National Naval Aviation Museum

10/13/2026

700 MPH ejection. 7 Soviet MiGs. Zero oil pressure over the ocean.

When everything goes wrong in the cockpit, training takes over and survival becomes a matter of split-second decisions.

Dropping today, The Ready Room brings you a special compilation episode featuring aviators who survived the brink of death in high-stakes environments.

Inside the Episode:
Supersonic Ejection: Surviving severe physical trauma and icy Atlantic waters after an ejection at 700 MPH.
Dogfight Survival: Landing a heavily damaged jet using only elevator controls after fighting off 7 MiGs.
Environmental Hazards: Navigating rare Antarctic drizzle and wet snow in ski-equipped aircraft.

Subscribe and set your notifications so you don't miss it: Don't forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment with your favorite take away!

10/09/2026

In late 1970, inside a communal cell at the Hanoi Hilton, a Navy flight officer named Mike Christian found a small square of dirty white cloth in a shower gutter.

Every night under his mosquito net, he went to work. He ground up roof tiles for red stripes, used pen ink for blue, and used rice paste as glue. Using a needle fashioned from bamboo, he stitched 50 stars. Every evening, a room of ragged, beaten men stood at attention to salute that flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

When the guards found it, they beat Mike until he was unrecognizable. But the next morning, through swollen eyes and with broken fingers, Mike pulled out his hidden bamboo needle and started sewing a new one.

Listen as Captain Tim "Lucky" Kinsella tells this extraordinary story of hope in the dark.

Tune in to the full episode on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube!

How did 591 American prisoners of war survive years of solitary con...

10/08/2026

🎶 LAST CALL FOR TICKETS! 🎶

Experience the timeless music of Frank Sinatra as Brian Duprey and his 13-piece orchestra take the stage at the National Naval Aviation Museum on Friday, October 23! Join us for cocktail hour at 5:30, followed by the performance beginning at 7:00!

⚠️ BASE ACCESS: Friday, October 9 is the LAST DAY to submit SECNAV Form 5512 for guests without a DoD ID card.

🎟️ Limited tickets remain. Get yours before they’re gone!

TICKETS HERE: https://naval-aviation-museum-foundation.idloom.events/frank-sinatra-symphonic-tribute-brian-duprey

10/08/2026

Dropping Tomorrow: The Unbroken Code of the Hanoi Hilton POWs

When Air Force pilot Guy Gruters sat down at my dinner table, he shared a story my two young sons will never forget. It’s a story of men who fell into the jungle under parachutes and ended up in the infamous "Hanoi Hilton".

They were beaten with fan belts, put in leg irons, and subjected to "the ropes". Yet, through 18-inch brick walls, they built an underground military wing using a simple 5x5 tap code. They taught each other languages, memorized poetry, prayed together, and passed the nightly blessing: GBU (God Bless You).

Tomorrow on Footnotes of History, Captain Tim "Lucky" Kinsella uncovers the resolute dedication, heartbreaking sacrifice, and ultimate triumph of America's Vietnam War POWs.

Set a reminder and subscribe now! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-naval-aviation-ready-room-podcast-with/id1827033159

10/07/2026

With the approaching storm, the museum will be closed beginning Friday, 9 October. We will reopen once it is determined it is safe for visitors to return to NAS Pensacola to access the museum. Please monitor our website and social media platforms for updates.

10/06/2026

Something special is coming to our giant screen! America the Beautiful arrives November 11, bringing America’s extraordinary landscapes, wildlife and natural wonders to the biggest screen.

Stay tuned for the official trailer and special announcements for the premiere!

10/06/2026

Registration closes tomorrow! Don't miss this awesome opportunity.
REGISTER HERE: https://naval-aviation-museum-foundation.idloom.events/gulf-coast-girls-in-aviation-day2026

Registration Closing Soon!
There’s only ONE WEEK LEFT to register for Girls in Aviation Day Gulf Coast 2026 at the National Naval Aviation Museum!

Aspiring aviators ages 8–18 can enjoy hands-on STEM activities, flight simulators, aviation demonstrations and opportunities to meet inspiring women working throughout the aviation industry.

🌟 Keynote Speaker: Ashlee Leppert, U.S. Coast Guard Veteran and Helicopter Rescue Flight Crew
🌟 Special Guest: Emily Shelton, Certified Flight Instructor and Pensacola I-10 emergency landing pilot

REGISTER HERE: https://naval-aviation-museum-foundation.idloom.events/gulf-coast-girls-in-aviation-day2026

Registration closes Wednesday, October 7. All participants ages 8–18 must register to attend.

10/05/2026

Our 650 Extra Entries Flash Contest winner has officially been selected and will receive 650 additional entries into our Sweepstakes Giveaway for the 2026 Range Rover Sport SE!

And the big drawing is getting closer — the overall Giveaway ends THIS MONTH!

There’s still time to enter and increase your chances of taking home the grand prize. Thank you to everyone who has donated and participated so far, and stay tuned as we get closer to finding out who will win the 2026 Range Rover Sport SE!

Enter the Giveaway here: https://www.tapkat.org/naval-aviation-museum-foundation/m9mg6E

10/05/2026

Just TWO WEEKS to go!

On Friday, October 23, the Blue Angels Atrium will transform into an unforgettable concert venue as Brian Duprey and his 13-piece orchestra bring the legendary music of Frank Sinatra to life beneath the historic aircraft of the National Naval Aviation Museum.

Experience the timeless classics you know and love, the energy of a live orchestra, and the magic of a truly one-of-a-kind setting. ✨

🍸 Cash Bar Cocktail Hour: 5:30 p.m.
🎶 Performance: 7:00 p.m.

Get your tickets here: https://naval-aviation-museum-foundation.idloom.events/frank-sinatra-symphonic-tribute-brian-duprey

🎟️ Limited tickets remain! Don't miss your chance to experience this spectacular evening.

10/05/2026

2 Days Left to Register for Girls In Aviation Day Gulf Coast 2026!
Register here: https://naval-aviation-museum-foundation.idloom.events/gulf-coast-girls-in-aviation-day2026

We're excited to introduce our guest speakers who will be joining us for this year's Girls in Aviation Day Gulf Coast!

Keynote Speaker: Ashlee Leppert
A proud U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Ashlee served as an avionics electrical technician and helicopter rescue flight crew member. Today, she is passionate about encouraging and inspiring others.

Special Guest: Emily Shelton
A Certified Flight Instructor with more than 1,300 flight hours, Emily demonstrated incredible skill and composure when engine trouble forced her to safely land a Piper PA-28 on I-10 in Pensacola, avoiding traffic and an overhead highway sign with no injuries.

Join us October 17 at the National Naval Aviation Museum for Girls in Aviation Day Gulf Coast 2026 and hear from these incredible women while exploring the many opportunities aviation has to offer!

Register here: https://naval-aviation-museum-foundation.idloom.events/gulf-coast-girls-in-aviation-day2026