2nd of August, 2025
Admission includes “Hangar Talk,” the Flight of the North American Rockwell OV-10 “Bronco,” and a special display and engine start of several Top Fuel Dragsters from the 1960s.
Join us for a great event on Saturday, August 2, 2025
Doors to the Museum open at 9:00am and regular admission is in place (Museum Member are always FREE).
This month we take a special look back at the Vietnam War. “Hangar Talk” begins at 10:30am in the Maloney Hangar.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon to communist forces. But for many, the Vietnam War is a nebulous or misunderstood conflict. “Hangar Talk” will present a number of presentations focused on various aspects of the Vietnam War, highlighted by a special presentation by U.S. Army Colonel (retired) Bob Seitz, who commanded a rifle company against large concentrations of North Vietnamese and Viet Cong soldiers near the Demilitarized Zone throughout the dark days of 1970.
From 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 and early 70s, Vietnam became a quagmire for the United States and its allies. In this encore presentation, the Museum’s Brian Finnegan will survey the events that led up to the war, the yearly struggles and fighting that proved so costly in lives of young American soldiers and Marines, and ultimately culminated in the fall of South Vietnam in 1975.
Lorie Ann Rodrigues of the Historical Unit of Southern California (HUSC) will join us in the persona of a military nurse serving in Vietnam. Lorie will take us into the medical tents and hospitals of forward bases and rear areas to tell us stories of the nearly 15,000 women who served heroically and tirelessly to save the never-ending stream of men wounded in the combat zones.
With Special Guest Bob Seitz, Colonel (Ret) U.S. Army
We’re thrilled to have U.S. Army Colonel (retired) Bob Seitz join us for his special presentation recalling his experiences during the Vietnam War.
Bob served for eighteen months in country, first as a lieutenant and later as a captain, with the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne. His unit found itself in the heavily contested terrain near the A Shau valley and later in the DMZ area between North and South Vietnam. Bob will take us through the steaming combat jungles of these regions, outlining the missions he and his men endured – all the while fighting a very dangerous enemy while trying to fight and survive.
The Museum’s Ted Mount will tell us one of the darker stories of a very dark war – that of the men imprisoned in the notorious Hanoi Hilton POW camp. Over 600 men endured terrible hardship, torture, and other inhuman treatment for years in this dismal place. Only through their courage, camaraderie, and perseverance were most of them able to survive their ordeals. Ted will take us inside their cells and reveal their inspiring stories.
The Legacy of the Vietnam War
In this closing encore presentation, we’ll look at the lasting legacy of the Vietnam War. From first demonizing our veterans to today 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 monthly flight.
At 12:15, Ken Saltgaver of the Museum will present background information about this amazing aircraft that served as Forward Air Control and gunship to protect grunts on the ground by directing close-air support.
Ken 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.
Ken 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 Matt and ask questions of what it’s like to restore and fly this treasure from the past.
On display plus an Amazing (and loud!) Engine Start!
This month we’re bringing you something totally new and different. We’ve got four Top Fuel Dragsters from the 1960s coming to the Museum. These historic racers competed and won races during the “golden age” of drag racing.
Guests will be able to see these historic racers up close on static display and talk with their owners and crews.
As a special treat – after the flight of the OV-10 “Bronco” – we’re going to roll them out to the hot ramp and fire up their top fuel engines for everyone to enjoy. In the late 1950s and through the 1960s, Top Fuel dragsters primarily used supercharged, fuel-injected Chrysler Hemi engines, often displacing 392 cubic inches.
These engines, adapted for racing, ran on nitromethane, a colorless, oily liquid with a unique ability to carry its own oxygen within its molecular structure, and allowing it to burn with much greater intensity than gasoline. In the quarter-mile, these cars could reach speeds up to 200 miles per hour in a matter of seconds.
Should be a great thing to see and hear and something we’ll long remember!
Your admission gets you access to all seven of our hangars and the over 100 aircraft and historical memorabilia on display. The B-17 will be open to visitors, and our food trucks will be on-site with lots of delicious options. Museum Guides are on hand to tell you the stories of the Museum and our collection and the Gift Shop is stocked with some cool items for purchase.
All in all, Saturday, August 2, 2025 at the Planes of Fame Air Museum is a great way to spend the day!
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