CannondaleMan
New member
ellsworb said:You going to Pensacola or Corpus? Or do you know yet? Get the 4Runner. . you're gonna be in training for YEARS. . literally. . you'll have plenty of time to enjoy it!
Naval and Marine Aviators/RIOs are trained at NAS Pensacola, FL and then go on to Corpus Cristi for advanced flight training if in jets.
The Helicopter pilots learn to fly just up the road at NAS Whiting Field in Milton, FL.
Very busy piece of airspace down there between Coasties in Mobile, the Navy & Marine Corps around Pensacola, and Englin AFB just east in Ft. Walton Beach. A little to the Northeast is Ft. Rucker which is home to Army Aviation and around Panama City is Tindell AFB - All within about 200 miles or so of each other.
Simple, the other great museum is National Museum of Naval Aviation at NAS Pensacola. I was stationed at NTTC Corry Station in Pensacola and visited frequently. Still do when the wife and I visit Pensacola every few years. They refurbish old WWII area aircraft as well for museum display. Another of the finest quality museums you will ever see in your life.
Pensacola is also home to the Blue Angels - I used to watch them fly their practices all the time when I was stationed there. Beats the hell out of the Thunderbirds anyday.
The beaches there are PHENOMINAL. Go over 3 mile bridge on Route 98 to Santa Rosa Island/Pensacola Beach and get away from all the build up there and there are a few miles of beaches untouched by development on either end of the island. Beautiful white sand beaches that are as fine as granulated sugar on the Gulf of Mexico. Beware the Tiger Sharks and Jellyfish though.
Very large number of retirees there too. No one badmouths the military in that area. Might go there next year, perhaps we'll have to get together since you'll be there for a year.
And I agree, keep the 4 Runner. Between TBS and flight school you are looking at about 2-3 years before you are off to your final duty station.