About Us

National Museum of the United States Air Force

Overhead view of Presidential Aircraft at the museum.

Presidential aircraft at National Museum of the United States Air Force

Welcome to the official website of the National Museum of the United States Air Force -- the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world -- located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, near Dayton, Ohio. This site is provided as a public service by the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Public Affairs Division.

Use the top navigation bar to find information about planning your visit as well as events and activities taking place at the museum.

Meet the Director

Learn about museum divisions.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force collects, researches, conserves, interprets and presents the Air Force’s history, heritage, and traditions, as well as today’s mission to fly, fight, win … air power anytime, anywhere to a global audience through engaging exhibits, educational outreach, special programs, and the stewardship of the national historical collection. With our educational outreach, we motivate, educate, and inspire youth interest in the United States Air Force (USAF) and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The statutory duties delegated by the Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF) are accomplished on behalf of the American People.

We are the keepers of their stories™

Video by NMUSAF PA

Museum Audio Tour 63: Air Park

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Dec. 31, 1969 | 1:47

On a nice day, step back in history when you visit the outdoor area of the museum. The Eighth Air Force Control Tower, a representation of a World War Two-era control tower in Great Britain, is one of the first things you see as you enter the main drive. Just beside it are the Nissen Huts. These – more or less — temporary structures are examples of where airmen lived, worked and played. The museum’s representation features a briefing room and recreation center. These structures give you a glimpse into what day-to-day life was like for many American troops during World War Two. Next to the tower and huts, a variety of cargo planes spread out through the outdoor Air Park. Most notable is the C-141C Starlifter called the Hanoi Taxi. This aircraft retired to the museum in May 2006 after a very distinguished career. A museum in itself, it was the plane that airlifted the first American prisoners of war to freedom from Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi, North Vietnam, on February 12, 1973. The aircraft went through many changes and upgrades throughout its three decades of service and in May 2004 the Hanoi Taxi again tapped the timelines of history when Maj. Gen. Edward J. Mechenbier, himself a pilot and a POW repatriated from Vietnam, flew it back to Vietnam to repatriate the remains of two American service members killed in action.

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