NAS Pensacola, Fla. — (OBA) — The United States Navy is marking its 251st birthday this year. NAS Pensacola is 112 years old, though the underlying military installation dates to the Pensacola Navy Yard, founded 200 years ago. NAS Pensacola has long served as the Navy's primary aviation training hub. It earned the nickname "Cradle of Naval Aviation" and continues to live up to it.

The Navy was officially founded on October 13, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized two armed vessels to intercept British supply ships during the American Revolution. This year, October 13, 2026, marks the 251st anniversary of that decision. NAS Pensacola was established on January 20, 1914, evolving from the original Pensacola Navy Yard. Naval Aviation Schools Command hosted a Navy Ball on October 2, 2026, at the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola, drawing nearly 600 service members and civilians.

The 2026 Navy Ball featured the theme "Unwavering Vigilance, Unmatched Lethality." Adm. Karl Thomas, Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, delivered the keynote address. NASC Commanding Officer Capt. Ron Rumfelt noted that the base trains naval aviators, aviation maintenance technicians, aircrew, rescue swimmers, and cyber warfare specialists. More than 50,000 students train at NAS Pensacola each year.

NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Chandra Newman spoke about the bond between the base and the surrounding community. "For two hundred years, this city and this base have shared a single soul," she said. "Through hurricanes and heartaches, through war and peace, this community has welcomed young service members into their homes."

The Blue Angels, the Navy's official flight demonstration team, are based at NAS Pensacola and have been flying since 1946. The team flies F/A-18 Super Hornets and completed 54 shows in 28 cities in 2026. The 2026 season centered on America's 250th birthday.

Gulf Coast fans still have chances to see the team practice before the season wraps up. Public practice sessions are scheduled for October 14, 20, and October 28. The 14th and 28th practices are autograph-signing days at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Practices are weather-dependent. 

The Blue Angels' Homecoming Air Show is scheduled for November 6 and 7 at NAS Pensacola. The annual event draws large crowds from across the region, and admission is free. The viewing area is on the Museum Flight Line, north of the National Naval Aviation Museum.

The National Naval Aviation Museum draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It showcases aircraft spanning naval aviation history and remains among the country's most visited military museums. Together, the museum and the Blue Angels help keep the Navy's heritage alive for the public.