Quick viewing(Text Mode)

From the Director

From the Director

2 MemberShip RESTORATION NewSletter UPDATES 4 HANGAR NEwS 6 MUSEUM EDUCATION 8 EVENTS IN REVIEW

s we move into the winter of 2020, we memberships active during the closure have been Ahave had an opportunity to look back credited with an additional 11 weeks, to make up over the impact that this year has had on for the time we were closed!). These contributions the museum. I wanted to take a moment ensured that we could retain our excellent staff to thank everyone who has continued to and allowed the museum to be well positioned support the museum during this difficult year, to re-open when it was safe to do so. I am whether as members, donors or volunteers. pleased to say that the support we enjoyed It is clear that we are by no means out-of- from our community, when taken alongside from the the-woods yet, and the museum staff as well grants we were able to receive, including CARES Director as our dedicated Volunteers continue to Act Support from Virginia Humanities, allowed find ways to adapt our operations to further us to avoid laying off a single employee. prioritize guest safety, cleanliness and to resume some of our regular programs with Responsibilities shifted as staff stepped an added emphasis on social distancing. into non-traditional roles. Our part-time Museum Store staff supported our educators Losing the opportunity to host all three in creating behind the scenes video content of our major air show events in a single year out on the flight line, and everyone pitched With 2020” drawing to has certainly presented the museum with in to remodel the Museum Store. a close, we wanted this a financial hurdle to overcome. However, It has been a tough year for us, just as it has edition of Prop Noise to these unusual times have also given us the opportunity to focus on what really matters to been for businesses across our community, focus on everything that our museum – creating engaging educational with service interruptions and cancelled the museum has been experiences leveraging a world-class collection activities, and patience needed from all parties able to achieve and all of airworthy vintage . While as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of the positivity that has it has not been easy, staff and volunteers of what some are calling the new normal. have found a range of creative ways to keep come from redoubling However, with 2020 drawing to a close, we forging ahead with our mission amidst a sea of wanted this edition of Prop Noise to focus on our commitment to regulations and vital public health guidance. everything that the museum has been able our mission in the “ We are especially thankful to those to achieve and all of the positivity that has face of adversity. members and donors who made contributions come from redoubling our commitment to during the 11 weeks that the museum was our mission in the face of adversity. We hope closed by Executive Order (Don’t forget that to see you all out at the museum soon!

2020, A YEAR IN REVIEW | 1 ReStoratioN UPDATES

‚TBM second engine run

TBM Avenger

he team at the Fighter Factory has Motors. Our TBM-3E (BuNo 53454) is one Tcompleted the restoration of our Avenger! produced by and built at the After an unfortunate mishap several years Eastern Aircraft Division plant in Trenton, New back, the aircraft required extensive overhaul. Jersey. Delivered to the on May 26, 1945, Waylaid by the need to create several complex the aircraft did not see combat service during Stearman custom parts, the restoration has progressed II, but features in the museum slowly but surely. Shortly before the conclusion collection as a representation of the overall type. of the restoration effort, Fighter Factory n addition to the Avenger being back General Manager Tom Kurtz said, “As with Avengers, although originally developed as Ion display in the Navy Hangar, she any long-term project, we are always filled a carrier-based to replace is joined by the museum’s Stearman with excitement as we near completion. We the obsolete TBD Devastator, would become , also fresh from a restoration. all hope that our efforts have contributed in widely used as conventional , mine The Stearman has received an extensive some small way to keeping WWII history alive.” layers, scouts, anti-submarine patrol aircraft overhaul and has received all new fabric, and even electronic countermeasures With a freshly overhauled engine, propeller control surfaces and a fresh coat of paint. platforms across the fleet. From its first service and reconstructed cowling fitted, the aircraft This is a fan-favorite and we are in combat at the Battle of Midway, the Avenger was subjected to an extensive series of test pleased to have it back in the air, with its would see service throughout the rest of the runs and test flights before being returned to first flight post restoration taking place on war with the US Navy and Marine Corps. the museum for display. Now able to be viewed August 13th. Although our Ride Program from the Navy Hangar, the Avenger was flown Our Avenger once again wears the markings has not yet resumed, our war veteran for the public on October 24th and will be of US Navy Ace Captain Richard “Zeke” Cormier Stearman is now ready, willing and able! included in our flying schedule again next year. of Compost Squadron 1 (VC-1) based on the Originally designed by , 7,546 of USS Card (CVE-11). Cormier became an ace Our Stearman, although marked the 9,837 Avengers produced during World while flying the F6F Hellcat in the Pacific following as a US Navy N2S, was actually built in War II were actually manufactured by General his 75 Atlantic combat missions in the Avenger. 1941 as a PT-17 Model A75N1 (serial number 41-25254) for the U.S. TBM in the shop before engine install and propeller fitting ‚ Air Corps. It served as a Primary Trainer throughout the war and remained in service until retired in 1945. The airplane, like so many others, was saved from the scrap heap by being used as an aerial applicator or crop duster. It was among the first to be placed on display at the Military Museum. 2 | RESTORATION UPDATES Stearman A Remodeled Lobby & New Museum Store

