Marysville
Beale Air Force Base
Marysville, California 95903
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Northrop-Grumman RQ-4
"Global Hawk"
USAF
Photo
Location of SR-71A and D-21
display aircraft.
Satellite image via Google Earth
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We need high resolution photos of the aircraft on display at ths location. Your help would be appreciated.
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The 9th Reconnaissance Wing is responsible for providing national and theater command authorities with timely, reliable, high-quality, high-altitude reconnaissance products. To accomplish this mission, the wing is equipped with the nation's fleet of U-2 and RQ-4 reconnaissance aircraft and associated support equipment. The wing also maintains a high state of readiness in its expeditionary combat support forces for potential deployment in response to theater contingencies. The 9th Reconnaissance Wing is composed of more than 3,000 personnel in four groups at Beale and multiple overseas operating locations.
History
On May 1, 1999, the 9 th Reconnaissance Wing celebrated the 50th anniversary of its activation at Fairfield-Suisun (present-day Travis) AFB, Calif. The wing's lineage and honors history extends back even further. Soon after the 9 th Bombardment Wing activated, the 9 th Bombardment Group inactivated and the group's lineage and honors passed on to the wing. The group stood up at Mitchel Field, New York, on August 1, 1922, as headquarters for the 1st (the oldest Air Force squadron) and 5 th Squadrons. The 99th Squadron joined the group on November 9, 1928.
In March 1916, the 1st Aero Squadron, with Captain Benjamin D. Foulois as commander, supported General "Black Jack" Pershing's punitive expeditions into Mexico. Pancho Villa had raided Columbus, New Mexico, and Pershing pursued and hoped to capture him. On March 16, 1916, Captain T.F. Dodd, with Captain Foulois as observer, flew the first American aerial reconnaissance mission in combat. (The wavy line in the middle of the wing's emblem represents the Rio Grande River and the 1st Aero Squadron's operations in 1916).
Both the 1st and the 99th Aero Squadrons flew in World War I. Between 12 and 15 September 1918, they joined the great air armada of 1,481 airplanes in a massive air offensive in the St. Mihiel sector of France. The squadrons also participated in the Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, and Meuse-Argonne combat operations. (The four black crosses on the wing's emblem commemorate these air battles).
In World War II, the 9th Bombardment Group fought in the Pacific Theater. On April 15-16, 1945, 339th Group B-29s flew 1,500 miles, low-level to avoid detection, over water, at night, to attack heavily-defended Kawasaki, Japan. Enemy searchlight, anti-aircraft guns, and flak boats destroyed four of the group's 33 bombers and damaged six others. But the attack demolished Kawasaki's strategic industrial district. The group earned a Distinguished Unit Emblem (DUE) for its actions. The unit won another DUE the following month for mining the Shimonoseki Straits and the waters around Honshu and Kyushu blocking Inland Sea traffic and isolating important Japanese ports.
After its activation in 1949, the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing's 1st , 5th , and 99th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadrons flew RB-29s and RB-36s on visual, photographic, electronic and weather reconnaissance missions. The Air Force redesignated the wing the 9th Bombardment Wing on April 1,1950. In 1953, the wing moved from Fairfield-Suisun AFB to Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. There, B-47s replaced the B-29s. The wing's B-47s were an integral part of the Strategic Air Command's (SAC) nuclear deterrent force until 1966. In November 1955, the wing displayed SAC's ability to strike anywhere in the world by flying nonstop from Mountain Home AFB to New Zealand, a distance of 8,300 miles.
The 9th returned to its roots on June 25, 1966, when the Air Force redesignated the wing the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing and transferred it to Beale AFB. The wing would fly the new SR-71 "Blackbird," a supersonic, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. Flying above 80,000 feet at more than 2,000 mph, the SR-71 could survey over 100,000 squares miles in an hour. The airplane quickly became operational and began flying missions throughout Southeast Asia. Rescuers used SR-71 photos to plan the raid on Son Tay prison to free American prisoners-of-war. After the Vietnam War, the SR-71 established a level-flight-at-altitude record at 85,131 feet and a straight-course speed record of 2,194 mph.
On July 1, 1976, the U-2 joined the SR-71 in the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing giving the unit two of the most unique aircraft in the world. The "Dragon Lady" had gained national and international recognition with flights over the Soviet Union, China, Cuba, and Southeast Asia. The U-2 was the perfect complement to the SR-71. The Blackbird could penetrate highly-defended areas, take a "quick look," and depart at high speeds. The Dragon Lady could spend more time "on-station" and furnish a "long look" at the desired target. The U-2 was also much less expensive to fly. In 1989, the Air Force decided the SR-71 was too expensive to operate and retired the Blackbird on January 1, 1990. Although it made a brief revival in the mid-90s, today the aircraft is again retired.
The U-2, meanwhile, continued to prove its worth. In 1990-91, the wing deployed the largest contingent of U-2s ever to Saudi Arabia to support Operation DESERT SHIELD/STORM. The Dragon Lady tracked Iraqi troop and armor buildups, assessed bomb damage, and monitored a massive oil spill in the Persian Gulf. U-2 pilots alerted ground stations of Scud missile launches and guided fighter aircraft to destroy Scud launchers. After the Gulf War, the U-2 stayed in Saudi Arabia to monitor Iraqi compliance with the peace agreement. In 1998, the Dragon Lady set a weight-to-altitude record and in 1999 won the Collier Trophy, aviation's most coveted award.
