On the shores of the Pensacola Bay lies the “Cradle of Naval Aviation.” Naval Air Station Pensacola is the starting point for most—if not all—Naval Aviators, Flight Officers, and Aircrewmen. The major tenant commands Naval Aviation Schools Command, Naval Air Technical Training Center, Marine Aviation Training Support Groups 21 and 23, and the headquarters for Naval Education and Training Command. Likely the most notable residents of NAS Pensacola are The Blue Angels Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron.

NAS Pensacola has an official history that dates back to 1826 when it began as the Pensacola Navy Yard, but the area’s historical significance reaches back much further. Pensacola was first colonized in the 16th century by the Spanish and is known as the site of America’s first European settlement. Spanish, French, British, American, and Confederate forces all recognized the strategic advantages of this location. Its most destructive adversary to-date has been Mother Nature, with three recorded hurricanes causing nearly catastrophic damage to the area.

South Pensacola is a stunning locale and boasts having some of the most exquisite beaches imaginable. The fine, powdery sand is pure white and glistens in the sun. A fine concentration of pulverized quartz gives it its gleam, having been constantly churned in the warm Gulf waters. Over one million tourists visit the “western gate to the Sunshine State,” and the military’s impact on the city is thoroughly respected and appreciated. The Blue Angels draw visitors from far and wide, and the National Naval Aviation Museum is Pensacola’s top attraction. The city has a reputation among career-minded military spouses as the place to look for employment, offering an unemployment rate below the national average and a variety of industries that call Pensacola home.

Being stationed at NAS Pensacola or Corry Station will have most young, and/or single service members looking to live in Pensacola near the beaches or downtown. Families tend to look a little farther inland to Santa Rosa County—towns like Pace and Milton offer higher-rated schools and more affordable housing. If you are training at NAS Pensacola and will eventually be reporting to NAS Whiting Field (or vice-versa), you might consider living in northeast Pensacola or Pace. That way you’ll be halfway between each installation.