A few months ago I visited the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. On the level of Washington D.C.’s National Air and Space Museum, it does not disappoint. Aviation collections span the history of air and military flight operations. Artifacts include World War I era planes, helicopters, spacecraft, Marine One, and jet aircraft.
The museum is overwhelming. Plan on at least 2-3 hours to walk through the entire museum. To make the experience more focused and educational, study the exhibit page beforehand. The purpose and missions of particular aircraft can help high school students appreciate the history and technology.
The museum offers several opportunities:
- Located within Naval Air Station Pensacola–home of the Blue Angels–visitors have opportunities to watch practices.
- The museum has flight simulators.
- Homeschool and STEM opportunities are offered, though I have not personally experienced these events.
It helps to go with someone who knows military aircraft. A couple staff members were knowledgeable about the exhibits. Military personnel were also stationed their supporting museum operations.
One book in the gift shop caught my attention: An Autobiography by Gen. James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle, I Could Never Bo So Lucky Again.
A Marine helicopter
Museum at a glance:
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