• View
• Edit
• History
• Print

Pensacola Florida

Pensacola, Fla., is the Cradle of Naval Aviation? for two reasons. It was the first base designated a Naval AIR Station in 1914. It is also the training grounds for new Navy pilots.

Pensacola is the summer home of the Blue Angels? aeronautic team. The best pilots in the Navy demonstrate their precision skills before thousands of people around the world every year. They perform two air shows in Pensacola each year, in July over Pensacola Beach? and in November, at the base, when the Blues return from their winter training grounds in California.

Because of its rich aviation history, NAS Pensacola is the site of the National Museum of Naval Aviation?. Visitors can see a variety of aircraft, uniforms, photos, and other mementos of Navy flight.

Ft. Barrancas is located here and participated in civil war battles. It is currently open to the public since renovation several years ago.

Pensacola is also know as the City of Five Flags, it has flown the flags of Spanish, French, Confederate, USA, and Florida state flag.

Pensacola is also known for its beautiful white sand beaches. The Gulf of Mexico, off Pensacola Beach, can be a dangerous place, though. Rip currents have killed many visiting tourists, and at least a couple of people in recent years have been bitten by bull sharks. With caution, the beach is a beautiful place to spend a day.

About 25 miles offshore, experienced divers can visit the largest intentionally-sunk artificial reef. Oriskany is an 888-foot aircraft carrier sunk in 2006. Veterans who served aboard the Mighty "O" say they are proud the ship has a new purpose, instead of being turned into scrap metal for recycling.