In support of an official event 

The Museum will be closed Sunday, May 25
In addition, the Fourth Hangar will be closed Saturday, May 24

Access to the Presidential Gallery will be limited from May 15 to June 5
 

Fact Sheet Alphabetical List

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  • Explosive Ordnance Disposal

    Initial Success or Total FailureWhen the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) makes an area too dangerous for normal operations, the U.S. Air Force relies upon its highly-trained Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians to make the area safe. Approaching their dangerous job with the grim humor

  • Expeditionary Combat Airmen Overview

    In addition to Battlefield Airmen, other USAF officers and enlisted known as Expeditionary Combat Airmen are in the fight on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq.Air liaison officers (ALOs) are fighter or bomber aircrew who direct close air support strikes as members of tactical air control parties on

  • Emergency Rocket Communications System

    As the threat of Soviet nuclear weapons grew in the 1960s, the U.S. Air Force needed a way to ensure that its strategic forces could be controlled after a Soviet attack. The Emergency Rocket Communications System (ERCS) made sure that national and military leaders could send pre-recorded attack

  • Earth Satellites and Space Vehicles

     The Soviet Union sent the world's first man-made earth satellite into orbit in October 1957. Since that time orbiting satellites of many different kinds have become commonplace. The development of U.S. space technology began with the military, with heavy involvement by the USAF. In the mid-1950s,

  • EROS Reflector

    The USAF's Project EROS (Experimental Reflector Orbital Shot) was the first USAF solar reflector experiment in space. Its purpose was to find out if reflectors could be used for collecting and concentrating the sun's heat to generate electricity in space solar power systems. The USAF completed the

  • Early USAF Reconnaissance in Southeast Asia

    The first USAF missions in the Southeast Asia War were reconnaissance flights. These top-secret flights confirmed communist activity in South Vietnam and Laos and led to greater U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia.A camera-equipped C-47 flew the first missions until it was shot down by anti-aircraft

  • Eyes and Ears in the Sky: USAF Reconnaissance in Southeast Asia

    Knowing an enemy's location, activities, intentions and resources has always been important for successful military operations. In the Southeast Asia War, the U.S. Air Force kept a close watch on the enemy and provided critical intelligence through aerial photography and intercepting enemy signals.

  • Early Years, 1961-1964

    At first, the U.S. Air Force trained and equipped the South Vietnamese Air Force (VNAF) with slow, propeller-driven combat aircraft. Flying O-1 Bird Dogs, forward air controllers (FACs) directed airstrikes by T-28s, B-26s and later A-1 Skyraiders.Growing American military involvement increased the

  • Evolution of USAF Flight Clothing

    Note: This exhibit is located in the connecting link between the World War II and Korean War Galleries.Through the years, advances in aircraft performance have increased the need for improved aircrew protection from the weather, a lack of oxygen, intense heat or cold, or even violent maneuvers in

  • Eugene W. Kettering Model Aircraft Collection

    This collection of over six hundred miniature model aircraft shows the evolution of aerospace technology during the 20th century.From the first biplanes to modern jumbo jets, these models represent a technological transformation that was anything but small.Donated by aviation enthusiast Eugene