NOMI is best known for its training programs which lead to designations as a Naval Flight Surgeon, Aerospace Physiologist, Aerospace Experimental Psychologist, Aerospace Medicine Technician, or Aerospace Physiologist Technician. 17th Training Squadron or Water Survival Training Unit is a joint service effort between the Navy and the Air Force to train air crew in survival techniques for an over-water ejection. The squadron is collocated with Navy Water Survival Training to enhance joint training and seek inherent economies. The center has a staff of approximately 1,600 military and civilian personnel and graduates approximately 18,000 Navy, Marine Corps, and foreign students yearly. The largest part of this student body is comprised of enlisted personnel attending basic schools designed to provide them with the knowledge and skill levels required to perform as technicians at the junior level.
Advanced schools provide higher level technical knowledge for senior petty officers.
The mission of the Blue Angels is to enhance the Navy recruiting effort as they seek to attract talented and qualified youths to join them in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. U.S. Coast Guard Station, Pensacola moved to NAS in 1987, having been part of Pensacola since 1885 but previously located on Santa Rosa Island. The facility is 12,000 square feet and employs 45 personnel. National Museum of Naval Aviation is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, attracting more than half a million visitors annually. The 130,000 square foot west wing showcases an authentic replica of a World War II independence class carrier island and flight deck.