U.S. Naval Air Station, Sea Plane Ramp, Pensacola, Escambia County, FL

Significance: Constructed in 1940, R8 is one of thirteen concrete ramps built along the seawall at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola that facilitated the movement of seaplanes between the relatively tranquil waters of Pensacola Bay and a series of hangars fronting the shoreline. The oldest of the station's concrete ramps date from World War I and are contributing elements within the Pensacola Naval Air Station Historic District, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places (1976) and designated a National Historic Landmark (NHL). R8 is just outside the district boundaries and historically is most closely associated with Building No. 632, an aircraft hangar. Despite its nondescript appearance and utilitarian design and function, R8 reflects naval aviation training efforts at the station and remains a direct, tangible link to the U.S. Navy's World War II-era aviation program and operations. R8 is one of six obsolete and unused seaplane ramps outside the NHL district scheduled for demolition.
Survey number: HABS FL-509
Building/structure dates: 1940 Initial Construction
National Register of Historic Places NRIS Number: 76000595