lthough regulations required we so keep an eye out on our Facebook Aclose to the public through part of and Instagram for our featured items. our busiest season, the museum used The museum’s main floor exhibits this time to complete some much needed have also been expanded to include renovations that were begun during the some new items that have been in winter. The primary focus of this effort storage at the museum, including several was to create a new, more open space unidentified pieces that visitors can help for our museum Store, and to adjust identify! Our engine exhibit now includes the entry experience for our guests. This a cutaway Me-262 engine allowing new entry design was aimed at allowing visitors to look inside one of the war’s our visitors to more quickly immerse most significant and secret technological themselves in aviation history and the accomplishments, the first to be museum’s remarkable collection of aircraft fitted to an operational combat aircraft! and artifacts from the World Wars. The museum staff also took the Our museum Store in its previous opportunity to refresh the bathrooms on location was rapidly outgrowing its limited the main floor, with further improvements space and more room was needed to coming for our lobby and first floor showcase our great range of items, as well exhibits in the near future. as to introduce some new ones! Some of the new items include vintage beach bags -- and totes made out of recycled army tents (a fast favorite!) as well as an expanded Visitors are welcome at the Museum range of buildable kits by Cobi. We Store even if they do not wish to purchase have also made it easier to shop online for an admission to the museum. Much of our all of your favorite items and will be running catalog is available for purchase online as well, several sales during the holiday season, with on-site pickup as an available option. RESTORATION UPDATES | 3 haNGAR NEwS

75th Anniversary of VE Day Concert Livestream

Arsenal of Democracy: hen the Novel Coronavirus emerged late in 2019, plans were already underway We must be the great W 75th World War II Victory ” across the to mark the 75th Commemoration Flyover arsenal of democracy. Anniversary of the end of World War II. With bans on public gatherings in place across the – PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT country and many events intended to coincide escheduled from its date earlier in with VE Day on May 8th postponed, the 2020, the Arsenal of Democracy museum decided to take its celebration online! R Mosquito made it to the staging airport in Flyover was one of the most anticipated Culpeper, Virginia. Sadly, the” weather did not Theresa Eaman, a voice familiar to any events on our schedule for this year. The who have attended one of our air shows or plan was to join up with private collectors, cooperate, and the flyover was moved to its events in the past, suggested to us that we and flying museums from all across the rain date, before ultimately being scrubbed host a special concert without an in-house country, and to fly more than 70 altogether due to the weather conditions. audience and broadcast it live from one of down the National Mall in Washington In spite of the weather, the Arsenal of our display hangars. With minimal personnel D.C. in celebration of the men and Democracy team, supported by the AOPA on site, extensive safety precautions taken women who built, flew and maintained and CAF staff, put together an amazing live throughout the performance, and Theresa’s them during the war years, as well as broadcast featuring veteran’s interviews and considerable talent, the performance brought highlighting the contributions a little bit of World War II’s can-do spirit to amazing segments detailing the incredible made to the overall Allied victory in WWII. everyone in the safety of their home. effort that was mounted to produce Our aircraft and their crews were made aircraft and win the war. While many were Featuring the museum’s ready for the event over several weeks, and Mosquito as her co-star, Eaman’s set list disappointed that the airplanes were not while security and safety precautions had included period hits like We’ll Meet Again, able to fly as planned, the true mission of to be met on board all participating aircraft, I’m Beginning to See the Light and Danny Boy, our PBY Catalina, Supermarine Spitfire, the event – calling attention to the incredible performed in front of her USO Camp Show , FG-1D Corsair, FM-2 sacrifices and tremendous efforts made by banner. If you missed the concert live, a Wildcat, P-40 Warhawk and de Havilland the Greatest Generation – was accomplished. recording is available on our Facebook page!

