Just Two Months After Hurricane Ivan

The pilot and technician trainees are back. The process of rebuilding is underway. If it wasn't for the absence of buildings that stood on the grounds of NAS Pensacola (FL) just two months ago, you'd never know that the base was devastated by a hurricane.

"We feel very confident that the base is going to be rebuilt," said retired Navy Capt. Vann Goodloe, military consultant to the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. "It's going to be bigger and stronger and better than ever."

That statement was backed up by a pledge from Navy Secretary Gordon England who pledged some $600 million in funding for the base after it was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ivan in September.

Pensacola is where the Navy trains its pilots. It's also home to the Museum of Naval Aviation and the Blue Angels. And, as England put it, what's good for NAS Pensacola is good for Pensacola at large.

"That's got to be a good sign for the area," he said, "that we're actually rebuilding the base."

FMI: www.naspensacola.navy.mil