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| Home > Museum News > Museum staff completes second phase of Southeast Asia War Gallery renovation |
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Story at a Glance
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• Phase II of Southeast Asia War Gallery renovation completed
• New exhibits continue to be placed in gallery
• Staff began updates in fall of 2010
• Renovation expected to last until at least 2015
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DAYTON, Ohio -- The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will begin commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Southeast Asia War in 2011.
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Museum staff completes second phase of Southeast Asia War Gallery renovation
Posted 10/25/2012 Updated 10/25/2012
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by Sarah Swan
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
10/25/2012 - DAYTON, Ohio -- One of the most ambitious projects at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is another step closer to completion. Staff recently completed Phase II of the Southeast Asia War Gallery renovation, further expanding the story of the U.S. Air Force's involvement in that war.
"The Southeast Asia War Gallery project is a tribute to our Vietnam veterans," said Jeff Duford, Phase II project manager. "The numerous talents and vast expertise of our museum team have come together to reach a significant milestone in this undertaking."
Museum staff began renovating the Southeast Asia War Gallery in the fall of 2010 in preparation for the 50th anniversary of the first U.S. Air Force campaign during the Southeast Asia War. Planned in four phases, the renovation's first phase was completed in the fall of 2011.
Phase II included the installation of several new exhibits, including "Tankers at War: Air Refueling in Southeast Asia" and "The Best Hope for Survival: Combat Search and Rescue in Southeast Asia."
"Each new exhibit adds a facet to the museum's account of Air Force service and sacrifice," said Duford. "When complete, the gallery will exhibit the full story of our Airmen in Southeast Asia, from the earliest reconnaissance missions in 1961 to the SS Mayaguez rescue in 1975."
With this gallery renovation, the staff implemented new, standardized approaches to the planning and design process, which have allowed them to better develop exhibits that will engage museum visitors and effectively communicate USAF history. New displays include historical information and artifacts, and many also incorporate audiovisual presentations, touch-screens and educational components.
The next phase of the renovation is already in progress, and current plans call for the gallery renovation to be completed in 2015, although this date is subject to change based on manpower and other resources.
"We are delighted to be at the halfway mark of this huge, multi-year project," Duford said. "We look forward to completing this tribute in the years ahead."
The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located on Springfield Street, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Admission and parking are free. For more information about the museum, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.
NOTE TO PUBLIC: For more information, please contact the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at (937) 255-3286.
NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information, please contact Sarah Swan at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Public Affairs Division at (937) 255-1283. |
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