Historic F-104 Lands at the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Damon

The iconic Lockheed F-104A Starfighter, Serial No. 56-817, arrived at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor on May 9, 2013, joining the Museum’s ever-expanding collection. The Starfighter is on long-term loan from Museum of Aviation Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins, Georgia, and is the 43rd aircraft to join the Museum’s collection of historical and unique aircraft. It was transported by Pasha Hawaii and will be displayed in Hangar 79.

The iconic Lockheed F-104A Starfighter, Serial No. 56-817, arrived at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor on May 9, 2013, joining the Museum’s ever-expanding collection. The Starfighter is on long-term loan from Museum of Aviation Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins, Georgia, and is the 43rd aircraft to join the Museum’s collection of historical and unique aircraft. It was transported by Pasha Hawaii and will be displayed in Hangar 79.

The iconic Lockheed F-104A Starfighter, Serial No. 56-817, arrived at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor on May 9, 2013, joining the Museum’s ever-expanding collection. The Starfighter is on long-term loan from Museum of Aviation Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins, Georgia, and is the 43rd aircraft to join the Museum’s collection of historical and unique aircraft. It was transported by Pasha Hawaii and will be displayed in Hangar 79.

“This record-breaking aircraft has quite the history and we’re pleased to give it a new home,” said Museum Executive Director Kenneth DeHoff.

The Starfighter went into production in 1956 and was the first combat aircraft capable of easily sustaining twice the speed of sound. It held simultaneous world records for speed, altitude, and rate of climb. Due to its length of 54’ 9” and wingspan of only 21’ 11,” it was dubbed the Missile with a Man in It. The Starfighter served in the USAF from 1958 through 1975, as well as with several allied air forces around the world, including Japan.

Gen. Chuck Yeager famously displayed the “right stuff” during a high-altitude, record-breaking ascent in a rocket-assisted F-104, climbing to the edge of space at more than 100,000 feet.

f-104

The Museum invites donations of historic aircraft and aviation memorabilia. Donated artifacts are professionally cared for and enjoyed by millions of visitors from all over the world. The Museum also invites monetary donations for its Restoration and Education programs, as it is a nonprofit, private Museum, which depends on members and donors. To support the Museum, call 808-441-1006 or donate online at www.PacificAviationMuseum.org.

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Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor to Commemorate The Battle of Midway With Shattered Sword Author Jonathan Parshall

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Damon

Marking the 71st Anniversary of the “turning point in the Pacific” epic battle, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor will present a special program featuring Jonathan Parshall, co-author of Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway, Tuesday, June 4.

Shattered Sword The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway

The event is free to Museum Members and $25 for non-members. It will feature a Book Signing and Meet the Author at 4pm, a Reception at 5:30PM, and “The 71st Anniversary of the Battle of Midway” Presentation by Mr. Parshall at 6:30pm with a question and answer period following.

Jonathan Parshall’s interest in the Imperial Japanese Navy developed in childhood. He has written for the U.S. Naval War College Review, Naval Institute Proceedings, and World War II magazine, and has contributed to several books on the topic. In 1995 he founded http://www.combinedfleet.com, the foremost Internet site on the Imperial Navy. He was a member of a 1999 expedition by Nauticos Corporation and the Naval Oceanographic Office that discovered wreckage from the carrier Kaga, sunk at Midway.

According to Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor Executive Director Kenneth DeHoff, “Author Jonathan Parshall is the foremost authority on Midway. We’re very excited to have him as our keynote speaker for this year’s Midway commemoration.”

Tickets are online at PacificAviationMuseum.org or available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. RSVPs are required by May 28 and seating is limited. For more information, call 808-441-1007 or email Education@PacificAviationMuseum.org.

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum and 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is open 9am to 5pm daily and is accessed by shuttles from the USS Arizona Memorial Pearl Harbor Visitor Center at Pearl Harbor. http://www.PacificAviationMuseum.org, 808-441-1000.

 

 

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Summertime Flight School Scheduled at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Damon

Flight School for sixth to eighth grade students will be in session again this summer at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor. The Museum’s innovative and popular aviation program introduces Middle School age students to the history and science of flight on three consecutive weekdays, 9am to 3:30pm.

Sixth through eighth grade female students have the opportunity to soar at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor’s new “Flight School” program this summer. Developed by Director of Education Dr. Shauna Tonkin, the Museum’s program introduces girls to the history and science of flight.

Sixth through eighth grade female students have the opportunity to soar at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor’s new “Flight School” program this summer. Developed by Director of Education Dr. Shauna Tonkin, the Museum’s program introduces girls to the history and science of flight.

Flight School for Girls will be held May 28~30, June 18~20, June 25~27, and July 24~26. Flight School for Boys will be held June 5~7 and July 16~18. Advanced Flight School for Girls will be held July 9~11.

