National Museum of the United States Air Force™

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President John F. Kennedy

President John F. Kennedy with the two U.S. Senators from Maine, Edmund Muskie and Margaret Chase Smith, and Col Robert C. Marshall (U,S, Army Corps of Engineers) on SAM 26000 as it overflew the Passamaquoddy Tidal Basin in Maine on Oct. 19, 1963. Note the glare from the camera flash behind and above, right. (Photo courtesy of JFK Library)

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Learjet C-21A

Lt. Col. Rick Omang and 1st Lt. Gregory Ames, both of the 177th Airlift Squadron, pilot a C-21 aircraft as they launch from Hector International Airport, Fargo, N.D., in 2009. This was the first time the North Dakota Air National Guard C-21s deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (DoD photo by Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing)

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VCP-R Damage

The VCP-R was damaged on Aug. 2, 1920, after colliding on landing with an automobile that had been timing its speed tests at Wright Field (now Patterson Field area of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base). Schroeder broke his goggles in this accident but was not seriously injured. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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VCP-R Damage

The VCP-R was damaged on Aug. 2, 1920, after colliding on landing with an automobile that had been timing its speed tests at Wright Field (now Patterson Field area of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base). Schroeder broke his goggles in this accident but was not seriously injured. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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VCP-R Damage

The VCP-R was damaged on Aug. 2, 1920, after colliding on landing with an automobile that had been timing its speed tests at Wright Field (now Patterson Field area of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base). Schroeder broke his goggles in this accident but was not seriously injured. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Operation Niagara

Altogether, the 98,721 tons of bombs dropped in OPERATION NIAGARA weighed more than the 93,000-ton aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65). (U.S. Air Force graphic)

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Operation Niagara

The intensive B-52 bombardment of enemy forces at Khe Sanh was shown by this montage pieced together from reconnaissance photos. White dots indicate where bombs fell (white areas on right show cloud cover). The heavy saturation of pock marks in the enemy-held area above Khe Sanh shows the remarkable accuracy of the B-52s. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Operation Niagara

As seen from another aircraft, bombs released from a B-52 fall on communist forces attacking Khe Sanh. The aerial bombing campaign in support of the besieged American forces at Khe Sanh was named OPERATION NIAGARA for this “waterfall” of bombs. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Operation Niagara

Air Force B-52s drop their loads of bombs on a close air support mission over Khe Sanh. Even from very high altitudes, they could accurately place their bombs within one-sixth of a mile of the besieged American forces. The aerial bombing campaign in support of the besieged American forces at Khe Sanh was named OPERATION NIAGARA for this “waterfall” of bombs. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Operation Niagara

Marines rush to unload cargo from a USAF C-130 at Khe Sanh while a forward air controller (FAC) flies cover in the O-2 in the background. The FAC could quickly call in close air support to keep the enemy from firing mortar rounds at the C-130. Note the hole left in the ramp by a mortar. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Operation Niagara

A U.S. Marine photographer is shown taking a photo of a USAF F-100 accurately delivering its bombs just a few yards outside the perimeter wire at Khe Sanh on March 15, 1968. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Operation Niagara

Besieged U.S. Marines at Khe Sanh, Vietnam, watch as a U.S. Air Force F-4 makes close air support strike over the area. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Close Air Support in SEA

On the hot flight line at Phu Cat Air Base, Airmen 2nd Class Francis Branch (left) and John Sellung remove a 20mm cannon from an F-100 in October 1967. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Close Air Support in SEA

While taking a break during a combat sweep south of Chu Lai, South Vietnam, these U.S. Army soldiers watch air strikes pound suspected communist positions in November 1969. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Close Air Support in SEA

An F-4C from the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing delivers close air support to armored vehicles in South Vietnam during April 1969. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Close Air Support in SEA

An F-100 finishes its attack on an enemy target. Depending on the type of target, F-100s could deliver a deadly mixture of conventional bombs, cluster bombs, rockets and napalm. They could also strafe enemy forces with their four devastating 20mm cannon. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Close Air Support in SEA

This F-100 pilot from the 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron targeted communist forces in South Vietnam with napalm in March 1966. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Close Air Support in SEA

To provide close air support as quickly as possible, the USAF kept strike aircraft and aircrews on alert. Here, Maj. Anthony Sheehan (front) and Capt. James McNeil run from their alert hut to their armed and waiting F-100s at Phan Rang Air Base in 1967. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Close Air Support in SEA

This illustration shows the “Figure Eight Pattern” tactic used by FACs for close air support. [Graphic extracted from: Study (U), Lt. Col. Ralph A. Rowley, The Air Force in Southeast Asia: Tactics and Techniques of Close Air Support Operations, 1961-1973 (Washington: Office of Air Force History, Feb 1976)]

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Close Air Support in SEA

Nicknamed the “Hun,” the F-100 Super Sabre was possibly the best-known USAF close air support aircraft in the Southeast Asia War. Here, a forward air controller in an OV-10 directs these two F-100s in accurately delivering firepower in support of the ground forces. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Screening at Entrance
All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. Weapons are not permitted including pocket knives and firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons.
Prohibited Items
Prohibited Items:
- Firearms*
- Knives
- Box cutters
- Food and Soda Drinks
- Alcohol
- Coolers

* Firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons, are specifically prohibited in Federal facilities in accordance with 18 USC §930 (c)

Permitted Items:
- Water bottles (clear, sealed bottle, up to 20 oz.)
- Purses
- Camera bags
- Diaper bags
- Strollers
- Service animals

Please note the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is not responsible for items left in vehicles.
Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum.
Visitor Photography Notice
Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed or recorded by the U.S. Air Force for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on public websites and social media.
Individuals are permitted to take their own photographs or videos while touring the museum.