National Flight Academy Launched Aboard Pensacola Naval Air Station

May 7, 2011

In the tradition of the U.S. Navy, as bottles of American sparkling wine were smashed across a symbolic “bow” of the land-based training ship, Ambition (CVT-11), the National Flight Academy (NFA) was christened Friday at the National Naval Aviation Museum.

Supported by a $2 million donation from Northrop Grumman Corporation, the NFA is the newest learning center in the United States to support advancing America’s next generation of students interested in science, technology, engineering and math careers.

With local dignitaries and Navy leadership in attendance, Apollo 17 Astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Capt. Gene Cernan, presented a stirring keynote address, calling on America’s children to experience this academy to help them reach for the stars. Cernan was joined by Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, who is also a member of the academy’s board of advisors. Apollo 13 Commander and retired U.S. Navy Capt. Jim Lovell is also on the board.

Located adjacent to the existing National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station Pensacola, the NFA is a 102,000 square foot four-story structure designed to be fully immersive and interactive. The facility will host 246 middle and high school students at a time, who can attend a five-day or two-day in-residence program, participating in a realistic and intensive training course that combines classroom fundamentals with hands-on experiences. In this unique high-tech adventure, students join a squadron and engage in missions, based on real-world experiences. The NFA will accept students beginning summer 2012.

“The NFA’s adventure begins with a land-based, simulated training aircraft carrier, Ambition (CVT-11). Each deck of Ambition is designed to realistically simulate a modern aircraft carrier,” said retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Gerald Hoewing, president and chief executive officer of the National Flight Academy Foundation. “The first deck houses the galley, mess deck, administrative spaces and the main simulator bays. The second deck is dedicated to academic spaces and contains all of the Simulation and Immersion Center spaces. The third and fourth decks house berthing, student aviator lounges and activity rooms.”

“Too many years have passed for me to still be the last man to have left his footprints on the moon. I believe with all my heart that somewhere out there is a boy or girl with indomitable will and courage who will lift that dubious distinction from my shoulders and take us back where we belong,” said Cernan. “We need to allow children to reach for the stars and the National Flight Academy will help them do that.”

All this week, Pensacola has celebrated its aviation week heritage with a special tribute to the Centennial of Naval Aviation which is now underway.

Pictured top: The symbolic bow of the National Flight Academy is christened Friday aboard Pensacola Naval Air Station. Pictured inset: Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems Sector Vice President Jim Zortman joins Apollo 11 Astronaut Neil Armstrong and American Journalist and media host David Hartman at the christening of the National Flight Academy. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News