Naval Air Station Pensacola closed to civilian visitors on weekdays effective March 23, a policy shift the base attributed to operational requirements and security concerns.
Public access is now limited to Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The National Naval Aviation Museum and Pensacola Lighthouse remain open during those hours.
The change added a mandatory screening step. All visitors 18 and older must report first to the Visitor Control Center on Navy Boulevard near the main gate. After a background check and visitor pass, they proceed through the West Gate at the south end of Blue Angel Parkway. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or U.S. passport is required. Weapons, backpacks, coolers and alcohol are prohibited. Vehicles and visitors may be searched.
The base stated it remains vigilant and continuously assesses factors to determine what measures protect its people and their families.
Access to the flight line behind the National Naval Aviation Museum remains suspended until further notice. The museum itself stays open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The policy has no announced end date. Plan extra time for the screening process on weekends, especially during spring and summer.