Pensacola, Fla. – The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation invites the public to kick off the 50th anniversary of the National Naval Aviation Museum on Saturday, June 22. A full day of events are scheduled, including free IMAX admission.

The schedule of events for Saturday, June 22:

10 a.m. – 50th Anniversary Exhibit Opening

Join Museum Director, retired Navy Capt. Bob Rasmussen, and new Naval Aviation Museum Foundation President and CEO, retired Marine Lt. Gen. Duane Thiessen, as they cut the ribbon for the new exhibit and kick off the 50th anniversary of the National Naval Aviation Museum.  While the museum was established with its mission outlined by the authority of the Secretary of the Navy in 1962, not until June 8, 1963, did it open its doors to the public for the first time. That fifty-year story is told in a new exhibit that has opened on the museum Quarterdeck.

Attendees will receive a commemorative anniversary coffee mug (while supplies last). Visitors can bring the commemorative mug back and get a free drink refill with food purchase from the Museum’s Cubi Bar Café through the end of 2013.

11 a.m. – Discovery Saturday – “S-3 Viking”

As part of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation’s Discovery Saturday series, we are pleased to welcome back aviation author Mr. Brad Elward as he presents the “S-3 Viking” in a special location in front of an actual S-3 Viking located in the Museum’s Hangar Bay One. A signing of his book “S-3 Viking - In Action” will follow his presentation.  Discovery Saturday is FREE and open to the public.

12 p.m. – Anniversary Lunch Special at the Cubi Bar Café

The Cubi Bar Café is offering a 50th anniversary lunch special on Saturday that includes piece of birthday cake baked especially for the Museum’s anniversary celebration.  Visitors are encouraged to bring in their commemorative anniversary mugs in for a free soft drink or iced tea as well.

1 p.m. – Free Admission to “Magic of Flight” on the IMAX Giant Screen

As part of the 50th anniversary event on June 22, the IMAX Theater will offer free admission to the 1 p.m. showing of “Magic of Flight” featuring the Blue Angels.

The National Naval Aviation Museum features FREE admission and a full slate of events throughout the year. For more information on events, exhibits and attractions at the Museum, visit www.NavalAviationMuseum.org or call (850) 453-2389 or (800) 327-5002.

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 in Florida, the facility boasts more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation and is Florida’s Gulf Coast #1 attraction on Trip Advisor. Be sure to visit the Museum’s new expansion, Hangar Bay One, displaying aircraft of the post-WWII era. Among the countless things to touch, see and experience are thrilling 3D Maxflight simulators and a variety of special exhibits, as well as the drama and power of the amazing IMAX® giant screen theater. The Cubi Bar Café offers a unique dining experience, and the Flight Deck Store is the perfect place to find a memento of the spirit of Naval Aviation. Museum admission is FREE and open to the public. The National Naval Aviation Museum is open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, visit www.NavalAviationMuseum.org.