Museum reopens its doors

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  May 2 was a red-letter day for the Air Force Armament Museum when it re-opened its doors to the public. 

The museum closed for two months for a complete refurbishing of the air conditioning and heating system. It was the first overhaul since the museum opened its doors in 1985. The 796th Civil Engineer Squadron was responsible for contracting out the work. 

"It's great for the artifacts," said museum director George Jones. "The new system is climate controlled so it also regulates the humidity which can really damage some of our older exhibits." 

The museum closure also allowed time for additional renovations inside. Mr. Jones, his assistant Tim Savoir and two inmates shined every piece of glass, wood and leather. They repainted the floors and spiffed up the displays, including the aircraft inside. The Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp from Choctawhatchee High School also lent some elbow grease one afternoon to ready the museum for reopening. 

"This place looks better now than it did the day it opened," Mr. Jones said. 

The museum is the only one in the world dedicated to the collection, preservation and exhibition of artifacts and memorabilia associated with Air Force armament and its platforms of delivery. Larry Jackson and his wife, Betty, were visiting from Williamsburg, Va., and on the hunt for a C-123, a military transport used in Southeast Asia. There wasn't one because the aircraft on display all carried bombs, not cargo. But the World War II Navy veteran wasn't disappointed; he still thought the museum was "beautiful." 

Valerie Gardner agreed. She and her son, Justin, stopped in while her brother went to the airport to pick up a visitor. Ms. Gardner, a Tampa native, was also impressed with the newly renovated museum. 

While the visitors examined displays, a change of command for Lt. Col. Gregory Patschke, 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron commander, commenced. It was the first official order of business for the museum. Last year more than 250 official functions were conducted at the museum, from retirements to Eagle Scout ceremonies. 

"What better an environment than the museum," Mr. Jones asked. "People feel very special when they come here." 

Mr. Savoir said while the two months gave the staff time to do the renovations, a massive undertaking waits outside. 

"It's time to gear up the Adopt-a-Plane program and refurbish some of the aircraft on display outside," he said. "This is the worst environment for these aircraft; the sun, sea air and humidity are really corrosive." 

Volunteers are always needed to maintain the aircraft or any of the displays. Donations can also be made to the Air Force Armament Museum Foundation for its upkeep. 

"I'm so proud of this museum; we have something really special here," Mr. Jones said. "It won't last if we don't take care of it and maintain a real passion for the history it displays." 

The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Admission is free to the general public.