Cold Spaghetti

Thursday morning was the end of our beach vacation — we checked out early and decided to visit the US Naval base in Pensacola, home of the Blue Angels and of the US Naval Air Museum. (Also the location of my father’s first post-Naval Academy assignment… he was a star flyer when he decided to give it all up for nuclear engineering and submarines, but that’s another story.)
The Museum was spectacular. I was so impressed at how well they showcased the technology, history, and challenges of flight, aviation, and conflict — without glorifying war or simplifying the complex issues of wartime history. It also did what we’d hope it would: give Will an interest in planes, engines, and technology over the good/bad ideas he’s struggling with. (More on this later.)
The above is Kate with a turbo jet engine — they had several engines out and cut aside to show the intake and compressors (very cool and educational; I learned a lot!)
This is a real “air boat” used for sea rescues. It was cut away at the sides as a teaching tool post WWII and then renovated for the museum a few years ago. People were certainly smaller 50 years ago!
The top of an actual aircraft carrier. There were several scale carrier models throughout the Museum. We looked for ones that my Dad had worked on (specifically the George Washington, which Paul and I actually walked UNDERNEATH while it was in dry dock in Norfolk Naval Shipyard while Dad was in command. Will did not grasp the coolness of his parents having walked underneath an aircraft carrier; nor of his PapPap building them.)
I was fascinated by the WWII propaganda materials. (Above is Admiral Nimitz, a WWII general whose name went to the USS Nimitz, a supercarrier built in the 70s. My Dad has something about the USS Nimitz up in his office… service award? photograph? fleet certificate?… so this poster stood out in my mind.)
Below is part of a 1950s-ear “Main Street USA” — I didn’t see this part as I was running Kate around in the toddler play area downstairs — Paul has been raving about how well it was done.
Planes, planes, and more planes. Very well organized and designed space.


Will sat in the cockpit of a Blue Angels jet, a F-14 jet plane, and a ton of others.

We decided this was definitely worth a trip from New Orleans just to visit. There is also an impressive IMAX (showing Hurricane on the Bayou right now along with several flight-related shows, including one of the Smithsonian flight movies I remember from years ago) and a little restaurant. (And a ton of retirees just WAITING to help visitors through the exhibits.) Oh, and did I mention it’s free? Next time, my Dad needs to be there, too!