National Naval Aviation Museum...

After a lovely two-and-a-half weeks in southern Indiana, we drove down to Pensacola Beach, Florida, last Wednesday. We went through the states of Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama before reaching the Florida coast. Here we spent a relaxing couple of days swimming and taking in the attractions that Pensacola has to offer. One of those attractions is the acclaimed National Naval Aviation Museum, which Candace and I visited last Thursday. (19th July.) There were many fascinating exhibits and scores of aeroplanes. I particularly enjoyed the model aircraft carriers that were on display. And the best thing about the day was that the museum has a free entry - which is quite unbelievable considering the amazing content!

Here are many more photos from our day at the National Naval Aviation Museum!

Before we arrived at the museum, we passed the impressive Advanced Redoubt fort.

It was built between 1845 and 1870 and saw action in the American Civil War.

 Narrow slits from which soldiers could fire upon the advancing enemy.

 The first exhibit we looked at was the history of US aircraft carriers as displayed in model ships!

 Inside the cockpit of a former Blue Angels jet. The Blue Angels are the aerobatic display team of the US Navy.

 A Japanese Zero fighter jet soars above Candace.

 The first jet-powered fighter, the Messerschmidt Me-262.

 A WWI era fighter biplane.

 Harrier jump-jet. I have a model of one of these jets hanging from my ceiling in Cape Town.

 F-4 Phantom II fighter jet.

 US Coast Guard helicopter - HH-52 Seaguard.

 Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King helicopter that has been used to transport past presidents of the USA. When the President is onboard a helicopter, it will use the call sign "Marine One".

 Lifelike Richard Nixon in the cabin of the helicopter.

 Many, many planes in the main hanger.

 Blue Angels jets hanging from the ceiling.

 There was also a section that portrayed life in WWII America.

WWII desert warfare display.

 And we thought ship showers were strict!

 Bell AH-1 Cobra.

 US Navy banners.

Hanger Bay One.