PENSACOLA, Fla. – Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC) conducted a ceremony Oct. 29 to re-open and resume training operations in Building 633 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola.

The building had been closed for repairs and renovations following the Dec. 6, 2019 terrorist attack. NASC has been conducting training at other locations on base since then.

The terrorist attack took the lives of Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 3rd Class Mohammed Sameh Haitham, Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 3rd Class Cameron Scott Walters, and Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson and wounded service members, government civilians, and first responders.

The heartbreaking events of Dec. 6, 2019 brought out the character, resiliency, and comradery of those at Naval Air Station Pensacola and the Northwest Florida community’s enduring support for military personnel and the Navy’s mission.

“The community that surrounds us is second to none when it comes to welcoming and embracing our service members,” said Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. John B. Nowell, Jr. “We all benefit from the military tradition and heritage woven into the fabric of Pensacola.”

Since 1941, Building 633 has played a role in the development of naval aviators, naval flight officers, and aircrewmen.

“Over the past two years, Building 633 has gone through an extensive renovation,” said Nowell. “It renews our commitment to the mission of Naval Aviation Schools Command. It is a proper and fitting return as the home of the cradle of naval aviation.”

Renovations included a centralized HVAC system, reconfigured classrooms to improve the training environment, a redesigned quarterdeck and other cosmetic upgrades. The roof was also repaired following damage from Hurricane Sally in 2020.

Naval Aviation Schools Command is comprised of the introductory schools for officer and enlisted aircrew for the U.S. sea services and partner countries. Every year, approximately 1,500 students are attending training courses at NAS Pensacola and the satellite swim sites of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Norfolk, Virginia; and San Diego, California.

For more information on NASC, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/NASC/