In 2001, the historic 12th Reconnaissance Squadron joined the wing as the parent unit for the RQ-4 GLOBAL HAWK. An unmanned, remotely piloted high-altitude reconnaissance platform, the GLOBAL HAWK can linger over a target for 24 hours. The first production model should arrive later this year. This will add another weapon to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing's vital role in our nation's defense. Today, the U-2 furnishes the National Command Authorities critical information on which to base important decisions. To do this, the wing operates permanent detachments and temporary operating locations at critical sites around the world. At any given moment, day or night, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, there is probably a 9th Reconnaissance Wing U-2 flying an operational mission somewhere in the world
Marysville
Museum of the Forgotten
Warriors
5865 A Road
Marysville, CA 95901
(530)
742-3090
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Bell UH-1 "Iroquois"
(Huey)
Skytame
Images stock photo by John Shupek
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We need high resolution photos of the aircraft on display at ths location. We also need make/model, serial numbers, etc. Your help would be appreciated.
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A privately-owned museum established in 1985, the Museum of the Forgotten Warriors pays homage to the men and women who served in the Vietnam War. The museum is arranged in two parts, with United States and South Vietnamese objects on one side, and objects from Viet Cong on the other. Exhibits tell the story of the war from a soldier¹s perspective using patches, weapons, uniforms, photographs and letters.
Open first Saturday of each month, Veterans Day & Memorial Day 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.
Mather (Sacramento)
Sacramento VA Medical
Center
10535 Hospital Road
Mather, California 95655
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The Department of Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System (VANCHCS) is an integrated health care delivery system, offering a comprehensive array of medical, surgical, rehabilitative, primary, mental health and extended care to veterans in northern California. VANCHCS serves an area consisting of more than 377,700 veterans dispersed over a wide geographic area spanning approximately 40,000 square miles. The health system is comprised of a medical center in Sacramento; a rehabilitation and extended care facility in Martinez; seven outpatient clinics, a Substance Abuse Treatment Center in Oakland; and dental clinics in Vallejo, Sacramento, and Redding. The Sacramento VA Medical Center is a 50-bed, state-of-the-art, inpatient facility offering a full range of comprehensive health care services including medical, surgical, primary and mental health care. The medical center, which is comprised of 28 medical-surgical beds, 12 TCU beds, 10 ICU beds, and a four room operating suite, also houses a cardiac catheterization lab, a gastrointestinal & endoscopy suite, angiography capability and 16,000 square-feet of research laboratory. The medical center offers a wide range of outpatient and diagnostic services, including mammography, MRI, CT, and PET scanning.
According to Ron Strong, the Republic F-105G ''Thunderchief'' (Wild Weasel) shown above is the only display aircraft left the site of the old Mather AFB. Thanks again to Ron for the pictures!
Modesto
CAF Central California Valley
Squadron
Hangar 1S, Harry Sham Field
Modesto, California 95354
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Cessna L-19 "Bird
Dog"
CAF Central
California Valley Squadron Photo
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We need a high resolution photos, make/model, serial or N-numbers, etc. of the aircraft at this location. Your help woud be be appreciated.
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The Central California Valley Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force is dedicated to the preservation of operational heritage military aircraft. They have a Stinson L-5 "Grasshopper" aircraft that is fully operational and they are in the process for restoring a Vultee BT-13 "Valiant" WWII basic trainer. They host many activities for both pilots and non-pilots in their organization. They have a General Membership Meeting on the 1st Thursday of every month in their hangar at Harry Sham Field (Modesto Airport). They are located in Hangar 1S at the airport, a 15,000 facility.
They are in the process of developing of a first class Heritage Airpower Museum in the Hangar. If you have an interest in helping them in any of these activities, please give them a call. If you have any heritage artifacts from WWII or later that you would like to consign to them, they will provide secure, appropriate display. If you would rather donate any item of interest, appropriate tax deductions may be available since they are a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
Mojave
Mojave Airport
Mojave Airport
East Kern Airport
District
434 Flightline
Mojave, California 93501
Phone:
(661) 824-2433
Fax: (661) 824-2914 or 2620
View Map
Convair 990 at the Mojave
Airport
Photo by
John Shupek
Carcasses of out-of-use aircraft can be found at Mojave's so-called 'boneyard', one of the largest resting places for retired liners in America. Some of the vintage craft laid to rest at the Mojave 'scrapper' include the ultra rare APSA 990, which first flew in 1962 for APSA Peru until it was reposed in 1973 and was narrowly escaped being 'crashed' for a FOX network TV special, and the TWA Constellation, perhaps the most beautiful commercial aircraft ever manufactured. Tours of the airfield can sometimes be arranged — call 661 824 2433 for more information.
Mountain View
NASA Ames Research
Center
Visitor Center
Moffett Field
Mountain View,
California 94035
Phone: (415) 604-6274
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NASA Ames Visitor
Center
Photo by
John Shupek
NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) is a NASA facility located at Moffett Federal Airfield, which covers 43 acres at the borders of the cities of Mountain View and Sunnyvale in California. This research center is most commonly called NASA Ames. ARC was founded on December 20, 1939 as the second laboratory of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), and moved to NASA in 1958. The Sunnyvale site at Moffett Field was selected in October 1939 by the Charles Lindbergh Committee established by an act of the U.S. Congress in August 1939. The Ames Aeronautical Laboratory (now the Ames Research Center) was named after Joseph Sweetman Ames a longtime (1919-1939) NACA chairman. ARC is active in aeronautical research, life sciences, space science, and technology research, especially information technology, including machine learning and artificial intelligence. The Center houses the world's largest wind tunnel, part of the National Full-Scale Aerodynamic Complex (NFAC). Although decommissioned by NASA in 2003, the NFAC is now being operated by the U. S. Air Force as a satellite facility of the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC). The buildings at Moffett Field consist of those belonging to NASA proper, including the wind tunnels and other core research facilities, as well as an academic research park intended to foster collaborations with universities. Members of this Ames campus include Carnegie Mellon West, the University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) (administered by the University of California, Santa Cruz), the SJSU Metropolitan Technology Center (part of San Jose State University), and The Space Technology Center (STC) (managed by San Jose State University).
