COBRA REUNION 2025

The Cobra Reunion (2025) shall bring together pilots, maintainers, and platform instructors to renew old friendships, remember and commemorate shared experiences, facilitate new friendships, and celebrate the iconic aircraft we either flew or maintained. 

Below please find a description of the three cities/venues under consideration

*PLEASE NOTE: As determined by your input received as part of the initial survey, regardless of the city/venue selected, Cobra Reunion 2025 will be conducted during October 2025*

Administrative Notes:

Respecting the opinions expressed by those who have attended previous Reunion (2021 and 2023), the hotels at all cities/venues under consideration are rated at least at the 4-star level. The Planning Committee will focus on large venues/hotels providing

• • Host Hotel capacity: At least 200 rooms (Need to accommodate all attendees in a single hotel)

  • 4- or 5-Star Hotel Rating (e.g., Marriott, Hilton, Four Seasons)

  • Hotel selected will have a banquet hall/ballroom and sufficient meeting facilities to meet all reunion meetings, breakout events and activities

  • Hotel selected will accommodate service animals and attendees with disabilities

  • Approximate cost of $200 per night, per stay; will attempt to accommodate on-site parking & resort fees in nightly lodging rate.

  • Concierge Service for restaurant reservations, local events information, booking for golf, fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities

  • Business alignment/association with a nearby premiere golf facility to accommodate Reunion Golf Tournament

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City/Venue Option 1: Florida Panhandle [Destin/Panama City Beach/Fort Novosel - East Coast]

If you’re looking for a place to take your October vacation, look no further than Destin, Florida! The weather is perfect in October – not too hot and not too cold. The weather is typically warm and pleasant, with average high temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 30 degrees Celsius) and low temperatures in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (around 19 degrees Celsius). And the water temperature is still nice and warm so that you can enjoy all kinds of water activities.

October can be a good time to go fishing in Destin, Florida. Many species of fish are likely to be biting during this time, including red snapper, amberjack, grouper, triggerfish, and tuna. You may also have luck catching bonito, mahi mahi, and wahoo. The weather in October is typically warm and pleasant, with calm seas, making it ideal for a day on the water. It’s always a good idea to check with local fishing charters or bait and tackle shops to get the most up-to-date information on what’s biting and where.

Plus, there are lots of fun events happening in October in Destin. There are many things to do in Destin, Florida during the month of October. Some popular activities include:

• Swimming and sunbathing on the beach

• Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico or Bay

• Boating, jet skiing, and other water sports

• Golfing at one of the many local courses

• Visiting the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and shopping at the local boutiques and souvenir shops

• Taking a dolphin cruise or a tour of the Choctawhatchee Bay

• Exploring the Henderson Beach State Park and the James Lee Park

• Going to the Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park

You can also find a variety of restaurants and nightlife options in the area, including seafood restaurants, beach bars, and live music venues. There are also many events and festivals that take place in Destin during October, such as the Destin Seafood Festival and the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic.

The Destin Seafood Festival is always a blast, and plenty of other events keep you busy during your stay. This event celebrates everything that makes Destin such a great place for seafood lovers. You’ll find tons of delicious seafood to eat, as well as live music and entertainment. October is considered shoulder season in Destin, which means you can find great deals on hotels.

No matter what kind of Panama City Beach vacation you're dreaming about, we've got you covered. Panama City Beach, named the top 3 beach in the United States by TripAdvisor, has 27-miles of beautiful beaches to choose from and you'll find a different experience at each stop along the way. Explore as much of PCB as you can including our delicious food. If you love long walks along the beach, you won't find a better beach for it!

You have a love like no other, so why should your vacation be ordinary? Panama City Beach is the perfect place to celebrate your anniversary or take a romantic weekend getaway. The beautiful beaches are perfect for relaxing and reconnecting. Lay out together under an umbrella to soak up the Florida sun, or go for a walk along the pristine, white sand at sunset. 

At the end of an action-packed day, why not relax on a sunset cruise? Island Time Sailing Cruises will take you through the Grand Lagoon past the marinas, state parks and stately beachside homes. After that, you sail right into the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico where you can get a 365-degree view of the stellar Florida sunset.

