NFA Pensacola sets mini-mission for USODA Championship Sailors

by Julie B. Connerley on 11 Jun 2015 Would your Opti-Kids like to command the Navy's CVT-11 aircraft carrier ‘Ambition’? Help plan a mission? Or perhaps man the controls of an aircraft that flies like a jet, hovers like a helicopter, and can roam over the ground like an SUV? They can at the Pensacola Naval Air Station’s National Flight Academy (NFA).

As a special activity for the USODA National Championships hosted by Pensacola Yacht Club (PYC), young sailors visiting Pensacola have a unique opportunity to experience the only four-story, 102,000 sq. foot landlocked structure designed to resemble and function like an actual aircraft carrier. Youngsters in seventh through 12th grade from more than 40 states and three countries have participated in this unique 21st century learning module. It has been described as 'theme park meets think tank.' They leave with memories that last a lifetime.

PYC offers the 'NFA Mini-Mission 2015' on Sunday, July 19 from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Depending on the number of youth who sign up, and their ages, the 'Mini-Mission' may be split into two groups; one for ages eight – ten and another for ages 11-up. Green Fleet kids are welcome, too.

The cost is $75.00 per child, and the fee must be paid in advance. Transportation will be furnished from PYC and will leave from the clubhouse promptly at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday July 19th, returning at 12:30 p.m. to the club for lunch.

Reservations are required and the deadline is Sunday, July 5th. To make a reservation, visit website.

Located inside historic Naval Air Station Pensacola, the NFA will welcome USODA sailors and their siblings aboard the virtual ship ‘Ambition’ for a customized 'Mini-Mission.' While the youngsters execute their Mini-Misson, parents can attend a special tour to learn about NFA's programs for both students and business leaders.

Combining the wizardry of multi-sensory media and simulation technologies, with the core principles of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), the highly trained NFA instructors will guide Ambition eXperimental Pilots, called AXPs, through the stages of their mission.

The same skills used in sailing— critical thinking, communication, teamwork, leadership and problem solving— are also key elements of NFA's programs. Instead of a sailboat, the skills are used on a virtual aircraft carrier. From the Mess Hall, Joint Operations Center, Ready Room and Hangar Bay, to the flight simulators, and next generation six-foot diameter mission mapping smart boards, participants will have the ultimate fun experience in a virtual learning environment like no other.

Since the commissioning in 2012, ‘Ambition’ has developed a premiere dynamic educational teaching method. Overwhelming success has followed. By October 2014, an expansion was needed when student capacity had been reached. This year, programs are offered all year long.B