Mountain View
Moffett Field Museum
Hangar #1 (originally the dirigible Macon hanger)
Moffett Field, California
Phone:
(650) 964-4024
FAX: 650 964-4028
Moffett Field Historical Society
P.O.Box 16
Moffett Field, CA 94035
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Lockheed SP-2E ''Neptune'' (BuNo
128383)
Lockheed P-3A ''Orion'' (BuNo 150509)
Photos by Ron Strong
The Moffett Field Historical Society was founded in May of 1993, as the result of the community "Hail and Farewell" for the Navy as Moffett Field was closing. One year after the founding of the Historical Society, the Moffett Field Museum, a non-profit institution, was created. The Museum, managed and staffed by volunteers, was initially located inside Hangar One, which was built to house the dirigible USS Macon in 1934. In 2002, Hangar One was closed to all personnel due to PCB contamination, and the Museum was relocated to an adjacent building. Moffett Field is located in the Sunnyvale-Mountain View area of the southern San Francisco bay, adjacent to Highway 101, aproximately 10 miles north of San Jose. From Highway 101, take the Moffett Blvd. exit towards Moffett Field. Enter the main gate via the left-most lane. From this lane, the road dog-legs to the right at the parade ground, and becomes S. Akron Dr., a one-way street. Hangar One is directly in front of you as you pass Bldg. 17, the main administration building. Continue toward Hangar One until you reach Severyns Av., which is one block from the hangar. Turn right on Severyns Av. (a one-way street). Part way up this street, before you reach the stop sign, you will see the old water tower on the right, and the Moffett Museum on the left. Park in the lot just before the museum building, or across the street.
North Highlands
Aerospace Museum of
California
5934 Price Avenue (corner of Freedom Park Drive and Price Avenue)
McClellan, CA 95652
Phone: (916)
643-3192
View Map
In 1982 a group of volunteers chartered an aviation museum that was to become known as the McClellan Aviation Museum. The Museum officially opened in 1986 and hosted over 500,000 visitors on McClellan AFB in Sacramento, CA. However, in 2001 McClellan AFB closed and another group of volunteers converted the Museum to a private foundation. In November 2005, they completed the transformation of this historic aviation museum when they chartered the Aerospace Museum of California. Their mission is to carry on the heritage of aviation in California’s Capital region by focusing the new museum on education and aerospace. The Museum has plans to a totally new museum and learning center complex that educates visitors and highlights the rich aviation heritage of the area. This heritage includes the contributions of aerospace industries to our country’s space era, and recognizes the individual contributions of the women and men of the armed forces and the civilian work force that was critical for our nation’s defense. The new Aerospace Museum of California include: the Hardie Setzer Aerospace Pavilion, the Air Park, the Aerospace Learning Center, the Aviation Historic Center, and the McClellan Memorial Plaza. The planned opening date for the new Pavilion and Air Park is early 2007. Meanwhile as they build, the Air Park, the Gift Shop, and all the aircraft are still open. And, of course, you can view the aircraft and many of our engines on this web site. More aircraft will be added in mid 2006 as they a Douglas A-4 "Skyhawk", and a Grumman F-14 "Tomcat."
Display Line at the Old
McClellan Aviation Museum
Photo by Bill Church
Oakland
CAF Golden Gate
Squadron
Oakland International Airport
Oakland, CA 94601
Phone: (510)
568-7708
mail The Mission of the Commemorative Air Force
is to Promote and Preserve in Flying Condition, the History and Esprit de Corps
of Military Aviation. The Golden Gate Wing is the San Francisco bay area's
chapter of the Commemorative Air Force and has more than 250 active members who
meet regularly, maintain and fly Wing aircraft, and take part in air shows and
educational events. The Golden Gate Wing had its Bay Area roots in the CAF
Pacific Wing in 1981. From that original organization came the core of today's
Wing and the 1991 allocation by CAF headquarters of a North American SNJ-5 (aka
AT-6 Texan). The Golden Gate Wing has hosted two major events at Oakland
International Airport's North Field. We organized the 1991 air show honoring the
Tuskegee Airmen, the African-American flying instructors and combat pilots of
World War II, and 1995's Freedom Week, featuring the CAF's B-29 “Fifi” and B-24
“Diamond Lil”. Both offered the general public an opportunity to see historic
types of aircraft fly, and to meet pilots and crewmembers that flew those
machines during the war.
Lockheed T-33A "Shootiing
Star"
Oakland
Oakland Museum of
California The Oakland Museum of California provides
unique collections, exhibitions and educational opportunities designed to
generate a broader and deeper understanding of and interest in California's
environment, history, art and people. Museum programs are responsive, accessible
and meaningful to the public, including school children, teachers, scholars, the
immediate Oakland community, and an increasingly diverse California population.