Enjoy a meal at one of Panama City Beach’s award-winning restaurants. It’s a tradition to dine early at Capt. Anderson’s and watch the fishing fleet unload. Dining under the grand old oak tree at Firefly will take your senses away to the outdoors at a Mediterranean bistro. Enjoy the breathtaking 25,000 gallon aquarium at Saltwater Grill. Grand Marlin restaurant has a personality all its own with locally-sourced seafood dishes.

At Fort Novosel, The U.S. Army Aviation Museum maintains a collection of over 160 military aircraft, including one of the largest collections of military helicopters in the world. Approximately 50 beautifully restored, historic and one-of-a-kind aircraft, are proudly displayed both inside the Museum's 70,000 square feet of exhibit space and outside on the Museum's grounds. The collection includes many significant examples of early research efforts and developments in rotary wing technology and the evolution of the helicopter. Our public galleries represent the Army's involvement in military aviation from the beginning days with the Wright brothers and the early combat aircraft of World War I, up to the highly technological machines such as the AH-64 Apache and the UH-60 Blackhawk flown by Army Aviators today.

City/Venue Option 2: Fort Worth [Middle America]

In the Unexpected City, a good party is never overrated. Whether indoor or outdoor, celebrating local and regional music, good food, athletic skill, traditions, diversity, or just the ability to gather, the city hosts annual events every year that showcase the eclectic community of Fort Worth, where Y’all Means All. 

You came, you polka’d, you trank die bier, you ate die Würste and celebrated Oktoberfest with the best of them! Make Fort Worth Oktoberfest 2024 (September 26-28, 2024) one for the books!

Visit Fort Worth is proud to partner with several Hispanic organizations in Fort Worth to honor and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

We invite you to discover and honor the cultural richness our city enjoys from Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

• Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month - Don Artemio Restaurant Presents Festival del Chile en Nogada, which will feature this special traditional dish in honor of the history of Mexico with the confirmation of the independence of the Republic.

• October 8 - The 8th Annual Michelada Festival is a free Fort Worth event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in General Worth Square. Festival goers can enjoy local, authentic Mexican and Latin food, culture, live music and free samples of Michelada mix before casting their vote for the best Michelada.

• From September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month events will also take place at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, La Gran Plaza, Rose Marine Theater, Marine Park, Sundance Square Plaza, and various restaurants throughout the city.

The Fort Worth Aviation Museum tells the history of aviation in North Texas. We have 33 military aircraft on display, from a 1943 BT-13 trainer to a Blue Angle F/A-18 Hornet. You can touch more airplanes here than any other museum in Texas. Adults like history, and kids like airplanes and simulators. We are a Blue Star Museum, so active military and families are welcome free of charge. Open Saturday and Sunday. $8.00 admission for adults, $3 for children 6 to 16.

 The Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering & Western Swing Festival is a chance to show off your inner cowboy and cowgirl in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Red Steagall, native Texan, actor, producer, musician, bull rider and cowboy has hosted the annual gathering since 1991. Featuring horsemanship clinics, Ranch Rodeo performances, live music and poetry readings, youth fiddling contests, chuckwagon cook-offs and swing dancing with Red Steagall himself. For cowboys with an artistic flair, this is an event not to be missed. 

The HWY30 Music Fest, also known as the "People's Festival," is coming back to Fort Worth next Fall after a successful turnout at Texas Motor Speedway last month.The Idaho-based festival, which drew over 75,000 attendees in Texas for the first time, will return to the Lone Star State on Oct. 17-20, 2024. The event this year featured an impressive lineup of established artists like Dierks Bentley, Zach Bryan, Cody Jinks, and Koe Wetzel, as well as emerging talents such as Staind, Gary Clark Jr., Shane Smith & the Saints, the Brothers Osborne, Ella, Whitney Morgan & the 78s, Charles Wesley Godwin, and Ashley McBryde.

The Fort Worth Water Gardens is a beautiful and refreshing oasis. Designed by Phillip Johnson, the Fort Worth Water Gardens is an architectural and engineering marvel to be enjoyed any time of the year. Visitors can experience a variety of water features as they wander through this relaxing urban park.

