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Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" Restoration

DAYTON, Ohio(July 2025) -- Restoration specialist Chad Vanhook applies rivets that secure two pieces of metal together by deforming the tail end of a solid rivet, creating a shop head that holds the pieces in compression and shear. The Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" is undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. This aircraft is the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only D model in existence. Originally named Ole Betsy, this B-17D participated in several bombing missions in the desperate weeks after Pearl Harbor. Later named The Swoose, it also served as a transport for the commander of Allied air forces in the Southwest Pacific, Lt. Gen. George Brett.

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Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" Restoration

DAYTON, Ohio(July 2025) -- Restoration specialist Chad Vanhook applies rivets that secure two pieces of metal together by deforming the tail end of a solid rivet, creating a shop head that holds the pieces in compression and shear. The Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" is undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. This aircraft is the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only D model in existence. Originally named Ole Betsy, this B-17D participated in several bombing missions in the desperate weeks after Pearl Harbor. Later named The Swoose, it also served as a transport for the commander of Allied air forces in the Southwest Pacific, Lt. Gen. George Brett.

Details Download

Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" Restoration

DAYTON, Ohio(July 2025) -- Restoration specialist Chad Vanhook applies rivets that secure two pieces of metal together by deforming the tail end of a solid rivet, creating a shop head that holds the pieces in compression and shear. The Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" is undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. This aircraft is the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only D model in existence. Originally named Ole Betsy, this B-17D participated in several bombing missions in the desperate weeks after Pearl Harbor. Later named The Swoose, it also served as a transport for the commander of Allied air forces in the Southwest Pacific, Lt. Gen. George Brett.

Details Download

Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" Restoration

DAYTON, Ohio(July 2025) -- Restoration specialists Chad Vanhook and Matt Gideon apply rivets that secure two pieces of metal together by deforming the tail end of a solid rivet, creating a shop head that holds the pieces in compression and shear. The Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" is undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. This aircraft is the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only D model in existence. Originally named Ole Betsy, this B-17D participated in several bombing missions in the desperate weeks after Pearl Harbor. Later named The Swoose, it also served as a transport for the commander of Allied air forces in the Southwest Pacific, Lt. Gen. George Brett.

Details Download

Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" Restoration

DAYTON, Ohio(June 2025) -- Restoration specialist Chad Vanhook applies rivets that secure two pieces of metal together by deforming the tail end of a solid rivet, creating a shop head that holds the pieces in compression and shear. The Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" is undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. This aircraft is the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only D model in existence. Originally named Ole Betsy, this B-17D participated in several bombing missions in the desperate weeks after Pearl Harbor. Later named The Swoose, it also served as a transport for the commander of Allied air forces in the Southwest Pacific, Lt. Gen. George Brett.

Details Download

Boeing B-17D "The Swoose"

DAYTON, Ohio -- Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in April of 2025. This aircraft is the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only D model in existence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

Details Download

Boeing B-17D "The Swoose"

DAYTON, Ohio -- Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in April of 2025. This aircraft is the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only D model in existence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

Details Download

Boeing B-17D "The Swoose"

DAYTON, Ohio -- Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in April of 2025. This aircraft is the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only D model in existence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

Details Download

Boeing B-17D "The Swoose"

DAYTON, Ohio -- Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in April of 2025. This aircraft is the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only D model in existence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

Details Download

Boeing B-17D "The Swoose"

DAYTON, Ohio -- Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in April of 2025. This aircraft is the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only D model in existence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

Details Download

Boeing B-17D "The Swoose"

DAYTON, Ohio -- Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in April of 2025. This aircraft is the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only D model in existence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

Details Download

Boeing B-17D "The Swoose"

DAYTON, Ohio -- Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in April of 2025. This aircraft is the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only D model in existence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

Details Download

Boeing B-17D "The Swoose"

DAYTON, Ohio -- Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in April of 2025. This aircraft is the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only D model in existence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

Details Download

Boeing B-17D "The Swoose"

DAYTON, Ohio -- Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in April of 2025. This aircraft is the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only D model in existence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

Details Download

Fieseler Fi-156C-2 Storch

DAYTON, Ohio -- Fieseler Fi-156C-2 Storch undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in April of 2025. Designed in 1935, the Storch was widely used during World War II by German military forces for reconnaissance, liaison and aeromedical transport.(U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

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Fieseler Fi-156C-2 Storch

DAYTON, Ohio -- Fieseler Fi-156C-2 Storch undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in April of 2025. Designed in 1935, the Storch was widely used during World War II by German military forces for reconnaissance, liaison and aeromedical transport.(U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

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Fieseler Fi-156C-2 Storch

DAYTON, Ohio -- Fieseler Fi-156C-2 Storch undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in April of 2025. Designed in 1935, the Storch was widely used during World War II by German military forces for reconnaissance, liaison and aeromedical transport.(U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

Details Download

Fieseler Fi-156C-2 Storch

DAYTON, Ohio -- Fieseler Fi-156C-2 Storch undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in April of 2025. Designed in 1935, the Storch was widely used during World War II by German military forces for reconnaissance, liaison and aeromedical transport.(U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

Details Download

Fieseler Fi-156C-2 Storch

DAYTON, Ohio -- Fieseler Fi-156C-2 Storch undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in April of 2025. Designed in 1935, the Storch was widely used during World War II by German military forces for reconnaissance, liaison and aeromedical transport.(U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

Details Download

Fieseler Fi-156C-2 Storch

DAYTON, Ohio -- Fieseler Fi-156C-2 Storch undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in April of 2025. Designed in 1935, the Storch was widely used during World War II by German military forces for reconnaissance, liaison and aeromedical transport.(U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

Details Download

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.