Students learn the basics of flight through demonstrations and experiments, tour historic aircraft, fly remote control planes, and “take to the skies” in the Museum’s flight simulation lab. They meet historic pioneers of aviation through presentations made by costumed interpreters such as Amelia Earhart and Rosie the Riveter.

Flight School

“This is a hands-on program that introduces youth to the heroes and pioneers of aviation, and helps them consider future careers in science, technology, engineering and math,” explains Dr. Shauna Tonkin who, as Director of Education at the Museum, developed the curriculum.

Upon successful completion of Flight School, the students celebrate with a Winging Ceremony.

For more information on this event contact Dr. Shauna Tonkin at ShaunaT@PacificAviationMuseum.org or 808-441-1005. Information is available online also at http://www.pacificaviationmuseum.org/education/flightschool

The Museum is located at 319 Lexington Boulevard on Ford Island, Pearl Harbor.

Pacific Aviation Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Its mission is to develop and maintain an internationally recognized aviation museum on historic Ford Island that educates young and old alike, honors aviators and their support personnel who defended freedom in The Pacific Region, and to preserve Pacific aviation history.

 

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“Honor Flight: One Last Mission” – Hawaii Premiere and Reception at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Damon

Honoring those who have served, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor has announced a special Memorial Day observance Friday, May 24 with the Hawaii premiere screening of the movie Honor Flight: One Last Mission. A reception honoring veterans is at 5:30pm; the screening of Honor Flight is at 6:30pm. The event is free for Museum Members and Volunteers; $25 for non-members.

Click for more information

Click for more information

The acclaimed documentary film Honor Flight: The Last Mission is the story of four living WWII veterans and the community that gave them the trip of a lifetime to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorial constructed to honor them, nearly 60 years after the war. The Los Angeles Times calls it, “enormously moving.”

Seating capacity is limited to 200 for each screening. Reservations for the May 24 evening event are required by May 17. RSVP, tickets, and all information are online at PacificAviationMuseum.org. Call 808-441-1007 or email  Education@PacficAviationMuseum for more information.

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Open Cockpit Day at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Damon

Did you ever wonder what you’d look like sitting in the cockpit of one of America’s famous warbirds? You’ll have the opportunity to sit in the seat, man the controls, and see the instruments of a WWII fighter or modern-day jet fighter at Open Cockpit Day, Saturday May 11, 9am to 5pm at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor in Hangar 79.

Open Cockpit2

Open Cockpit Day is free with paid Museum admission and free for Museum Members.

Guests younger than 10 years of age will require parental supervision to climb up and into the aircraft. Guests must also be able to climb boarding stairs and in to a cockpit to participate. Museum visitors are invited to bring their own cameras and the Museum staff will do the rest. Pilot’s gear, the Museum’s vintage aircraft, and meetings with aviation heroes will create a unique family day.

Open Cockpit

Download a free flight simulator coupon and purchase tickets online at www.PacificAviationMuseum.org. Phone 808-441-1007 for more information or email Education@PacificAviationMuseum.org.

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor is open 9am to 5pm daily except Christmas, New Year’s and Thanksgiving days, and is accessed by shuttles from the USS Arizona Memorial/Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor is located at 319 Lexington Boulevard, Historic Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818.

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The “Swamp Ghost/B-17E” Arrives at the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Damon

You may have seen it on the freeway this morning, April 10, in seven Matson containers, with a Honolulu Police escort. One of the most talked about artifacts of American aviation history–the Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress bomber #41-2446 “Swamp Ghost”–makes its home at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, today, Wednesday, April 10, 2013.

B172

The remarkable story of this WWII aircraft has been featured in numerous media, including National Geographic, New York Times, Washington Post, L.A. Daily News, and Smithsonian magazine.

B-17E 41-2446 was one of the bombers in the Kangaroo Squadron stationed in Townsville, Australia. It was to have been one of the B-17s in the flight that made it to Hickam Army Air Field during the December 7, 1941 attack. It was delayed due to engine problems but flew to Hickam on December 17 and then leapfrogged its way to Townsville, Australia. On the night of February 22, 1942, five B-17s took off from Townsville with the mission of attacking ships at Rabaul, a harbor of Japanese-held New Britain. The mission was the first American heavy bomber offensive raid of World War II.

b174

Unfortunately, this B-17 never made it back. Having sustained damage from enemy fire causing the aircraft to run out of fuel, it crash-landed in the remote primitive Agaiambo swamp on the north coast of Papua New Guinea. Over the next several days, the nine-member crew battled malaria, fatigue, and heat exhaustion, while they hacked their way through razor-sharp swamp grass to safety. Amazingly, all nine men made it back to the base alive.

b173

Having crash-landed in one of the most remote locations on Earth, the aircraft virtually “disappeared” and slipped into an oblivion that lasted almost three decades, until Australian soldiers on routine maneuvers spotted the aircraft in 1972, still partially submerged in the swamp and nicknamed it Swamp Ghost.

