National Museum of the United States Air Force™

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Enlisted Thunderbirds: Precision on the Ground

Thunderbird F-16 crew chiefs line up during start-up procedures for a performance in 2017. Thunderbirds are the only pilots in the world that climb into their cockpits without first performing pre-flight inspections, putting their lives entirely in the hands of their crew chiefs.

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Enlisted Thunderbirds: Precision on the Ground

Technical Sergeant Joseph Maestre, Thunderbird No. 7 assistant dedicated crew chief, prepares to chock an aircraft after a training sortie in 2012.

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Enlisted Thunderbirds: Precision on the Ground

Staff Sergeant Jennifer Emerson, a client support administrator, installs cables to the music production equipment at the Cleveland National Air Show in 2011.

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Enlisted Thunderbirds: Precision on the Ground

Staff Sergeants Anthony Stewart and Chris McClure visit with Malaysian school children in 2009. The Thunderbirds' international tours foster friendships with US allies, promoting security and stability.

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Enlisted Thunderbirds: Precision on the Ground

Staff Sergeant Tacota LeMuel, Thunderbird No. 3 dedicated crew chief, performs part of the ground show choreography during a practice show at Nellis Air Force Base, the home of the Thunderbirds.

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Lockheed F-104 Starfighter

Lockheed F-104 Starfighter on display outside at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on Sept. 18, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

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Lockheed F-104 Starfighter

A hawk visits the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on Sept. 18, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

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Staff Sergeant James Meredith Desegregation in the Air Force

Staff Sergeant James Meredith Desegregation in the Air Force exhibit on display in the WWII Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. He was one of the first Black Airmen to serve in an all-White squadron and sometimes the only Black Airman in the unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

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Staff Sergeant James Meredith Desegregation in the Air Force

Staff Sergeant James Meredith Desegregation in the Air Force exhibit on display in the WWII Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. He was one of the first Black Airmen to serve in an all-White squadron and sometimes the only Black Airman in the unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

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Technical Sergeant Ben Kuroki Distinguished Service Medal Recipient

Technical Sergeant Ben Kuroki Distinguished Service Medal Recipient exhibit on display in the WWII Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Kuroki’s honorable service and relentless drive in the face of racial discrimination demonstrated that such discrimination was unfounded. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

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Technical Sergeant Ben Kuroki Distinguished Service Medal Recipient

Technical Sergeant Ben Kuroki Distinguished Service Medal Recipient exhibit on display in the WWII Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Kuroki’s honorable service and relentless drive in the face of racial discrimination demonstrated that such discrimination was unfounded. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

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Protectors: Cold War Air Police

Protectors: Cold War Air Police exhibit on display in the Korean War Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The Korean War gave Air Police a new priority—protecting combat equipment from enemy destruction. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

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Enlisted Airmen on the Cutting Edge

Enlisted Airmen on the Cutting Edge exhibit on display in the R&D Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Enlisted Airmen made a profound impact on aircraft, spacecraft, and automobile safety by participating in cutting edge research during the 1940s and 1950s. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

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Enlisted Airmen on the Cutting Edge

Airmen congratulate a jubilant Sgt. Lawrence Lambert upon landing near Dayton, Ohio.

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Enlisted Airmen on the Cutting Edge

Sergeant Lawrence Lambert’s ejection cleared the aircraft’s tail fin by just twenty feet. The P-61 Black Widow Night Fighter was named Jack-In-The-Box. (USAF Photo via Air & Space Magazine)

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Enlisted Airmen on the Cutting Edge

Before Paul Stapp’s research, it was accepted that no pilot could withstand more than 18 G’s. Here, Alton Yates sits on the “Daisy Track” at Holloman Air Force Base where subjects tolerated more than 30 G’s.(U.S. Air Force photo)

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Enlisted Airmen on the Cutting Edge

"When the sled took off, it was almost as if everything in your body was being forced out through your back. And then when it stopped, it was like driving an automobile at a hundred miles an hour and running into a stone wall.” –then Airman Second Class Alton Yates

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Enlisted Airmen on the Cutting Edge

Although dummy tests indicated the possibility of severe injury or loss of life, Sgt. Lawrence Lambert volunteered without hesitation. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Cheney Award for his bravery.

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USAF Lt. Col.(Ret.) Alton W. Yates

USAF Lt. Col.(Ret.) Alton W. Yates, received national and international acclaim while serving in the U.S. Air Force at the Aeromedical Field Laboratory. He rode high speed Rocket Sleds and participated in numerous Aerospace Research experiments between 1955 and 1959 in the initial days of America's Space Program. The experiments were designed to pave the way for America's first manned space flights. Yates is cited by the U.S. Air Force for risking his life more than 65 times for science. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

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USAF Lt. Col.(Ret.) Alton W. Yates

USAF Lt. Col.(Ret.) Alton W. Yates, received national and international acclaim while serving in the U.S. Air Force at the Aeromedical Field Laboratory. He rode high speed Rocket Sleds and participated in numerous Aerospace Research experiments between 1955 and 1959 in the initial days of America's Space Program. The experiments were designed to pave the way for America's first manned space flights. Yates is cited by the U.S. Air Force for risking his life more than 65 times for science. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

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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.