The National Museum of Naval Aviation is one of the largest & most Informative Maritime, Air, & History Museums in the World.
This museum traces the history of U.S. Naval Aviation from it humble beginnings in 1914 to present.
There's so much to see and do, you'll want to stay all day!
& want to return again.
This Naval Museum, preserving the history of Naval Aviation, is the most visited museum in the State of Florida. There is no charge for admission.
"The Cabot (CVL-28) was laid down as Wilmington (CL-79), re-designated CV-28 on 2 June 1942, renamed Cabot 23 June 1942, converted while building, and launched 4 April 1943 by New York Shipbuilding Co., Camden, N.J.; sponsored by Mrs. A. C. Read; reclassified CVL-28 on 15 July 1943; and commissioned 24 July 1943, Captain M. F. Shoeffel in command.
Recommissioned 27 October 1948, Cabot was assigned to the Naval Air Reserve training program. She operated out of Pensacola, then Quonset Point, on cruises to the Caribbean, and had one tour of duty in European waters from 9 January to 26 March 1952. Cabot was again placed out of commission in reserve 21 January 1955. She was reclassified AVT-3 on 15 May 1959."
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"Naval Aviation transcends both time and space, from wood and fabric biplanes, to the frontiers of space, & the ships that carry the planes. The Museum captures Naval Aviation's heritage and brings its story of challenge, ingenuity, and courage to you.
The National Museum of Naval Aviation is one of the largest and most beautiful Naval museums in the world. Share in the excitement of Naval Aviation's rich history. See over 140 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Aviation. These historic and one-of-a-kind aircraft are displayed both inside the Museum's 291,000 square feet of exhibit space and outside on the Museum's 37-acre grounds.
The West Wing is devoted almost exclusively to World War II carrier aviation and showcases a full-size replica of USS Cabot's aircraft carrier island and flight deck. Famous World War II aircraft such as the Corsair, Dauntless and Hellcat stand nearby ready for take-off on the wooden flight deck, while other magnificent birds like the Wildcat, Avenger and Kingfisher fly overhead. Kids of all ages love strapping into the many cockpit trainers for pretend test flights or trying their hands at defending a ship from Cabot's anti-aircraft gun battery. And they can experience the thrill of flight in our 15-passenger full motion flight simulator.
Soar with the Blue Angels in the dazzling seven-story glass and steel atrium that showcases four A-4 Skyhawks in a diving diamond formation. View them at eye-level from the mezzanine. Retrace the first flight across the Atlantic; Enjoy guided tours; fly an F/A-18 mission in Desert Storm through our motion-based flight simulator. See The Magic of Flight, our own IMAX® film projected on a seven-story high screen, and feel like you've had a bona fide ride with the Blue Angels.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at the CubiBar Cafe, decorated with over 1000 squadron and unit plaques reassembled from the historic Officers' Club at Cubi Point in the Philippines.
Take the Flight Line Bus Tour on a free 20-minute tour of the approximately 40 aircraft displayed on the flight line behind our Restoration hangar.
The Museum also tells the human side of Naval Aviation and features memorabilia from each era of fighting including personal mementos from historic battles, flight logs, vintage equipment, and flight clothing."
All text for this waymark was sourced from the Museum Brochure & several websites: (
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Location Address: 1750 Radford Blvd. N.A.S. Pensacola, FL USA 32508
Hours of Operation:
The Museum is open to the public from 9:00am to 5:00pm seven days a week, 362 days each year, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day."