3rd of August, 2024
Join us for a great event on Saturday, August 3, 2024.
The Museum is proud to present a special look back at the Vietnam War this Saturday, August 3, 2024.
Doors to the Museum open at 9:00am and regular adult admission is in place. All Museum Member are admitted FREE.
Our Special Edition of “Hangar Talk” will begin at 10:30am in the Maloney Hangar. We’ve got a number of presentations focused on the Vietnam War of 1955 to 1975. Here’s what’s in store:
Into the Jaws of Death – The Vietnam WarFrom feudal conflicts to revolts against colonialism to internal civil strife, Vietnam’s history is one of bloody warfare. Then, beginning slowly in the mid-1950s and escalating in the 1960s, Vietnam became a quagmire for the United States and allies in a war that lingered and endured and proved incredibly costly. We’ll survey the events that culminated in the 1975 fall of South Vietnam, leading to reunification of the nation under communist rule.
Struggle in the Skies – the Aircraft of the Vietnam WarThe Vietnam War was fought primarily on the ground and in the air. In this presentation, the Museum’s David Willis will look at the varied aircraft deployed during the conflict and the types of missions and roles that these aircraft served. From the first widespread use of helicopters to conventional aircraft for reconnaissance, transport, air-to-air combat, ground support and bombing missions, aircraft an essential weapon throughout the war.
The Rules of Engagement – Or, “How to Fight a War with One Arm Tied Behind your Back”The Museum’s Ted Mount will look at one of the longest and most extensive bombing campaigns of the Vietnam War – Operation Rolling Thunder. Ted will show how conditions and procedures set by the US Government hindered execution of this three-year bombing campaign. Ted will also show how clever pilots managed to work within these “Rules of Engagement” in order to accomplish goals.
Fulfilling the Airmen’s Creed – a look at a Medal of Honor recipientThe Museum’s Scott Cassells will introduce us to the US Air Force’s “Airmen’s Creed,” a promise that all Air Force personnel make to country and their colleagues. Scott will tells us about one incident that occurred in 1966 in the A Shau valley of central Vietnam where the Airmen’s Creed was truly put to the test. This is a story that will inspire and remind us of the courage necessary in times of conflict.
Forward Air Control Over the Ho Chi Minh Trail – a look at the Mistys of the Vietnam WarWe’re thrilled to be joined during this “Hangar Talk” by US Air Force colonel (retired) Gary Tomkins as he tells us a little known chapter from the Vietnam War. The Ho Chi Minh Trail ran from North Vietnam, through Laos and Cambodia and into South Vietnam. It was a series of roads and trails by which communist forces moved men and materiel to fight against allied forces. This is the story of the Mistys – airmen and aircraft that flew dangerous top secret missions to spot and summon air strikes against these logistical efforts. Gary was Misty #4 and flew 50 Misty Missions.
In this closing presentation, we’ll look at the lasting legacy of the Vietnam War. From first demonizing our veterans to now holding them in proper esteem, the legacy of the Vietnam War is one of contradictions. We’ll look at the tragic loss of life that this war brought and examine some of its iconic images.
We’re honored to have this OV-10 “Bronco” visit us today at the Museum and perform our Flying Demo. Thanks to Matt Nightingale of Cal AeroFab for bringing this beautifully restored aircraft to the Museum and flying our demonstration flight.
At 12:15, Richard Malvino of the Museum will present our Flying Demonstration with a short presentation about one of the most versatile light attack and observation aircraft of the Vietnam War.
Richard will tell us all about the OV-10, from its unique design to its range of missions. And he’ll tell us briefly about this beautifully restored example.
Then, pilot Matt Nightingale will fire up the two turboprop engines directly in front of the crowd. The aircraft will then taxi away.
Richard will then hold our “Member’s Only” raffle contest for a memorable flight in one of our WWII training aircraft.
After take-off, Matt will perform a thrilling demonstration of the Bronco over the Museum for twenty minutes. Upon his return, guests will be able to talk with Natt and ask questions of what it’s like to restore and fly this treasure from the past.
We’re excited to present to our guests an acclaimed documentary film that has played in numerous film festivals and on Public Television. Called, “The Misty Experiment,” this 59-minute documentary delves deeper into the fascinating story of the Misty “Fast” Forward Air Controllers who flew F-100F “Super Sabres” on dangerous tree-top missions over the Ho Chi Minh trail. Our thanks to the filmmakers who have graciously allowed us to screen this wonderful film. All Museum guests are invited to attend this free screening in our air-conditioned theater. Seating in the theater is limited to a first come/first served basis.
Your admission gets you access to all seven of our hangars and the over 100 aircraft and historical memorabilia on display. Our Museum Guides are on hand to tell you the stories of these aircraft and the personalities and events that surround them.
All in all, Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the Planes of Fame Air Museum is a great way to spend the day!
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