This tour highlights the highly skilled, trained and talented enlisted force that has been the backbone of daily operation of the U.S. Department of the Air Force. 

The museum's Early Years Gallery conveys the magic and wonder of the formative days of military air power. Visit this link for an overall Early Years Gallery Video.

The WWII gallery captures the pivotal moments, campaigns and figures of U.S. Army Air Forces' air power in both the Pacific and European Theaters. WWII Gallery Video.

The Korean War Gallery contains aircraft and exhibits that tell the story of the U.S. Air Force's role and performance in that conflict. Korean War Gallery Video.

Key air campaigns such as Operation Rolling Thunder and Operation Linebacker I and II -- the latter of which applied enough pressure on North Vietnam to compel them to an eventual cease-fire -- are examples of significant operations featured in the Southeast Asia War section.  Southeast Asia War Gallery Video.

The Eugene W. Kettering Cold War Gallery features aircraft that span the years of the Cold War and reveal how technological achievements of the era led to the advanced systems being applied in modern combat.  Cold War Gallery Video.  

View missiles such as the Titan I and II and Jupiter from ground level or can take in an aerial view from an elevated platform that hugs the inside circumference of the gallery. Missile Gallery video.

The Allan and Malcolm Lockheed and Glenn Martin Space Gallery includes a Space Shuttle Exhibit featuring NASA’s first Crew Compartment Trainer (CCT-1), a Titan IVB space launch vehicle, Mercury, Gemini and Apollo spacecraft, and many other NASA artifacts and a variety of astronaut equipment. A range of satellites and related items showcase the Air Force’s vast reconnaissance, early warning, communications and other space-based capabilities. Fourth Building Gallery Overview Video.

The Maj. Gen. Albert Boyd and Maj. Gen. Fred Ascani Research and Development Gallery features the world’s only remaining XB-70 and other aerospace vehicles. Research and development aerospace vehicles represent advances in technological problem solving and will increase the museum’s opportunities to teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) themes and principles. Fourth Building Gallery Overview Video.

Women in the Air Force

This exhibit highlights the achievements of women in civilian and military aviation with emphasis on the U.S. Air Force and its predecessors.  The exhibit covers historical issues, changes in laws and attitudes, and women’s contributions.

The Lt. Gen. William H. Tunner Global Reach Gallery houses large aircraft that support the USAF mission to provide worldwide airlift support. Fourth Building Gallery Overview Video.

The William E. Boeing Presidential Gallery gives visitors the opportunity to view an historic collection of presidential aircraft, and walk through four of them, including aircraft used by Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower as well as the Boeing VC-137C also known as SAM (Special Air Mission) 26000, which was used by eight presidents -- Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Clinton -- in addition to carrying heads of state, diplomats and other dignitaries and officials, on many historic journeys. Fourth Building Gallery Overview Video.

Two-hour presentation

"Prejudice & Memory: A Holocaust Exhibit" is made up of the photographs, artifacts and memories of people who now live in the Dayton, Ohio, area. Among the contributors are concentration camp survivors and their families, liberators and "righteous Gentiles" (non-Jews who helped Jews during the Holocaust). It is one of the few such exhibits in the U.S. compiled to demonstrate one community's connection with this terrible event and to affirm the belief that learning about the Holocaust is the first step toward preventing its recurrence.

Twenty-minute presentation followed by students completing a digital scavenger hunt using the free app Goosechase with their chaperones

After Pearl Harbor, the United States entered World War II, which changed the country’s focus from isolationism to international involvement. After a 20-minute presentation in the Carney Auditorium, students and chaperones will use the free Goosechase app to complete a digital scavenger hunt in the WWII Gallery.  Educators will be able to monitor student responses through the app and use responses for further discussion back in the classroom.

This presentation is aligned with Ohio's Learning Standards for Social Studies: American History, to illustrate the USAF role.  
Topic: From Isolation to World War Content Statements: 20, 21, 22

Twenty-minute presentation followed by students completing a digital scavenger hunt using the free app Goosechase with their chaperones

The Cold War had social and political implications in the United States. Students and educators will be provided a presentation in Carney Auditorium.  Students and chaperones will then use the Goosechase app to complete a digital scavenger hunt in the Cold War Gallery.  Educators can monitor student responses to the scavenger hunt and use this for follow-up discussions in the classroom.

This presentation is aligned with Ohio's Learning Standards for Social Studies: American History, to illustrate the USAF role.  
Topic: The Cold War  Content Statements: 23, 25, 26

Twenty-30 minute presentation followed by students completing a digital scavenger hunt using the free app Goosechase with their chaperones

The Cold War had social and political implications in the United States. Students and educators will be provided a presentation in Carney Auditorium.  Students and chaperones will then use the Goosechase app to complete a digital scavenger hunt in the Cold War Gallery.  Educators can monitor student responses to the scavenger hunt and use this for follow-up discussions in the classroom.

Educators can choose one of three presentation options: Korea (20 minutes), Southeast Asia (20 minutes) or combined Korea and Southeast Asia (30 minutes).

This presentation is aligned with Ohio's Learning Standards for Social Studies: American History, to illustrate the USAF role.  
Topic: The Cold War  Content Statements: 23, 25, 26

Twenty-minute presentation followed by students completing a digital scavenger hunt using the free app Goosechase with their chaperones

Technological advances present issues related to costs, distribution of benefits, ethical considerations, and intended and unintended consequences.  Students and chaperones will then use the Goosechase app to complete a digital scavenger hunt in the Missile and Space Galleries.  Educators can monitor student responses to the scavenger hunt and use this for follow-up discussions in the classroom. This presentation will be provided in the Carney Auditorium. 

This presentation is aligned with Ohio's Learning Standards for Social Studies: Contemporary World Issues, to illustrate the USAF role.  
Topic: Technology Content Statements: 14 & 15

Thirty-60 minute presentations (flexible based on time constraints) for 3rd to 8th-grade students; Q&A session with aviation professionals following presentation

This engaging presentation introduces students to careers in the U.S. Air Force, focusing on STEM-related opportunities, leadership development, and service. The session highlights various career paths, including aviation, engineering, cybersecurity, and medical fields, while aligning with Ohio’s Learning Standards in Science, Social Studies, and Career Readiness.

This presentation is aligned with Ohio Standards for Science & Engineering Practices: Understanding aerospace technology, physics of flight, and engineering applications. Social Studies: Exploring careers in government and military service, leadership roles, and global contributions. Career Readiness: Developing awareness of career pathways, education requirements, and professional skills.

Interactive Components

• Overview of Air Force careers and educational pathways
• Real-world insights from aviation professionals
• Hands-on learning through discussions and Q&A

This presentation can be adjusted to fit different time constraints while ensuring students gain valuable career awareness and STEM connections.