I went to the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola.
The museum is filled with real naval fighter planes, they had every kind of plane that had served as well as its story.
I took a tour with a former navy pilot who flew jets and landed them on aircraft carriers, he showed us all the important jets and planes in US history.
Many of the jets on display were recovered from the bottom of Lake Michigan, it is where they trained pilots to land on carriers during WWII. Because they didn’t have enough carriers, they converted normal boats. There were so many accidents there, over 100 jet planes ended up in the water.
Once returning back I climbed into the cockpit of a few fighter jets and checked out their instrument panels, I also saw a jet engine and was excited as I knew all the parts!
While looking at the jet engine I had a question so I saw a man in a flight suit walk past.
I decided to ask him, he was very nice and told me he didn’t work in the museum but would be able to help, I took him to the engine and he explained all about it thoroughly.
He then told me that he was a pilot of one of the fighter jets that was on display, he flew this plane in 1969 and also served in the Vietnam war.
His name is CMD Ed Guilbert and the plane he flew is being displayed with his name on it.
I went to see Fort Barrancas, it is a big fort designed to keep out intruders from coming into the port. It was built in 1698 by the Spanish. It played a big part in the American civil war, it was abandoned by the Union (North) forces and was taken over by the Confederate (South). It was later abandoned by the Confederate forces and the Union took over New Orleans.
It is made inside a hill so it protects the fort from being spotted, the soldiers had rifles and cannons which they could use to sink the enemy ships.
They had places in the fort to shoot out from and underground cellars to store cannonballs.
I went down into the tunnels and it was amazing how they designed the fort.
Heading to Space Camp tomorrow. See you all in a week!!
Nice pictures. Enjoy space camp!!
What an experience Dean , especially meeting one of the “old timers ” ! Love your blog!
Fantastic Dean you must be having an awesome time! Love your blog & pics! Ohh and love the jacket!! Enjoy your time in camp!
What an awesome experience you are having. Enjoy space camp and I look forward to hearing all about it!
I do look forward to reading this each time. My mother was a teacher of the gifted. She would have absolutely LOVED you in her class!
Forgot to say….enjoy space camp!
AND….next time – you have to come to Boston!
Cools pics Dean !! Very well written blog too.
Following your posts from the swamps of North West Louisiana
Wow, Dean! You’re a natural at history. I’m so glad you’re having a good time! Gary Westfield wants to know if you have seen any squirrels yet.
Just checked in on your adventures . Wow have you been every where! I am amazed at the way people have been attracted to your enthusiasm . I loved the NASA jacket too. You will have a lot of show and tell when you get back to school. All the best for space camp don’t forget your teacher when comes to a souvenir ☺️.
Mr Brink