Pensacola's unwavering pride and support made NAS Pensacola base reopening possible

Believe.

A simple yellow sign, embossed with the word ‘Believe’ has become the mantra for the streaming television series, “Ted Lasso.” An American football coach who finds himself in England, coaching the “other” football – more often than not, the quintessential story of an underdog who refuses to quit.

In October of 2020, I joined the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation in the midst of challenges that made Ted Lasso’s journey pale in comparison. Access to the National Naval Aviation Museum had been closed for almost a year when I came in. But I joined an incredible staff, led by a fiercely loyal Board of Directors, and side by side with the NNAM staff we all committed to one thing: finding a way to restore base access to the public who view NNAM as part of the identity of Pensacola. Throughout the last 30 months, it has become distinctly clear to me how much pride – and how much support — continues to flow into this museum.

In case you missed it: What you need to know about NAS Pensacola reopening to the public

The announcement: At long last, NAS Pensacola restoring public access 7 days a week

Last year, with the help of resolutions from the mayor of Pensacola and Escambia County Board of Commissioners, plus more than 20,000 citizen petition signatures collected in just a matter of weeks, a united show of commitment was made by the local community to the U.S. Navy to push to restore general public access to the museum.

Well guess what, Pensacola? Your message was heard loud and clear. Your message resonated with senior Navy leaders. On May 17, YOUR National Naval Aviation Museum will once again be open to everyone.

I recall the very first time I brought my grandson to the museum – he was an inquisitive 5-year-old. We toured, told stories and flew simulators. At the end of that day, a tired little guy told me, “Poppa – this was my best day ever.”

We look forward to your return – so you too can enjoy YOUR best day ever.

Thank you, Pensacola, for your loyal support and patience over the past 1,254 days. Like that quintessential underdog in Ted Lasso – we all refused to quit believing that good things are worth waiting for. So, at long last, I can finally say: Light the afterburners — we have much clearer skies ahead! And we look forward to welcoming you back to YOUR museum!

Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad is president and CEO of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: NAS Pensacola base reopening possible due to residents' support