Pensacola Air Show Marks Naval Station’s 200th Anniversary

The two-day event, themed "200 Years Forged Here," featured military and civilian aerial demonstrations, static aircraft displays, aviation exhibits and family-friendly activities. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, concluded the event with the final scheduled performance of their 2026 air show season.

"Since the installation was founded in 1826 as Naval Shipyard Pensacola, our military has been strengthened by the enduring support of the Pensacola community," said Capt. Chandra Newman, commanding officer of NAS Pensacola. "This air show was an opportunity to recognize the generations of individuals who have helped shape this installation's legacy."

The anniversary theme also directly reflects Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle's priority- the Foundry- which emphasizes the total force, shore infrastructure, maintenance depots, schoolhouses, industrial base and intellectual capital required to generate, sustain and modernize naval power. With 60 percent of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps service members launching their careers at NAS Pensacola and countless service members returning to train the next generation of warfighters, NAS Pensacola definitively strikes at the Navy's guiding mantra: Built in the Foundry - Tempered in the Fleet - Forged to Fight.

Throughout the air show, visitors met military and civilian professionals, viewed aircraft and aviation displays and experienced the capabilities of the U.S. Navy and its partners firsthand.

"The service members, students, instructors, maintainers and civilian professionals who call NAS Pensacola home are part of a legacy that continues to grow." said Newman. "As we honor those who came before us, we remain focused on preparing the force for the future."

Founded in 1826, Naval Air Station Pensacola, known as the "Cradle of Naval Aviation," supports operational and training missions for several tenant commands, Naval Air Technical Training Center, Naval Aviation Schools Command and Center for Technical Training. The installation also hosts Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21 and Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23 and serves as the headquarters for Naval Education and Training Command. In addition to an active airfield, NAS Pensacola maintains a deepwater port supporting operations for the U.S. Coast Guard.