Pensacola, Fla. – (September 16, 2025) – The National Naval Aviation Museum continues to honor military heritage while inspiring the next generation of aviators through two significant offerings: the newly opened “Return with Honor” exhibit celebrating Vietnam War POWs and the upcoming Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast 2025 event.

Experience the Courage of Vietnam War POWs in “Return with Honor”

Now open to the public in Hangar Bay One, the “Return with Honor” exhibit offers visitors an immersive journey into the resilience and humanity of America’s Vietnam War prisoners of war. The powerful display centers on the infamous Hỏa Lò Prison—known to American POWs as the “Hanoi Hilton”—taking guests through the complete POW experience from capture through interrogation, isolation, and eventual release.

The exhibit’s centerpiece features cutting-edge interactive AI technology, allowing visitors to hear directly from Commander Everett Alvarez, the first American POW held in North Vietnam, who answers questions in his own voice about his memories of survival, resilience, and brotherhood during over eight years of captivity. Through powerful storytelling and advanced technology, “Return with Honor” ensures the legacy of these brave service members will endure for generations to come.

“Return with Honor is more than an exhibit—it’s a testament to the courage of those who endured unimaginable hardships and a reminder to all of us about the power of hope, faith, and resilience,” said Rear Admiral Kyle Cozad, President and CEO of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. The exhibit is included with regular free museum admission.

Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast 2025: Inspiring the Next Generation

Looking ahead, the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, in partnership with Women in Aviation International Gulf Coast Chapter, will present the fourth annual Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast 2025 on November 1, 2025. This empowering event is designed to inspire young women ages 8-18 who have a passion for aviation and aerospace careers.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the National Naval Aviation Museum, with check-in beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Blue Angels Atrium. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with accomplished women from various sectors of the aviation industry, including air traffic control, piloting, aviation maintenance, manufacturing, and representatives from the United States Armed Forces. A surprise guest speaker will also be featured at this year’s event. More details coming soon.

Interactive STEM stations will captivate young minds with hands-on activities including lockwire bracelet crafting to learn essential aviation engineering principles, straw rockets and airplane launches to explore aerodynamics fundamentals, and simulator flights guided by female aviators. Information on local aviation education programs will also be available, providing valuable resources for those looking to launch their future careers in aviation.

Registration is required for participants ages 8-18 and costs $5 per person, with a non-refundable fee. Parents and guardians do not need to register and can attend at no charge. Registration ends on October 29, 2025, and participants can register online.

From young dreamers with their eyes on the skies to parents encouraging those ambitions, Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast 2025 offers an unforgettable day of hands-on learning, inspiring stories, and meaningful connections, demonstrating how a passion for flight can open doors to endless possibilities in aviation careers.

About the National Naval Aviation Museum

The National Naval Aviation Museum features nearly 350,000 square feet of displays and is one of the world’s largest aviation museums. Located aboard Pensacola Naval Air Station, the facility boasts more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation. Be sure to visit Hangar Bay One, displaying aircraft of the post-WWII era including presidential helicopter, Marine One. Among the countless things to touch, see and experience are thrilling HD flight simulators. Don’t miss the drama and power of the new laser-powered Giant Screen digital theater. The TOPGUN Café offers a unique dining experience, and the Flight Deck Store is the perfect place to find a souvenir that captures the spirit of Naval Aviation. Museum admission is FREE.