Theresa Eaman in the midst of her performance in the Army hangar „ 4 | HANGAR NEWS Summer of Flight: Experience History First Hand!

he Military Aviation Museum has Flying the Flag on The Few always been much more than just T This Summer marked the 80th Anniversary airplanes and historic hangars! We strive the Fourth of July to share the stories of the people who We were pleased to have been invited to of the , fought in 1940. built, maintained, flew and fought in these support the City of Virginia Beach in its As one of the few collections in the world remarkable aircraft. The men and women Fourth of July observance. Five of our most home to a Spitfire and a Hurricane, we whose stories are immortalized by these iconic American aircraft from World War II invited Summer of Flight attendees to airplanes made an indelible impact on and the overflew the oceanfront help us mark the occasion with a special the world, and Summer of Flight is one of at scheduled intervals throughout the demonstration on September 19th. Sadly, the best ways to experience this history day, providing beachgoers a front row the weather prevented us from flying, but as it roars to life on the flight line. seat to a patriotic aerial parade! This both airplanes and their iconic Rolls-Royce Merlin engines were run up for the crowd. Now concluding its third year as the intense schedule of operations meant flying season draws to a close, Summer that Summer of Flight extended from De Havilland Centennial of Flight this year ran from June 20th – Noon until 5 p.m., treating visitors to a September 26th, with a surprise 5 week great show of airplanes being launched As one of the largest collections of extension through the end of October and recovered throughout the day! de Havilland aircraft outside the UK, it seemed only right that we offer a thanks to ongoing good flying weather. Recreating WWII Two subsequent weekends in November stateside celebration of the company’s were also added to include fan-favorites; Carrier Operations 100th Anniversary. Delayed one week from the anniversary date by our efforts our German 8.8cm Flak Gun and our On July 11th, our TBM Avenger and Replica Argus Pulsejet Engine (as would our FM-2 Wildcat gave guests a terrific to support the Arsenal of Democracy have powered a V-1 Flying Bomb). opportunity to see how the Navy event, we were able to send our Tiger Moth, Chipmunk and the Mosquito Throughout the summer, Saturdays at 1pm conducted carrier operations during into the air on October 3rd. (weather and maintenance permitting), World War II. Packed tightly, folded saw a cavalcade of airplanes take to the in a space just 40 feet shorter than a real Summer of Flight is included with sky, with different featured aircraft and deck, visitors witnessed a regular Museum Admission and different stories to be told each week. wingfolds, engine runs and eventually a is free for museum members. carrier style take-off from our Wildcat as Worried about missing out on the a special tribute to our aviators! great performances scheduled for 2021? Join now to ensure free access to all of the 2021 Summer of Flight Performances.

HANGAR NEWS | 5

MUSEUM EDUCATION

Veterans Day Webinar

n observance of Veterans Day 2020, the Imuseum hosted a special edition of its ongoing webinar programming that took us outside of our traditional focus on the World Wars. Joined by author and veteran Eileen Bjorkman, USAF (ret.), attendees were taken back through history to examine the US military’s commitment to leave no one behind. The presentation traced the evolution of combat search and rescue from World War II through the . The presentation also looked at the ongoing multi-year efforts to bring everyone home, including the emergence of POW/ MIA repatriation efforts, and more recent endeavors to address post traumatic stress.

Education Programs Continue at Home through Pandemic

ith the museum’s mission being produced in-house to help our community provide families with experiments that could Wprincipally one of education, the stay connected to the museum. The be performed inside their homes to learn mandatory closure of the museum majority of what was generated gave about the forces of flight! Each experiment presented an unusual challenge. How people behind the scenes opportunities to was designed to make use of materials they could we share military aviation history see how our aircraft are maintained and likely already had at home! This series of 5 with an audience that is unable to visit the operated, with educational tidbits woven videos was viewed more than 13,000 times. museum as part of a school or family in. Cumulatively, these videos featuring While we have returned to more trip? Our Education Department turned to pilot interviews, maintenance run-ups and conventional programming in the museum, social media to help carry exciting learning in-flight footage from the cockpit have we continue to work on educational opportunities into people’s homes. been viewed more than 800,000 times. content for our social media pages since With staff from across the museum In addition to these videos, Museum not everyone is able to visit again yet, stepping up to support the effort, a Educator Abby Fulton created a series of particularly our international guests and considerable number of videos were short Hands-On at Home films designed to members who live outside Virginia.

