cabot's aircraft carrier island and flight deck is part of the museum as is a variety of other famous WWII craft, including the Hellcat, Corsair, and Dauntless.
In order to view all the aircraft that belong to the National Naval Aviation Museum, guests are offered an opportunity to partake of a 20-minute free bus tour to view the approximately 40 aircraft displayed on the flight line behind the museum's Restoration hangar.
The museum also offers other displays in addition to the aircraft. Exhibits profile the human side of naval aviation and include displays of old uniforms, photographs, charts, and other items that were essential to the life and work of naval aviators. Dioramas portray scenes from World War I and World War II and help visitors gain an insight on what life was like during those eras. Displays about particularly notable aviators are also part of the mix.
A 15-passenger Motion-Based Flight Simulator allows visitors to "fly'' an F/A-18 aircraft on a mission during Desert Storm and cockpit trainers give visitors of all ages the chance to take a pretend test flight. This hands-on experience is a favorite with the museum's young visitors and is included with museum admission.
The on-site Cubi Bar Caf, is a replica of the NAS Cubi Point Officers' Club, in the Republic of the Philippines. This club was open for 40 years and upon closing in 1992, many of the artifacts at the club were shipped to the National Naval Aviation Museum for display. The caf, serves light fare in a fun and historic setting. A gift shop is also on hand at the museum, which is open daily except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
On our Med. Cruise in 1952 we anchored in the Villefrance, Fr. harbor just east of Nice. This is the only harbor deep enough near Nice that can accomodate large ships. By the time the first Liberty call
was announced when we got ashore the local photographer had hand- colored photos (8 1/2" x 20")of the ship for purchase. Much to my surprise there I am painting the 28 on the island, really just a dark line so I didn't say cheese! Couldn't have asked for a more memorable souvenir.
We then went to NAS Pensacola for a year and relieved the USS Montery for carrier qualifications by USN pilot trainees. One day a group of VIPs came aboard to watch the Blue Angels perform for them and one of the guests asked me to hold his old gray fedora so it wouldn't blow overboard. I immediately recognized Capt. Edward "Eddie" V. Richenbacher WWI ace and at the time president of Eastern Air Lines.
How lucky can a 20 yr. old kid from Da Bronx get?