National Naval Aviation Museum to Host Gulf Coast’s Largest September 11th Remembrance Ceremony

25^th Anniversary Commemoration to Feature Pentagon Survivor Vice Adm. John B. Totushek

PENSACOLA, Fla. (August 11, 2026) – Twenty-five years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the National Naval Aviation Museum will host the Gulf Coast’s largest public remembrance ceremony to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the heroes who answered the call and the enduring spirit of a nation forever changed. The milestone commemoration will take place Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Blue Angels Atrium.

The ceremony, themed “Service and Sacrifice: Remembering September 11, 2001,” will bring together military leaders, veterans, first responders and members of the public to reflect on the lasting impact of the attacks and pay tribute to those who answered the nation’s call to serve.

Serving as keynote speaker is retired Vice Adm. John B. Totushek, former Chief of Naval Reserve and Commander of Naval Reserve Force. Vice Adm. Totushek was in his Pentagon office less than 100 feet from the impact site when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building on Sept. 11, 2001. After helping calm frightened personnel and safely evacuating members of his staff, he quickly reestablished communications with Navy leadership and immediately began coordinating one of the largest reserve mobilizations in modern Navy history.

In the weeks and months that followed, Vice Adm. Totushek oversaw the activation of more than 10,000 Navy reservists to strengthen force protection, intelligence operations and homeland security efforts in response to the attacks. His leadership also helped guide thousands of citizen-sailors through the transition from civilian life to active duty while ensuring they received the same benefits and support as their active-duty counterparts. Drawing on both his firsthand experience as a Pentagon survivor and his leadership during the nation’s response to Sept. 11, Vice Adm. Totushek offers a unique perspective on resilience, service and the enduring legacy of one of the defining moments in American history.

Also speaking is retired Cmdr. Steve Scheibner, an American Airlines captain known as “Captain Steeeve.” Scheibner was originally scheduled to serve as first officer aboard American Airlines Flight 11 on Sept. 11, 2001, but was reassigned the day before due to a routine scheduling change. Flight 11 was the first aircraft hijacked during the terrorist attacks and was flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. Since then, Scheibner has shared his story about “living on borrowed time” with audiences across the country, reflecting on the events of Sept. 11 and the lessons they continue to teach.

The ceremony will also feature performances by the renowned Naval Aviation Alumni Choir, with a special prelude performance by Pensacola Strings beginning at 9 a.m.

Retired Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad, President and CEO of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, said, “September 11, 2001, remains deeply etched in the fabric of our nation. As we mark this important anniversary, we remember the lives lost, honor the courage and sacrifice of so many, and recognize our responsibility to ensure that a new generation understands what happened that day and the enduring strength of a nation united in the face of adversity.”

The ceremony is free and open to the public.

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IMPORTANT MEDIA INSTRUCTIONS: Media interested in attending this ceremony are encouraged to contact Bruce Cummins at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Public Affairs Office for access to the installation by Sept. 1.

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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 the moving Return with Honor exhibit commemorating the courage and resilience of Vietnam War POWs, and don’t miss Fly with the Blues—the only simulator in the world, where guests experience the thrill of flying in precision formation with the Blue Angels. Other 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.

 

Vice Admiral John B. Totushek

Cmdr. Steve Scheibner