6 | MUSEUM EDUCATION Military Aviation Museum Webinar Program a Success

hen it became apparent that the effort lockdown period we hosted 24 sessions with of Aviation in Finland’s Winter War, and the Wto flatten the curve across Virginia topics ranging from How to fly a Sunderland Post-War use of Warbirds in the Middle East. would not be a matter of just a few weeks, Flyingboat to an Aerial Photography How- Having welcomed more than 17,000 the museum began an online speaker to with industry legend Paul Bowen! participants, it is clear that our webinars series as a way to stay connected with our Understanding that the opening of the are serving their purpose of keeping members and volunteers. These programs museum in June would still not mean that all people engaged with military and were each designed to allow participants to of our volunteers, or our at-risk visitors would aviation history, and we have already take a deep dive into aviation history along be able to come visit right away, we made begun scheduling efforts for 2021! with a guest speaker who would lead the the decision to keep the webinar program exploration of a different aircraft, battle, Missed a Webinar? Visit the Archive! going throughout the rest of the year. Our or dimension of the Warbird community. www.militaryaviationmuseum.org/ second season, rescheduled to Wednesday webinar-archive/ to view the recordings! The webinars have been supported by nights, featured amazing programs that looked donations and contributions from those at topics as varied as The Women Airforce Service To be the first to receive the schedule, sign up who have been enjoying them. During the Pilots, Marine Corps Aviators in WWII, The Role for our newsletter at https://qrgo.page.link/Rhdq8

MUSEUM EDUCATION | 7 EVENTS IN REVIEW

Warbirds Aviation Summer Camp

ne of our most popular annual programs Although each camp session had its Ofor young people is our Summer Camp. own particular focus, all of our camps After bringing our first full-time educator on featured hands-on STEM challenges, I would definitely” recommend board in 2019, we were very excited for a special guided tours, and experiences large expansion to our offerings in 2020. While specifically designed to inspire campers this camp to all budding aviators. this major expansion did not happen quite through aviation. 2020’s program offerings Special thanks to Abbey for her according to plan, we were able to host our were geared towards students K-10, and dedication to this camp. My son had Camp Programs with reduced capacities, spread the staff is looking forward to hosting over a longer period, to give as many families Summer Camp once again in 2021. the BEST time! Everyday he came an opportunity to participate as possible. home excited for what they had After a careful review of the CDC’s guidelines learned and the crafts they made. for Summer Camps as well as recommendations Outstanding camp! Our son He looked forward to going every from the Virginia Department of Health, had a phenomenal” time, and the issuance of a statement outlining day! With most camps cancelled our efforts to keep campers safe, we were learned a great deal. Really this summer it was a great relief able to welcome small groups of campers well rounded day hosted by to have this one continue. to the museum in June, July and August. a knowledgeable, welcoming Our camps have always been a great way and accommodating staff! – TRACEY RAY, AUGUST 2, 2020 for young people to connect with engineering, science and history, and 2020 was no different. – HOLLY CONGER, AUGUST 13, 2020 Offering a variety of different session focuses during the course of the summer, campers ” had unique opportunities to interact with our aircraft, work alongside veteran engineers and ” pilots, and so much more. Campers followed (virtually) in the footsteps of the Wright brothers as they discovered the science of powered flight and explored the World War II roots of modern marvels like , and even drones! A number of campers also had the opportunity to learn what it took to be a World War II fighter pilot and participate in the restoration of WWII equipment.

8 | EVENTS IN REVIEW Seeing Double? The Museum Staff spotted this Ford Mustang with a striking resemblance to our own Double Trouble Two

Seeing Double? The museum staff spotted this Ford Mustang with a striking resemblance to our own Double Trouble Two.

Memorial Day Drive In

lthough the museum staff had hoped connect with the right people and to get Commemorating Ato be able to re-open by Memorial Day, timely answers to our many questions. It the Doolittle Raid COVID-19 cases across the state had not would not have been possible to open in this reduced enough to make a conventional way were it not for the support we received. lthough guests could not be present at the opening possible. A creative solution was Over the three day holiday weekend, museum through the month of April, the sought to allow visitors to connect with the A the museum welcomed 1,265 cars, with staff created a series of short clips available on museum’s exciting collection of aircraft, as a an estimated total attendance of 4,000 our Facebook page that commemorated the way of marking Memorial Day and reflecting people to the free drive-through. We April 18th anniversary of the daring raid that on America’s legacy of service and sacrifice. debuted several new offerings to help restored American morale in the wake of the With guest safety paramount to our visitors enjoy the experience from their cars. surprise . Accompanying plans, it was decided that a drive-through This included QR Codes linked to online a video of a full B-25 run-up and a short tour museum would be the perfect way to open videos featuring pilot interviews, behind inside our “Wild Cargo”, we also recognized the up on such an important weekend. It took the scenes looks at aircraft maintenance, special local connection to the raid, where a pair several weeks of planning and conversation in-flight footage, original WWII footage and of B-25s were flown off the USS Hornet near with the Governor’s Office, as well as even an interview with Jimmy Doolittle’s co- Cape Henry to confirm that it could be done. support from our local government to put pilot, Lt. Col. Richard E. “Dick” Cole (shared Shortly after this successful test, the mission together a roadmap to create a contactless with us by Steve Buss of Wisconsin). was approved and preparations began. experience for visitors that still captured We also featured a text-to-give Museum Director of Operations Mitchell the essence of a visit to the museum. system for the first time, allowing people Welch, himself a Navy veteran, showcased the length of the deck run available to Doolittle’s A special thank-you must go to Delegate to make a contribution to the museum lead B-25 by measuring 467 feet out on Barry Knight and his staff for helping us by texting Airpower to 44-321. our ramp for an online audience as well.