Gallery of California Art
Selections from the museum's permanent
collection include approximately 600 works in a variety of media, including
paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs and decorative arts in the
collection. The installation traces the development of artistic expression in
California from the early 1800s to the present. Art Department, third level.
California: A Place, A People, A Dream
The Cowell Hall of California History
displays the most extensive collection of material related to California's
complex history. This permanent exhibit of more than 6,000 artifacts illustrates
major events and trends that have shaped the state, from the
pre-European-contact world of the region's native peoples to the complex,
technological world of today. History Department, second level.
Walk Across California
The Hall of California Ecology takes the
visitor on a simulated journey through California's diverse ecosystems,
observing plants and animals found from the Pacific coastline to the High Sierra
and the inland desert. Exhibits contain approximately 2,500 natural specimens
organized around basic ecological principles highlighting relationships among
plants, animals, geology and climate. The Aquatic California Gallery presents an
overview of our aquatic environments, including the oceans, rivers and streams
and estuaries. Natural Sciences Department, first level.
The Oakland Museum of California is
located in downtown Oakland, one block from the Lake Merritt BART station and a
few blocks from highway 880. Parking is available in their underground garage,
or you can park in the lot located at the Kaiser Events Center next to the
museum on 10th Street.
The Museum is reported to have a 1919
Meteor on display. To date we have not be able to confirm this.
Oakland Museum of
California
We need a high resolution photo,
make/model, etc. of the aircraft at this location. Your help woud be be
appreciated.
Oakland
Oakland Western Aerospace
Museum Founded in 1980, the Oakland Western Aerospace Museum is a nonprofit
organization on Oakland International Airport’s historic North Field, just 10
minutes south of downtown Oakland, California. Today, Oakland’s Western
Aerospace Museum is set among majestic Art Deco buildings heralding the days of
Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart in a restored historic airplane hanger.
In 1986 the doors opened Western Aerospace
Museum to the public in a single room in hanger five, an original 1929-vintage
hanger of the Boeing School of Aeronautics at Oakland International’s North
Field. "Hangar five still exists. It’s located on Earhart Road and currently
houses offices on the street-side of the building and Kaiser Air aircraft
parking on the air-side. The Mubseum was initially located in one large room
upstairs and later in a large room downstairs. In November 1988, the Museum was
relocated to its present location, Building 62, built in 1940 by the Boeing
School of Aeronautics to train aviation mechanics for the US Army Air Corps and
US Navy. The hangar, provided by the Port of Oakland, has undergone a
significant transformation with the help of private and corporate funding and
the dedicated work of hundreds of volunteers.
Over the years the Port of Oakland has
allocated additional space to the museum, most recently, in 2003, a strip of
land to the eastern edge of the ramp and the rear section of the hangar. In
addition to the 100,000+ square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibition areas,
today's facilities include an auditorium, restoration shop, gift shop, and a
5000+ book library.
The museum’s restored-hangar home, and
surrounding ramp area, now house more than 30 vintage and modern airplanes --
both civilian and military -- and other displays that highlight noted aviators
and innovators. Display areas include Early Pioneers in Aviation, Women in
Aviation, WWI, WWII, Airlines, Engines, Simulators, Model Airplanes, and Space.
All displays have been gifted or are on loan by individuals interested in
preserving aviation history for the education of future generations. Members and
volunteers who share a common interest in aviation history maintain the
exhibits.
Western Aerospace
Museum
Palmdale
Blackbird Airpark
Museum The Blackbird Airpark opened in November
1991. It is the world's only display of a Lockheed SR-71A together with its
Blackbird predecessor, the A-12, and the once ultra-secret D-21 drone. A U-2D
was added to the display in November 2001. The airpark was established to
preserve the proud heritage of the entire Blackbird family and, through the
restoration, preservation, and display of these unique aircraft, provide the
visiting public with an interesting and educational experience. The High Desert
Contractors Association managed construction of the airpark. Association
members, other businesses, private parties, and suppliers in the Southern
California area donated most of the labor and materials. The Flight Test
Historical Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is raising funds for
improvements to the airpark, and the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) Museum
at Edwards AFB is responsible for the airpark's day-to-day management.
The aircraft on display, A-12 #60-6924,
SR-71A #64-17973, and U-2D #56-6721, are USAF historical property and are on
loan (the A-12 and U-2 to the AFFTC Museum and the SR-71A to Det 1, Aeronautical
Systems Center, at Plant 42) for display at the Blackbird Airpark. The A-12 on
display is Blackbird number one and first flew on 26 April 1962. It was used as
a flight test vehicle throughout its career. The SR-71A on display was delivered
to the Strategic Air Command in 1968 and performed operational missions with the
9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, California until 1987 when it
was retired due to structural damage. The U-2D operated out of Edwards AFB with
the 6512th Test Group for and was previously on display at March AFB from 1981
to 1996 before being placed on display in the airpark. All three aircraft were
repainted courtesy of Lockheed's Skunk Works. The D-21 drone is on loan from
NASA and was refurbished by airpark volunteers. The three-acre airpark is
located on the Air Force's Production Flight Test Installation at Plant 42 in
Palmdale, California. The airpark's "Blackbird Heritage Courtyard" is being
paved with name-engraved bricks that can be purchased by the general public. The
courtyard is enclosed by a wall where Blackbird designers, record-setters, and
other program participants-and Blackbird Airpark contributors-will eventually be
recognized. The airpark is manned by AFFTC Museum volunteers and is open Friday
through Sunday (weather permitting), from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is closed
on Federal holidays. Admission is free.
