NAS commanding officer speaks at Hub Stacy’s on May 6
Capt. Shashaty hopes to open up NAS for Blue Angels practices soon
NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Terrence Shashaty, who will speak at the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce’s 7:30 a.m. Breakfast Brief on May 6 at Hub Stacey’s, said he is committed to restoring public access to the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Light House and Blue Angels practice sessions.
“Something I work on every day is trying to figure out the base access problem,” Shashaty told the Pensacola News Journal.
The base has been closed to non-credentialed visitors since the terrorist attack on NAS Pensacola in June of 2020.
The Florida Department of Transportation’s announced plans to create a secure public road through the base, with a security perimeter separating the road from the base. But that will take several years. In the meantime, Shashaty wants to explore options such as implementing a bus system.
“I don’t want to set false expectations,” Shashaty said. “It’s just a matter of trying to figure out how to do it safely and securely to be able to provide public access to that.”
Shashaty said he also intends to have the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show return to NAS Pensacola as soon as this November. The show was moved to Pensacola Beach due to pandemic and safety concerns last year.
The Chamber Breakfast Brief will start at 7:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 8 a.m. Coffee, tea, and assorted pastries will be provided for attendees while supplies last. The event is free for Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce members. Guests can pay $5 at the door. Hub’s is located at , located at 5851 Galvez Rd. More info or to pre-register: PerdidoChamber.com or 850-492-4660.
Designated a naval aviator in October 2000, Capt. Shashaty completed four operational carrier deployments flying the venerable EA-6B Prowler. His accomplishments include recognition as Naval Air Force LSO of the Year in 2009 and the 2017 Battle Efficiency and Arleigh Burke Award. He has accumulated over 2,500 total hours (1,800 EA-6B hours, 400 FA-18E/F/G hours) and over 400 combat hours and has totaled over 500 arrested landings on seven different aircraft carriers. He has received multiple individual and campaign awards including the Defense Meritorious Service.
NAS Pensacola has already been named the Navy Command Installation of the Year award and the Secretary of the Navy Environmental Award for Natural Resources Conservation for 2022.