The Cradle of Naval Aviation
Over the course of 100 years, NAS Pensacola has played a part in the training of thousands of personnel, regardless of rank or aviation community, to pursue careers in Naval Aviation and earn coveted "Navy Wings." Wherever these wings may carry them, their roots are always at NAS Pensacola — the true "Cradle of Naval Aviation"
A Century of Service
NAS Pensacola has operated continuously in providing training for Naval Aviation's most treasured asset — its people. This monument commemorates the centennial of the Navy's first air station, founded on the shores of Pensacola in 1914.
Dedicated 21 November 2014
Admiral John H. Towers
Naval Aviator Number 3
Lieutenant Jack Towers arrived in Pensacola on 20 January 1914, to establish the Navy's first flying school and days later made the maiden flight from what would become NAS Pensacola. From 1928 to 1947, he was the earliest designated Naval Aviator still serving on active duty. His campaign to make air power a central component of U.S. Navy operations reaching fruition during World War II and enduring to this day.
"Having benefited from the many accomplishments of generations past, the possibilities envisioned 100 years
ago have become reality. NAS Pensacola continues to train the world's best warfighters in the full spectrum of aviation, aviation maintenance, aerospace medicine, information dominance and many other enabling areas of national security."
Captain Keith Hoskins
Commanding Officer
Naval Air Station Pensacola
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