Naval Air Station Pensacola will reopen its most popular public attractions beginning Friday, Nov. 14, with limited hours and heightened security measures in place.
- The reopening marks the return of public access to two of Pensacola’s most popular attractions: the National Naval Aviation Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of naval aircraft, and the historic Pensacola Lighthouse, which has stood watch over Pensacola Bay since 1859.
Limited Daily Access Hours
Public access to the installation will be available from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. daily starting Nov. 14. According to a media advisory released by the NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Office, all visitors must enter through the West Gate only, located at the south end of Blue Angel Parkway.
- The base is warning the public to expect significant traffic on opening day and throughout the reopening period.
Strict ID Requirements
All U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals age 18 and older must present either a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or a passport for entry. Real ID-compliant identification cards are marked with a star in the upper right corner.
“As a federal entity, any identification card used for base access must be compliant with the REAL ID Act of 2005,” the advisory states.
Foreign nationals are authorized access but must be escorted by a U.S. citizen, who will undergo a background check upon arrival. Foreign visitors must present specific documentation, including a permanent Resident Card, Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551), or a foreign passport with appropriate temporary stamps or printed notifications.
Parking Limitations May Cause Access Delays
Installation access for visitors is directly dependent on available parking at the National Naval Aviation Museum and Pensacola Lighthouse. Once parking lots reach capacity, public access will be halted until spaces become available.
Base officials plan to establish temporary traffic control points on the installation to prevent public access to other areas of the base beyond the designated attractions.
Cemetery Access Remains Unchanged
Access to Barrancas National Cemetery remains available at all times through the Visitor Control Center at the Main Gate for anyone with family members interred at the cemetery.
What’s Not Allowed
The base has implemented strict restrictions for all visitors during public access hours:
- No weapons of any kind, including firearms and knives (this applies even to Concealed Weapon Permit holders)
- No backpacks or coolers (diaper bags and medically required bags are acceptable but subject to search)
- No alcoholic beverages
- No drones (the advisory warns that countermeasures will be taken against drones)
- No boats or boat trailers
- Persons with felony convictions are not authorized base access
All vehicles and personnel are subject to security searches and background checks.
The public can follow updates on the NAS Pensacola Facebook page and Twitter (@NASPCOLA).