US Navy Secretary Explains Public Access to NAS Pensacola

Pensacola, Florida (WKRGMore) — The U.S. Navy secretary is considering ways to restore public access to Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Northwest Florida Rep. Matt Gates addressed the topic with Commissioner Carlos del Toro during a recent committee hearing in Washington, DC.

Access to the base has been restricted since the December 6, 2019 terrorist attacks. Available to Department of Defense cardholders only.

Restricted access has affected the general public who want to see the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Lighthouse, and Fort Barrancas.

“We’re actually very energized and have come up with some short-term solutions to improve throughput that are already paying dividends, but it costs a little more to make it possible. We’re also looking at long-term solutions that provide people with direct access to the outside world without having to enter through the base itself,” Del Toro said.

One short-term solution is to open bases on certain weekends. Open to the public May 4-7 and May 11-14 from 9am to 3pm at the West Gate of Blue Angel Parkway. All US citizens or US nationals over the age of 18 who visit the airfield must have a Real ID or passport.