Lockheed D-21
Drone
Palmdale
Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at
Palmdale Plant 42
McDonnell Douglas F-4
Phantom II at the Palmdale Plant 42 Airpark The Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at
Palmdale Plant 42 was dedicated at a groundbreaking ceremony on October 20,
1998. Located between 20th Street East and 25th Street East on Avenue P in
Palmdale, this 26.4-acre Airpark celebrates the rich aerospace heritage of
Palmdale.
Visitors to the Joe Davies Heritage
Airpark at Palmdale Plant 42 may view a collection of aircraft flown,tested,
designed, produced or modified at United States Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale.
The first five-acre phase of the Airpark includes 12 planes on display plus a
scale model of the B-2 Spirit and a full-size U-2 horizontal stabilizer and
engine. Additionally, a C-46 is currently being restored. Over 40 different
aircraft may be on display when the park is fully built out.
The Airpark exists primarily because of
volunteer support along with aircraft and material donations. When a plane is
donated, Airpark volunteers disassemble the craft, transport it to the Airpark,
and then restore it piece-by-piece before reassembling it for display.
Most of the restoration work is currently
done in a 3,500-square-foot restoration shop donated by Lockheed Martin
Aeronautics Company. A second building measuring 15,750 square feet will
eventually be used to house aerospace memorabilia exhibits. A future
5,000-square-foot visitors center will be built to house private donations
accumulated by the City as well as a snack bar and gift shop.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs Air Museum
Douglas C-47 Skytrain at
the Palm Springs Air Museum The Palm Springs Air Museum, is a
non-profit educational institution, whose mission is to exhibit, educate and
eternalize the role of the World War II combat aircraft and the role the pilots
and American citizens had in achieving this great victory. In addition to flying
aircraft, related artifacts, artwork, and library sources are used to perpetuate
American history.
The significance of World War Two is
unparalleled in all of the history of the world in that it was the greatest,
most costly conflict ever fought, taking the lives of more than 70 million
people. It was Air Power that altered the outcome of that war and forever
changed the lives of every person alive today.
To accomplish this mission, the Palm
Springs Air Museum uses the following components of the collection:
Aircraft Collection
Pasadena
Jet Propulsion
Laboratory
Mars Exploration Rover
1
JPL is a NASA center staffed and managed
for the government by a leading private university, Caltech -- and thus we are
known as a federally funded research and development center. I believe that this
marriage of the government and university worlds lends us a wonderful
intellectual infusion to drive our exploration efforts. Caltech anchors us in
the world of excellence and academic curiosity, while NASA gives us the
opportunity to reach for the stars.
Venturing into the unknown is not always
easy. But as Teddy Roosevelt once said, "Far better it is to dare mighty things,
to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to rank with
those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in
that grey twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."
The JPL Public Services Office offers
tours free of charge for groups and individuals on an advance reservation basis.
You must speak with a Public Services Office representative well in advance in
order to reserve a tour. Reservations may not be made via e-mail, voice mail or
fax.
To make a reservation, please call the
Public Tours Office at 818.354.9314
Visitor Day Tours
We offer Visitor Day tours for individuals
and families (up to nine persons) several times per month. These tours run
approximately once per week on Monday or Wednesday on an alternating basis.
Visitor Day Tours are generally held at 1:00 p.m.
Group Tours
Tours for groups of 10 or more, with a
maximum of 40 persons, are available throughout the week and are booked by an
initial telephone call to make a tentative reservation. Morning and afternoon
group tours are offered Monday through Friday. Please call for available times
and dates. Groups must provide a confirmation letter within 10 working days of
initial phone call, as well as a final roster of all participants at least one
month before the day of the tour. Persons not on the roster arriving the day of
the tour will not be admitted.
About the Tours
All tours are 2-2.5 hours in duration and
commonly include a multi-media presentation on JPL entitled "Spirit of
Exploration ," which provides an overview of the Laboratory's activities and
accomplishments. Guests may also visit the von Karman Visitor Center, the Space
Flight Operations Facility, and the In-Situ Instruments Laboratory.
JPL requires that all U.S. citizens, 18
years of age or older, present official, government issued photo identification
(driver's license or passport) before being allowed entry. All non-U.S. Citizens
18 years of age or older must present a passport or resident visa (green card)
before being allowed entry. Individuals without proper identification will not
be admitted to the Laboratory.
Please be advised that tours involve a
considerable amount of walking and stair climbing. Wheelchair access can be
accommodated with advance notice, however wheelchairs cannot be provided. Don't
forget to dress for the weather the tour will proceed rain or shine!
Paso Robles
Estrella Warbirds
Museum
Lockheed F-104A
Starfighter Adopting a name to memorialize the World
War II Estrella Army Air Force Base that is now Paso Robles Municipal Airport,
the Museum was chartered as a not-for-profit California corporation in 1995, and
501(c.3) accreditation soon followed to establish us with the US Departments of
Navy and Air Force, as well as the state of California, as an organization
approved to receive surplus aircraft and other government properties.
Located on the airport proper, the Museum
is one of the few "fly-in or drive-in" facilities in the nation, and has about
200 members who rub elbows and enjoy the camaraderie at our monthly dinner
meetings. Presently, hours are limited to weekends, and there is no charge for
admission to the Museum or its grounds. Everyone is welcome to come and see the
growth of something exciting...
