Museum breaks ground for World War II hangar

  • Published
WARNER ROBINS, Ga. (AFPN) --  Members of the Museum of Aviation Foundation put shovels in the ground Sept. 29 to ceremonially begin construction of a new hangar filled with exhibits on World War II.

"We know firsthand the heartfelt commitment of Middle Georgia to the United States Air Force and to all of our military forces," said Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Owen, commander of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. "I am thrilled to be a part of this ceremony that recognizes the contributions and sacrifices for freedom by the greatest generation, led by our own Brig. Gen. Robert L. Scott."

The construction is part of the first phase in the Museum of Aviation Foundation's Next Generation Capital Campaign. The expansion also includes a future new facility and education center for the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame and a simulated flightline on the museum grounds.

The groundbreaking represented the first new hangar to be added to the museum in the last 10 years. The 60,000 square-foot hangar will honor the contributions of World War II veterans and convey their stories in a way that appeals to diverse 21st century audiences. Construction is expected to take about a year.

The Museum of Aviation is the second largest aviation museum in the U.S. Air Force with more than 100 aircraft and missiles dating from an early 1896 glider replica to a B-1 Lancer. Museum education programs reached more than 38,000 students last year.