Recognized as one of the top downtown developments in the United States, Sundance Square spans 35 blocks in downtown Fort Worth. Choose from 20+ places to eat – from steaks to sushi to seafood – with lots of choices for patio dining. Walk into one of our many ART Galleries and check out the cool collection of stores, from local boutiques to nationally known brands. Enjoy great entertainment: live music, live theatre, comedy, and the magnificence of Bass Performance Hall. Be sure to visit Sundance Square Plaza, the heart of Fort Worth. Don’t worry about parking – it’s free after 5pm and all day Saturday and Sunday! Weekday Validation is available for up to 2.5 hours!

The Sid Richardson Museum is one of the finest and most focused collections of Western Art in America, this Fort Worth museum features paintings of the 19th Century American West by Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell and other artists, which were collected by oilman and philanthropist Sid Richardson. Admission is always free.

 City/Venue Option 3: San Diego [West Coast]

San Diego is a fantastic destination in October, offering near-perfect weather and an array of exciting events and activities. The city is less crowded during this time, allowing visitors to enjoy its beautiful attractions with ease. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures (golf or deep sea fishing) or cultural experiences, San Diego has something for everyone in October.

In October, San Diego experiences delightful weather with average temperatures ranging from 60°F (16°C) to 75°F (24°C). This mild climate allows for comfortable outdoor exploration and beach activities. Rain is minimal, and the city typically enjoys clear skies and pleasant ocean breezes, making it an ideal month to visit.

October 2024 Events:

The San Diego International Film Festival is a must-visit event for film enthusiasts. It showcases a diverse selection of independent and international films, along with industry panels and glamorous parties. The festival provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of cinema and possibly catch a glimpse of Hollywood stars.

Fleet Week is a celebration of the military community, featuring captivating air shows, ship tours, and military displays. It offers a unique opportunity to interact with service members, learn about their contributions, and witness awe-inspiring aerial demonstrations by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival combines exquisite artwork, live music, and fine wines in the charming coastal neighborhood of La Jolla. Visitors can peruse works created by over 150 artists while savoring delicious wines and indulging in delectable cuisine. This vibrant festival contributes to the local arts community and provides a delightful cultural experience.

Top Places to Visit in October 2025:

Old Town San Diego is one of San Diego’s most popular destinations. It is conveniently located within walking distance of a major transit center that is close to most restaurants, hotels and shops in Old Town. Old Town San Diego has a quaint atmosphere, streets filled with the historic culture of the many traditions left behind. This historic area includes three major parks and sits next to the  State Park with 32 historic sites, shops and the Presidio, the site of the first mission. There are over 30 amazing restaurants in Old Town serving most types of cuisine. You will find some of the best Mexican food served with giant Margaritas. But that is not where it ends, we have everything from Italian to Sushi. Old Town has something for every taste. There is always something new just around the corner. Savor the food, relax and shop in San Diego's most historic Old Town.

The Historic Gaslamp Quarter is a lively neighborhood known for its Victorian architecture, eclectic boutiques, and an array of dining and entertainment options. In October, the area hosts various events and is a fantastic place to enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Seaport Village Seaport Village is a waterfront shopping and dining complex adjacent to San Diego Bay in dowtown San Diego, California. It is located at 849 West Harbor Drive, at the intersection of Harbor Drive and Kettner. It houses more than 70 shops, galleries, and eateries on 90,000 square feet (8,000 m2) of waterfront property. The Village contains several freestanding buildings in an assortment of architectural styles, from Victorian to traditional Mexican. It is designed to be a car-free environment, with four miles (6 km) of winding paths rather than streets connecting the various buildings. It is located in walking distance from the San Diego Convention Center and the cruise ship terminal. It is currently under redevelopment planning, with construction to begin approximately 2025. It will remain operational until construction begins, according to the Port District.

USS Midway Museum is a historical naval aircraft carrier museum located in downtown San Diego, California at Navy Pier. The museum consists of the aircraft carrier Midway. The ship houses an extensive collection of aircraft, many of which were built in Southern California.