A most ambitious plan took wing about 15
years ago as the Estrella Warbirds Museum, in which the primary goal would be to
preserve, perpetuate, and display American aviation history, especially that of
our nation's military services.
Point Mugu
NAWC Pt. Mugu Airpark
Grumman F-14A
"Tomcat" The NAWC Pt. Mugu Airpark is located at
the intersection of Pacific Avenue and SR1 just outside NAWC Pt. Mugu. The
Airpark features numerous missiles and aircraft that the Navy used and tested at
Pt. Mugu. The weapons on display span the timeframe from the close of World War
II to the present. This is a must stop if you're driving along the Pacific Coast
Highway (SR1).
Port Hueneme
Air National Guard - 146th Airlift Wing
North American F-86A-5-NA
"Sabre" The 146th is one of only four C-130 units
whose contribution to our nation’s aerial fire fighting capability includes
equipment and techniques for efficient, effective suppression of large wildland
fires from the air. Since 1974, using the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System
(MAFFS) units supplied by the U.S. Forest Service and mounted in four C-130s,
the wing’s aerial fire fighting crews have been credited with saving many lives
and countless millions of dollars worth of structures, forests, and brush land
in California, and many other States and countries as well. During a
particularly difficult fire season around the Mediterranean Sea, the Italian
government requested and received MAFFS-equipped aircraft, crews, and support
personnel from the 146th. For several weeks, our aircraft and crews fought fires
in Italy and Sardinia, while training local firefighters in MAFFS techniques,
and earning the respect and admiration of many European aerial firefighters. The
fire seasons of 1993 and 1994 were the worst on record. The Malibu fires of 1993
literally burned to the edge of our base. But it was in 1994, with over 55,000
wildfires raging throughout the western States, that the 146th, along with three
other MAFFS-equipped guard and reserve units flew nearly 2,000 missions,
dropping fifty-one million pounds of fire retardant.
Ramona
Classic Rotors Museum
Classic Rotors
Museum Classic Rotors is a California based,
non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic helicopters
and vintage rotorcraft. During the past year we have grown to have the worlds
largest collection of airworthy historic helicopters. With the support of many
volunteers and donations, Classic Rotors now has over 42 rotorcraft and attends
more than a dozen air shows each year.
Rialto
Klaers Aviation
Classic Rotors
Museum Co-owners: William Klaers & Allan
Wojciak L67, Art Scholl Field Rialto, CA Tel 909 874 9108 Restoration facility
at Rialto Municipal Airport. Westpac owns several WWII aircraft, and is
currently involved in with restoration work with warbird clients. WestPac
completed a meticulous restoration of a P-51D flown by Bud Tordoff for Paul
Allen's Group / Heritage Flight Museum. The group has worked with Australian 75
Squadron to recover P-47 and P-38 wreckage from Finschafen, Papua New Guinea.
The details of these recoveries, clients and even photographs of the wrecks are
not available to the public due to confidentiality agreements. Despite this,
several articles, including Aeroplane Monthly "Buried Thunderbolts to Fly Again"
(May 2004) and Warbirds International "Out of the Pit" by Michael (May 2004).
Aircraft Collection P-47D Serial Number 45-49385 B-25J Serial Number 44-86715
F7F-3E Bearcat Bureau Number 80375 Restoration Projects (Reported) P-38J-15
"Jandina III" Serial Number 42-103988 P-38F-5 Serial Number 42-12652 Nose Number
33 P-47D-11-RE Thunderbolt Serial Number 42-75284 P-47D Thunderbolt Serial
Number 42-22521 P-47D-2-RE Thunderbolt Serial Number 42-8074
Ridgecrest
U.S. Naval Museum of Armament and
Technology
Riverside
CAF Inland Empire
Squadron
Piper L-4F "Grasshopper"
(N35786) The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is an
all-volunteer organization, made up of members from all walks of life.
Membership is open to all men and women, age 18 or older. You need not be a
veteran nor a pilot to join the CAF. Privately funded and totally
self-supporting, the nonprofit, tax-exempt group is dedicated to preserving the
military aviation heritage of World War II. Our motto is "Keep 'Em Flying!"
The Inland Empire Wing is based at the
Riverside Municipal Airport, located in Riverside, California.
Riverside
March Field Museum
Northrop YA-9A at the March
Field Air Museum
San Carlos
Hiller Aviation Museum
Hiller Aviation
Museum
San Diego
San Diego Aerospace
Museum
Convair YF2Y-1 "Sea
Dart"
San Diego
Flying Leatherneck Aviation
Museum This one-of-a-kind Aviation Museum was
developed by a dedicated curatorial staff, with the help of many volunteers.
What sets this museum apart from all others is the fact that it is the only
museum in the World dedicated to preserving the incredible contributions made by
Marine Corps Aviators and their ground support personnel.
The museum is comprised of an outdoor
area, displaying an average of at least twenty five vintage aircraft and an
indoor display of memorabilia and artifacts dating to the earliest days of
Marine Corps Aviation. Many items are one of a kind and range from fine art
portraits to military clothing and weapons used during specific campaigns. The
museum holds the only exhibit in the United States devoted to the history of the
Woman Marine, including original uniforms, history timeline and memorabilia. The
museum also displays the permanent trophies and the current year recipients of
twenty five individual and unit awards, selected by the Commandant of the Marine
Corps for excellence in their occupational speciality.
