The National Museum of Naval Aviation is located onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Blue Angels in Atrium

Photo - A4 Blue Angels Hanging in atrium

Views of World War I Exhibit

Exhibits & Collections > History Up Close > Aircraft on Display (F-G) > Views of World War I Exhibit


The leather flight clothing and white scarf worn by World War I airmen gave them a dashing image and captured the public's imagination, yet flying in the open-cockpit biplanes of the era was not all glamorous.  The white scarf soon became stained as it was used to wipe away Castor oil spit out by the engine and even layers of clothing could not ward off the frigid temperatures at altitude.
Seaplanes Certificate of Identification and photograph of Ensign Nolan M. Kindell certifying that his orders for the purpose of service in Great Britain, France, and Italy.  Kindell, Naval Aviator Number 370, flew from air stations on the French coast during his time abroad and decided to make the Navy a career.  He retired as a rear admiral in 1948, his time in uniform having taken him from wood and fabric aircraft to the nuclear age, one of his last tours of duty being assignment as an observer at the Bikini atomic bomb tests in 1946.
The signing of the Armistice ending World War I on November 11, 1918, triggered the process of bring American servicemen home.   Many cities and towns honored their hometown heroes with commemorative medals.  Among them was the city of Rochester, New York, which presented this example to Ensign Wayne Duffett, who had flown in Italy during the war.  The reverse side of the medal reads, "Presented by the citizens of Rochester N.Y. to their loyal fighting son W.N. Duffett."
The World War I exhibit not only explores the combat actions of naval aviation, but also highlights events spawned by the Great War.  As the first war in which aircraft were employed in great numbers, World War I increased the interest of the world's population in aviation.  Many pilots, including a host of  former wartime fliers, purchased surplus aircraft and flew around the country performing stunts and giving rides.  They were popularly called "Barnstormers" because they oftentimes landed in farmers' fields.

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