San Diego Air and Space Museum San Diego Air & Space Museum (SDA&SM, formerly the San Diego Aerospace Museum) is an aviation and space exploration museum in San Diego, California, United States. The museum is located in Balboa Park and is housed in the former Ford Building, which is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.[ SDASM was established by articles of incorporation on October 12, 1961, and opened to the public on February 15, 1963

Balboa Park is a cultural oasis with lush gardens, fascinating museums, and captivating architectural wonders. In October, the park’s gardens showcase a riot of colors, and the myriad of museums offer intriguing exhibits, making it a perfect time to explore this iconic landmark.

The world-renowned San Diego Zoo is a great destination throughout the year. In October, the cooler temperatures make it an ideal time to visit, providing a comfortable experience for observing the zoo’s diverse animal species in their naturalistic habitats.

For outdoor enthusiasts, a visit to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is highly recommended. The reserve’s coastal trails offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and unique opportunities for hiking, photography, and bird watching. October’s pleasant weather makes it an excellent time to explore the reserve’s natural beauty.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot – San Diego; Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in North San Diego County spans more than 125,000 acres and contains the largest undeveloped portion of the Southern California coastline in Southern California, which makes it ideal for a variety of military training from the beach to the mountains.

BONUS COVERAGE: Coronado Island (San Diego)

“Once upon a time in Coronado… A magical island complete with historic turrets, cashmere-soft sands, lush parks, one-of-a-kind boutiques and atmospheric dining.”

Coronado is a cyclist’s paradise. Whether you are on a tandem, four-wheel surrey, or an electric bike tour with a sunny soundtrack wafting from the speakers, you can safely cruise the island’s broad streets with beautiful views and tasty refreshments at every turn. The Old Town Trolley Tours offer hop-on, hop-off tours for those who like a little history with their sightseeing. Or why not take to the water on a kayak, paddleboard or yacht to see the island from a new, shimmering perspective.  

Hotel del Coronado, also known as The Del and Hotel Del, is a historic beachfront hotel in the city of Coronado, just across the San Diego Bay from San Diego, California. A rare surviving example of an American architectural genre—the wooden Victorian beach resort—it was designated a California Historical Landmark in 1970 and a National Historic Landmark in 1977. It is the second-largest wooden structure in the United States (after the Tillamook Air Museum in Tillamook, Oregon).

When the hotel opened in 1888, it was the largest resort hotel in the world. It has hosted presidents, royalty, and celebrities] and been featured in numerous films and books.

The hotel has received a Four Diamond rating from the American Automobile Association and was listed in 2011 by USA Today among the top ten resorts in the world.

Hotel del Coronado is sometimes regarded as "haunted" due to the mysterious death of Kate Morgan, a maid who was found dead on the hotel's exterior staircase on November 29, 1892. She stayed in Room 502, which is the most requested room in the entire hotel. The door to Room 502 has a special peephole for visitors to look into, and Hotel del Coronado offers tours of the room from their website.

Naval Air Station North Island or NAS North Island at the north end of the Coronado peninsula on San Diego Bay in San Diego, California, is part of the largest aerospace-industrial complex in the United States Navy – Naval Base Coronado (NBC), and the home port of several aircraft carriers of the United States Navy.

The commanding officer of NAS North Island (NASNI) is also the Commanding Officer, Naval Base Coronado (NBC). As such, he or she commands or administers NASNI and seven other naval facilities: Naval Amphibious Base Coronado (NABC); Outlying Field Imperial Beach; Silver Strand Training Complex; Remote Training Site, Warner Springs; Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor; Camp Morena; and Naval Auxiliary Landing Facility San Clemente Island. NBC, with only its commands in the metropolitan San Diego area, brackets the city of Coronado from the entrance to San Diego Bay to the Mexican border. NAS North Island itself is host to 23 aviation squadrons and 80 additional tenant commands and activities—one of which, the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, is San Diego's largest aerospace employer.

The Phil Bucklew Naval Special Warfare Center (NSWC), also known as "The Center") is a component command of the United States Naval Special Warfare Command, United States Navy. It is sited within Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California.

The NSWC runs much of the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) training. The main courses are the famous 12-month-long SEAL training (BUD/S and SQT) and 9-month long SWCC trainings.