Museum Tours
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday,
9:00 AM to 3:30 PM and at other times by special arrangement.
Museum Hours and Directions
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday,
9:00 AM to 3:30 PM and at other times by special arrangement.
Flying Leatherneck Aviation
Museum
San Francisco
Crissy Field Aviation
Museum The Crissy Field Aviation Museum Association
de Havilland DH-4 at Crissy
Field The Museum is presently located on a
temporary basis in Pier One, Fort Mason, San Francisco. Open working weekends
are held on the first & third Saturdays of each month. Contact the museum
for more information.
The CFAM is a 501(c)(3) non profit
organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the long and rich history
of aviation at Crissy Field. Our business history The Crissy Field Aviation
Museum Association was incorporated in 1998 by Don Gray and Chris Rimer as a
non-profit organization solely dedicated to preserving the WWI / pre-WWII
history of Crissy Field. The Association is working to establish a "living
museum" at the west end of Crissy Field in San Francisco's Presidio. The museum
will comprise the one-time airfield facility on Crissy Field, and is expected to
become a major attraction within the Presidio & Golden Gate National
Recreation Area.
San Martin
Wings of History Air
Museum
Wings of History Air
Museum
San Pedro
Fort MacArthur Military
Museum
Western Electric SAM-A-7
"Nike Ajax" SAM
Santa Maria
Santa Maria Museum of
Flight
Santa Maria Museum of
Flight
Santa Monica
Museum of Flying
Messerschmitt Bf
109E-4 PRESS RELEASE The Board of Directors of the Museum of
Flying is pleased to announce the new location of the Museum of Flying. The new
Museum is slated to open near the end of 2007 or in early 2008 in a large hangar
on the North side of the Santa Monica Airport (see pictures above). The Museum
will place heavy emphasis on the history of the airport and the prominent role
that the Douglas Aircraft Company played in the early development of commercial
and military aviation. Many artifacts and displays will focus on Douglas
Aircraft and include some of the personal effects of founder Donald W. Douglas.
In addition, the Museum will feature displays on other aviation and aerospace
companies from Southern California. A limited collection of vintage aircraft
will be on display along with a handful of static display aircraft. Visitors
will have access to a viewing area on the active runway of the airport and will
also have the opportunity to view a rotating display of aircraft from other
Museums.
The Museum is currently in discussion with
the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in an attempt to extend the
loan of the famous Douglas World Cruiser "New Orleans," which is one of the two
aircraft that first circumnavigated the world in 1924. The aircraft were built
at the Douglas Wilshire Boulevard factory and began the flights from Clover
Field to Seattle where they were fitted with pontoons for the trip. The aircraft
later returned to Santa Monica following the completion of the journey.
"The Santa Monica City Council, Airport
Commission, Airport Director, and Airport Manager were all instrumental in
helping to secure a new location for the Museum in Santa Monica and were
especially helpful in assisting with identifying and approving a new location
that will allow the Museum to remain a focal point of the airport. We are truly
grateful for their efforts,” said David G. Price, Chairman of the Museum of
Flying.
Upon reopening, the Museum will be open to
the public on Saturdays and Sundays and selected holidays, and will also be
available for Children's Educational Tours during the week on a limited basis.
The Museum of Flying, located in Santa
Monica, California, houses a rare collection of World War II fighter aircraft.
The majority of the aircraft within the collection are in flight ready
condition.
Engines Aircraft Models
Santa Paula
Aviation Museum of Santa
Paula First Sunday
Every First Sunday of the month, please
come out to visit our Museum! Local aviation history comes alive on First
Sundays. Our Chain of Hangars are open for you to explore from 10am until 3pm.
Hangar Number One is the first in our chain of hangars. It tells the story of
the founding of Santa Paula Airport in 1930, and that's just the beginning of
the adventure. Each of these privately owned hangars in our Chain houses a
variety of vintage aircraft and privately owned collections of various types of
memorabilia from antique radios to racecars. Several other aircraft owners put
their antique aircraft on static display and many vintage aircraft also fly in
each month. Car Clubs also frequently grace our taxiways on First Sundays. Our
Museum Tram is available to save you some steps between hangars. The
Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 723 offers free airplane rides to kids
ages 7-17. The Museum's Gift Hangar, located inside CP Aviation, offers a
wonderful variety of toys and apparel for the airplane buffs of all ages. Every
First Sunday is a little different, but our First Sunday Open House is always
free to the public. Cancel if rain.
Mission Statement
"To educate the public of all ages in
aviation and its history, both in general, and as it relates to Santa Paula, and
to inspire, motivate and challenge the younger generation to carry on the dreams
of our aviation pioneers."
de Havilland DH-82A Tiger
Moth (N675LF) Aircraft and
Displays
Santa Rosa
Pacific Coast Air
Museum
Member aircraft
Simi Valley
The Ronald Reagan Presidential
Library and Museum
Boeing VC-137A Air Force
One "Spirit of 76" SAM27000
Susanville
City Static Display
Torrance
City Static Display
Lockheed T-33A "Shooting
Star"
Torrance
Western Museum of Flight
Northrop JB-1 "Bat" Flying
Wing The Western Museum of Flight is a non-profit,
educational institution dedicated to preserving and displaying aircraft history
and artifacts of Southern California's aviation heritage. The Air Museum's
educational programs give children an opportunity to see and touch the airplanes
that made aviation history. The Air Museum offers an inside look at completed
and in-progress aircraft restoration projects. The Western Museum of Flight's
collection includes numerous Warbirds, aircraft and target drones, piston and
jet aircraft engines, aircraft components, aircraft ejection seats, World War II
instruments, aircrew accessories, and an extensive model aircraft collection.
