Part 5 - National Naval Aviation Museum
On the way back from Fort Pickins via the mainland, we drove through the Pensacola Naval Air Station (the home of the Blue Angels), and stopped to see the National Naval Aviation Museum.
Thanks to Bill Center for his tentative identification of the following aircraft.
A-4 Skyhawk
This was once the Blue Angel aircraft and a mainstay during the Vietnam War for close air support of troops.
CH-46D/E Sea Knight
This cargo helicopter has long been the workhorse for the Navy and the Marines.
E-2 Hawkeye
The airplane shown is a reciprocating engine version of an aircraft now using turboprop engines. Otherwise not much has changed with this plane that is used as the eyes of the fleet by extending radar and electronics warfare capability range beyond on-board systems.
A-1 Skyraider
This appears to be one modified as an instrument trainer where the rear portion of the canopy is covered. This airplane, developed for the Navy just after WW II, was used by the Air Force during the Vietnam era for close air support to include protection of helicopters during pilot rescues.