The National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM), in partnership with Women in Aviation International, will host a free 2023 Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast event on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the museum.
Girls in Aviation Day is designed to introduce and educate girls 8 to 18 years of age on the many career choices and lifestyle possibilities offered by the aviation and aerospace industry.
“The entire aviation industry, like many others, faces a skills gap and a shortage of qualified professionals,” said Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad, President and CEO of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. “Encouraging young girls to pursue aviation-related studies and ultimately technical aviation careers can help bridge this gap and ensure a steady supply of skilled individuals meet the industry’s demands.”
The 2023 event will celebrate 50 years of women in naval aviation and 30 years of women in combat aviation. There will exhibitors, flight simulators, hands-on activities, special guest speakers and a special message from Blue Angel #3 left wing pilot, U.S. Navy Lt. Amanda Lee, along with other female Blue Angel team members.
2023’s special guest speakers are retired U.S. Navy fleet master chief April Beldo, who served as the first woman and first African-American Command Master Chief on an aircraft carrier and the first female Command Master Chief for recruit training; and Tammie Jo Shults, a retired commercial airline captain, author and former naval aviator who was one of the first female fighter pilots to serve in the Navy.
“Representation matters. When girls see other women successfully pursuing careers in aviation, it provides them with role models and inspiration to follow their dreams,” furthered Cozad.
The event is free. Registration is now open to girls ages 8 to 18 and ends at midnight on October 25, 2023. The first 200 girls to register and attend can pick up a free Women in Aviation International bag o’ swag at the event.
All registered attendees will be admitted to a free showing of “The Magic of Flight,” featuring Patty Wagstaff. The Cubi Bar Café will be open for food options to purchase.
Girls in Aviation Day is a worldwide event with activities planned by Women in Aviation International chapters in the United States and around the globe. Any girl interested in being a pilot, pursuing air traffic control, or working on power plants as an aircraft maintenance mechanic is welcome.
For more information and to register, click here.
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 Cubi Bar 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.
