BMWNEF
PENSACOLA, NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM RE-CAP
Dear Members:
We had a great turn out for the Naval Aviation Museum and Blue Angels practice day. Despite being an overnight, mid-week event we had 17 members and friends in attendance.
Our group met at the hotel and made our way to the Bavaria Pensacola Restaurant for a “taste of Bavaria” dinner. We had great service from the young man who single-handedly took care of our group.
We had been briefed by our intrepid “advance party of One, Shep Brown and another museum docent to arrive early for the Blue Angels practice.
We left the hotel at 7:45AM and made our way to the waiting area of Naval Air Station Pensacola.
After entry we assembled at the re-work facility and were met by Mike Allen, Directory of the facility.
Mr. Allen then led us on a tour, explaining the restoration process.
As an example of the time required to restore an aircraft Mr. Allen used the F4U Corsair, pictured below as an example.
This corsair was pulled from Lake Michigan after 60+ years. It has been under restoration for over 18 years.
Restoration is a time consuming and expensive process.
Next we assembled to see the Blue Angels perform a “flat” or “Low” show. A scud layer of clouds prevented any high “over the top” maneuvers.
Regardless, the Blues put on an excellent show. At the conclusion of the practice session attendees were encouraged to tour the Naval Aviation Museum.
A special note of thanks goes out to Shep Brown. Shep arranged the excellent restaurant, procured preferred parking and arranged front row VIP seating for the Blue Angel practice viewing. Great Job Shep!!
Thanks to all who attended. We’ll return in a couple of years and do it all again.
Ride Safely