One in two million

  • Published
  • By Ashley M. Wright
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The two millionth visitor to the only museum in the world dedicated to the collection, preservation and exhibition of Air Force armament passed through the doors Oct. 21.

The Air Force Armament Museum welcomed Devin Wells shortly after 10 a.m.

"It was very satisfying to see," said George Jones, museum director. "That was very special to honor them as the 2 millionth visitor."

Mr. Wells toured the museum with his son Matthew, 7, and family friend Anthony Smith, 8. While walking through the exhibits, the distinguished visitor read information to the children and explained the importance of sacrifices made by military members.

"It was a great trip," he said. "We learned a lot."

The Nashville, Tenn. native visited the museum and the airpark. Despite having visited before, Mr. Wells said he wanted to bring his son.

The armament institution opened to the public in the spring of 1976. According to the organization's website, the museum now sits in a 28,000 square foot facility.

"The most popular exhibit is the AC-130 gunship," Mr. Jones said. "It was the first 130 ever built."

Other exhibits include more than 25 different aircraft and several hundred pieces of armament such as a gun collection, bombs, bomblets and missiles to include the Sparrow, Sidewinder, cluster bombs, Bunker Buster and others.

The museum welcomes about 400 visitors per day, and during fiscal year 2010, approximately 123,000 people walked through the front doors, Mr. Jones said. In addition, the museum hosted 283 events ranging from tours to retirements to change of command ceremonies.

"We make a big impact," he said.

The Air Force Armament museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except for federal holidays and is free of charge. For more information, click here.