Tulare
American Veterans Post 56
Static Displays
Boeing B-17G "Flying
Fortress"
Victorville
Static Display Ron Strong
recently went out to the old George AFB to get photo's of the McDonnell Douglas
F-4C Phantom II (s/n #63-7519) display aircraft and found out the the aircraft
has be removed. The only thing left was the pad were the aircraft was on
display. He also found out that there is going to be a demo of old base
Building. Does anyone know the current status of this aircraft?
West Covina
City Static Display
North American F-86D
"Sabre" at Palmview Park
Whittier
Whittier Museum
1949 Miller JM-101 Special
(N74J)
Woodland
County Static Display
Cessna T-37B
"Tweet"
Golden Gate Wing
Commemorative Air
Force
P.O. Box 6056
View Map of General Area
CAF Golden
Gate Squadron Website
1000 Oak Street
Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: (510)
238-2200
View Map
Photo
by Google Images (unknown source)
8260 Boeing Street
Building 621
North Field, Oakland
Airport
Oakland, California 94614
Phone: (510) 638-7100
View Map
Photo by
John Shupek
Avenue P & 25th Street East
Palmdale, California
Phone: (805)
277-8050
View Map
Photo by
John Shupek
2001 E. Avenue P
Palmdale, California
View Map
Photo by John Shupek
745 North Gene Autry Trail
Palm Springs, California 92262
Phone: (760) 320-6262 ext. 222
View Map
Photo by John Shupek
Visitor Center
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena,
California 91109
Phone: (818) 354-4321
View Map
JPL
Photo
Paso Robles Municipal Airport
4251 Dry Creek Road
PO Box 570
Paso Robles, California 93446
Phone: (805) 227-0440
Fax: (805)
238-9317
View Map
Photo
by John Shupek
Partial Aircraft
Vintage non-Museum aircraft
belonging to members and hangared elsewhere on-field
Naval Air Road & Wood Road (off Higway 1)
Point Mugu, California 93042-5000
View Map
Photo by
John Shupek
100 Mulcahey Drive
Port Hueneme,
California 93041
(800) 831-9968
View Map
Photo by
John Shupek
Ramona Airport
2898 Montecito
Road, Hanger. 'G'
Ramona, CA 92065
760-803-0244
View Map
Photo by
John Shupek
1462 N. Fitzgerald Ave.
Rialto, CA
92376-8621
760-803-0244
View Map
Photo by
John Shupek
Naval Air Warefare Center China
Lake
Ridgecrest, California
The Riverside Municipal Airport
6936 Flight Road
Riverside, CA
92504
(951) 354-7954
View Map
Photo by
John Shupek
Van Buren Blvd. offramp on I-215
March Air Reserve Base
Riverside,
California 92518
Phone: (909) 697-6602
Photo by John Shupek
601 Skyway Road
San Carlos,
California 94070
Phone: (650) 654-0200
Fax: (650) 654-0220
Email:
museum@hiller.org
View Map
Photo by
John Shupek
2001 Pan American Plaza
Balboa Park
San Diego, California
92101
Phone: (619) 234-8291
View Map
Photo by
John Shupek
Flying Leatherneck Historical
Foundation
T-4203 Anderson Avenue
San Diego, CA 92145-0316
P.O. Box
45316
Phone: 1-877-FLY-USMC (1-877-359-8762)
View Map
Satellite
photo by Google Earth
-->
Pier One, Ft. Mason
San Francisco, California
(415)
221-4907
View Map
PO Box 210671
San Francisco,
California 94121
T: (415) 602-8625
F: (425) 977-9349
View Map
Crissy Field
Aviation Museum Association Photo
12777 Murphy Avenue
San Martin, California 95046-0495
Phone: (408) 683-2290
FAX: (408)
683-2291
View Map
Photo by
John Shupek
3601 South Gaffey Street
San Pedro, California 90731
Phone:
(310) 548-2631
View Map
Photo by John Shupek
3015 Airpark Drive
Santa Maria, California 93455
Phone: (805) 922-8758
Fax: (805)
922-8958
View Map
Photo by
John Shupek
The Museum is currently
closed.
View Map
Photo by
John Shupek
Santa Monica, California
Aircraft
P.O. Box 908
Santa Paula, CA 93061
(805)
525-1109
Photo by John Shupek
2330 Airport Blvd.
Santa Rosa, California 95403
Phone: (707) 575-7900
Fax: (707)
545-2813
View Map
PCAM
aircraft
40 Presidential Drive
Simi Valley, California 93065
800-410-8354
View Map
Photo by John Shupek
25311 Aero Way
Torrance,
California 90505-6109
View Map
Photo by
John Shupek
Louis Zamperini Field
3315 Airport
Drive Mailbox #6
Torrance, CA 90505
Telephone: (310)-326-9544
FAX:
(310) 326-9556
Photo by John
Shupek
Photo by
John Shupek
located at Old George AFB
Now
Southern California Logistics Airport
Palmview Park
Lark Ellen Avenue
& Puente Avenue
West Covina, California
View Map
Photo by John Shupek
6755 South Newlin Avenue
Whittier,
California 90601
Phone: (562) 945-3871
View Map
Photo by
John Shupek
Stock
photo by John Shupek
