PENSACOLA, Fla. (May 21, 2026) — The National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) is giving aviation enthusiasts the chance to experience what it feels like to fly in formation with the world-famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

Opening to the public on Friday, May 29, the museum’s new “Fly with the Blues” interactive simulator places guests in a full-scale replica cockpit of an F/A-18 Super Hornet, where they will assume the role of Blue Angel #4 and fly in tight formation over Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. This is the only ride of its kind in the world.

Designed to deliver one of the most immersive aviation simulation experiences available to the public, Fly with the Blues features:

• A full-scale F/A-18 Super Hornet cockpit replica
• Three-axis motion simulation
• High-definition visuals that recreate the sights and sensations of flying in formation
• A commemorative photo opportunity to capture the experience

Guests will taxi, take off, and maneuver alongside the Blue Angels as they soar above some of the Gulf Coast’s most recognizable landmarks, offering a realistic perspective of the precision and teamwork required to fly as part of the Navy’s elite flight demonstration squadron.

“This groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind attraction – more than two years in the making – gives visitors the chance to experience the adrenaline, precision, and intensity of flying in formation with the Blue Angels like never before,” said Kyle Cozad, President and CEO of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. “For most people, this is the closest they will ever come to taking the slot and feeling what it’s like to fly inches from America’s best.”

Fly with the Blues is located inside the National Naval Aviation Museum and is available for an additional fee. The attraction is exclusive to the museum and is expected to become a must-do experience for aviation enthusiasts and Blue Angels fans of all ages.

The National Naval Aviation Museum is one of the world’s largest aviation museums, featuring more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft and thousands of artifacts that tell the story of Naval Aviation. Exclusive to NNAM, Fly with the Blues is the only ride of its kind in the world that allows visitors to experience the thrill and precision of flying in formation with the Blue Angels.

For museum hours, admission information, and more details about Fly with the Blues, visit https://navalaviationmuseum.org/.

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.