The National Naval Aviation Museum will expand its reopening to include all holders of Department of Defense (DoD) identification and Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) holders with either a service connected disability or who are a former POW or recipient of the Purple Heart or Medal of Honor beginning on Thursday, 15 October 2020. Museum hours of operation will continue to be Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
“Phase 1 has been very successful and it has been a wonderful sight to see our active duty personnel and their families enjoying our exhibits, especially in recent weeks where a visit provided a break in the aftermath of Hurricane Sally,” said Museum Director CAPT Sterling Gilliam, USN (Ret.). “We are excited to move into Phase 2, which will return us to the visitation parameters that existed before our closure in March due to COVID-19.” The timeline for the final phase is yet to be determined as the museum awaits a Navy decision on security protocols that allow the public to access NAS Pensacola.
For Phase 2, DoD identification card holders may bring guests on board as long as they have valid government-issued identification and are traveling in the same vehicle. VHIC holders may sponsor their family for a visit to the museum. However, they must come to the Visitor Control Center (VCC) located adjacent to the main gate of the air station to obtain their credentials.
All visitors must bring their own masks and wear them at all times while inside the museum. As with Phase 1, there are defined paths around the aircraft and some exhibits will remain closed to ensure social distancing. The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation will operate its Giant Screen Theater at reduced capacity and there will be limited refreshments available. The popular Cubi Bar Café will not be open at this time.
For further information, please call 850-452-2894 or visit our website at www.navalaviationmuseum.org.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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