Flight Adventure Deck Celebrates 30 Years of Inspiring the Next Generation Through STEM Education

PENSACOLA, Fla. (April 20, 2026) – More than 125,000 students from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have experienced the Flight Adventure Deck over the past 30 years, making it one of the region’s most impactful STEM education programs. The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation (NAMF) proudly celebrates this milestone anniversary, marking three decades of inspiring curiosity, innovation, and real-world learning.

Since its founding in 1996, the Flight Adventure Deck has served as a cornerstone of hands-on education for 6th through 8th-grade students, blending science, technology, engineering, and math with the excitement of naval aviation. The program provides a dynamic, immersive experience that connects classroom concepts to real-world applications.

“At its core, the Flight Adventure Deck is about igniting curiosity and showing students what’s possible,” said Kyle Cozad, President and CEO of NAMF. “For 30 years, we’ve been proud to partner with Santa Rosa and Escambia County school districts to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience that connects classroom learning to real-world application. We’re not just celebrating 30 years, we’re building the next 30.”

Impact by the Numbers:

• More than 125,000 students served since inception
• Up to 5,000 students participate annually
• Nearly 1,000 teachers supported through professional development
• Established in 1996, with a summer program launched in 2009
• Curriculum focused on aviation, space, engineering, and advanced science

The Flight Adventure Deck operates through a collaborative partnership between the Escambia County School District, Santa Rosa County School District, and the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. Together, these partners have built a program that continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its mission of preparing students for future careers in STEM fields.

As the Flight Adventure Deck enters its fourth decade, the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation is focused on expanding access, enhancing programming, and continuing to inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers, and leaders.

About the Flight Adventure Deck

The Flight Adventure Deck is an immersive STEM learning program located at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. Designed for middle school students, the program combines classroom instruction with hands-on simulation experiences to reinforce critical science and engineering concepts.

About the National Naval Aviation Museum

Located aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, the National Naval Aviation Museum is the world’s largest museum dedicated to naval aviation and one of the most visited museums in Florida. Spanning nearly 350,000 square feet, the museum showcases more than 150 meticulously restored aircraft representing the aviation arms of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Key attractions include Hangar Bay One, featuring post-WWII aircraft such as the presidential helicopter Marine One, state-of-the-art HD flight simulators, and a cutting-edge laser-powered Giant Screen digital theater. Guests can enjoy a variety of sandwiches, snacks, and beverages at the TOPGUN Café, conveniently located at the museum entrance, and are encouraged to stop by the Flight Deck Store before departure to find souvenirs that reflect the legacy and spirit of Naval Aviation. Admission to the museum is always FREE.