ƒFour legged friends enjoyed the drive through as well! This is Fred taking in the sights! EVENTS IN REVIEW | 9 EVENTS IN REVIEW

Hangar Halloween

n October 31st, the museum hosted Othe first of what we hope will become an annual event at the museum for families, our Hangar Halloween! With an emphasis this year on social distancing, and safely distributing candy using grabbers, the museum hosted an evening of non-scary, family friendly spooky fun! Families were invited to walk through the hangars with Trick-or-Treating stations set up alongside fan favorite airplanes from our collection. Children 12 and under were admitted free in costume, and we certainly saw some amazing costumes throughout the night! This free event for members also included Make-and-Take Halloween crafts, and a Scavenger Hunt that placed a Halloween on our aircraft collection. With space limited by the adjusted capacity in the museum, the event did sell out, and we do know that some eager Trick-or-Treaters were unable to participate this year, but we are hoping everyone will join us next time!

10 | EVENTS IN REVIEW Museum Welcomes New Educator with Support of Virginia Department of Aviation

he Virginia Department of Aviation is many supporters of our museum, and are We know that the department, like our Ton a mission to cultivate an advanced glad to acknowledge that their continued team here at the museum, is looking aviation system across our state while support of our Education Coordinator forward to what the future holds for Aviation promoting economic development and position throughout this trying time has been Education in our region as we welcome the providing educational opportunities to a big part of what has allowed us to continue newest member of our staff team, Nicole our communities through aviation. We are offering Virtual Programming, as well as Lutz to the Education Coordinator position pleased to count the department among the youth-focused efforts such as Summer Camp. recently vacated by Abby Fulton. Nicole joins us from Pennsylvania, having previous museum experience in College Park, MD and Manassas, VA as an educator.

Virginia Humanities Support for the Museum Gone West

everal volunteers and Maylea Beasley Scontributors to the museum have passed away since the printing Robert Reckner/// of our last newsletter. We will miss he Military Aviation Museum was one of Doris “Rosie” Baker each of those who have Gone T110 Museums, Libraries, Historical Societies West, and will cherish the impact and other cultural nonprofit organizations John Resch that they had on the museum across the state to receive support from Virginia during their time here; they may Humanities as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief Chris Carter be gone, but are not forgotten. and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) passed by Congress in March. The grant provided Albert Grimstead much needed emergency operating funds to humanities-based organizations such as ours, Jim Given that have seen their budgets dramatically impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Benny Reed The museum is grateful to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), its Chairman Jon Peede, and to Congress for their support of the humanities in the CARES Act. We also want to thank Virginia Humanities for working quickly to distribute the funds to those in need and we look forward to working with them in the future on subsequent grant opportunities.

EVENTS IN REVIEW | 11 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID VIRGINIA BEACH, VA PERMIT NO. 235

MemberShip NewSletter ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED

1341 Princess Anne Road Virginia Beach, Virginia 23457 www.MilitaryAviationMuseum.org www.FighterFactory.com

Open Daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

(757) 721-PROP (7767)

12 | 2020, A YEAR IN REVIEW IN YEAR A 2020, | 12

or text-to-give by texting AIRPOWER to 44-321. to AIRPOWER texting by text-to-give or

of Prop Noise. Prop of

militaryaviationmuseum.org/donations militaryaviationmuseum.org/donations visiting by

Smile.Amazon.com the recipient on on recipient the

(757) 721-7767. You can also contribute online online contribute also can You 721-7767. (757) edition this through 2020

the museum when the you specify us as as us specify you the when museum the

at the museum or over the phone by calling calling by phone the over or museum the at

across from spots bright donates a percentage of your purchase to to purchase your of percentage a donates

person in made be can Donations donation!

cost anything additional. Amazon simply simply Amazon additional. anything cost challenging time, please consider making a a making consider please time, challenging the of some at back looking

I

Amazon Smile. This donation doesn’t doesn’t donation This Smile. Amazon work the museum is doing during this this during doing is museum the work

enjoyed have you hope We

f you are interested in supporting the great great the supporting in interested are you f You can also support us through through us support also can You

Top View