An amazing collection of aviation history, an IMAX theater, cafe, and gift shop - the National Museum of Naval Aviation is the naval twin of the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, OH. These museums are so much more than a collection of airplanes, they not only attempt to preserve the progress of aviation, but also to teach and provide the visitor with a sometimes personal look into the aviation experience.
The Naval Museum houses a large number of aircraft in a crowded display space (at least for picture taking), highlighted by four former Blue Angel aircraft (A-4 Skyhawks) suspended in an atrium. There was definitely more to see than I could take in over the course of a few hours.
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| Blue Angels |
While you're in the area, consider a stop at the Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base, about an hour away.
For Photographers...
It is sometimes difficult to single out one aircraft from the rest of the pack - but who doesn't like a challenge? It also goes without saying that a tripod is needed to maximize your depth of field in the low light.