B17

To the soldiers’ amazement, it was found to be in remarkable condition and fully intact; the machine guns were in place, fully loaded and, in the cabin, there was a thermos with what used to be coffee. It soon became obvious that this plane would become the best-preserved example of a combat B-17 in existence.

The amazing story of this aircraft doesn’t end there. Over the next 30 years, David C. Tallichet and the Swamp Ghost Salvage Team attempted to recover the bomber. The government of Papua New Guinea became involved, which further stopped the process. Finally, after years of negotiations, it was cleared to return to the United States in 2010. In 2011, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor began negotiations to receive the aircraft.

“We are absolutely thrilled that this national treasure will call Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor home,” said Kenneth DeHoff, Museum Executive Director. “The B-17E ‘Swamp Ghost’ will be one of the crown jewels in our aircraft collection. While we restore these aircraft to static display standards of aviation museums globally, this one will take us several years to raise the funds to do so. We expect it to cost $5 million dollars,” said Mr. DeHoff.

b175

When funds are received and restoration is complete, the B-17E Flying Fortress will be on display in a specially constructed outdoor exhibit, resembling the Papua New Guinea swamp in which it was found, the perfect backdrop for this historic artifact. Donors are invited to purchase a brick for a loved one or WWII pilot, in the garden setting of the exhibit, and help restore the aircraft. The Museum invites donations of historic aircraft and aviation memorabilia. Donated artifacts are professionally cared for and enjoyed by millions of visitors from all over the world. The Museum also invites monetary donations for its restoration and education programs, as it is a nonprofit, private Museum, which depends on members and donors. To support the Museum, call 808-441-1006 or donate online at www.PacificAviationMuseum.org.

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Its mission is to develop and maintain an internationally recognized aviation museum on historic Ford Island that educates young and old alike, honors aviators and their support personnel who defended freedom in the Pacific Region, and to preserve Pacific aviation history.

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One Millionth Visitor Gets Lavish Reception Today at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Damon

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor welcomed its 1,000,000th visitor today, April 4, 2013–the Valencia family from Modesto, CA. Mr. Ivan Valencia and Mrs. Mari Valencia and their two children Hiram, 9 and Christopher, 5, received four gift bags filled with books, aviation gear, aircraft memorabilia, plus a Lifetime Family Membership to the Museum.

PAM 1,000,000

They were greeted with a balloon, confetti and cake reception, and congratulations from Museum Executive Director Kenneth DeHoff, Museum Chairman of the Board ADM Ronald Hays, USN (Ret), Museum Board President Clint Churchill, State Representative Mark Takai, and Museum staff.  Rep. Takai presented a certificate from the Hawaii State Legislature, congratulating the Museum on this auspicious milestone.

“We opened our doors December 6, 2006 and achieved this monumental visitor number in less than seven years,” said Executive Director Kenneth DeHoff. “I’m extremely pleased and proud of our staff who’ve worked so diligently to make Pacific Aviation Museum a must visit Hawaii destination.”

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Its mission is to develop and maintain an internationally recognized aviation museum on historic Ford Island that educates young and old alike, honors aviators and their support personnel who defended freedom in The Pacific Region, and to preserve Pacific aviation history.

 

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Dedication Ceremony Set For Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Damon

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor will dedicate its Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter on Monday, November 12, 2012.  The 4:00 p.m. dedication ceremony will take place at the Museum on Historic Ford Island. This invitation-only event is open to the media. A reception will follow from 5 to 7:30pm.

The Northrop F-5A was a lightweight, low maintenance, single-seat fighter designed and built by Northrop in the 1950s. Although it never became a fighter aircraft for the U.S., Northrop exported hundreds of F-5As around the world during the 1960s and 1970s to U.S. allies.

The Museum’s F-5A Freedom Fighter was donated by Chuck Thornton, president of Thornton Aircraft Company. It joins the Museum’s growing collection of 35+ historic aircraft. Shipping was provided by Matson. The dedication ceremony is sponsored by Northrop Grumann.

The pilot name on the fuselage of the aircraft will be General Kim Doo Man and the Museum selected the markings for this aircraft to be that of the United States ally, the Republic of Korea Air Force.

Attendees of the ceremony will include Korean War veterans, business and civic leaders, U.S. military leaders, as well as Republic of Korea Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Lt. General Cha Kyu Choi and his wife.

The Museum is located at 391 Lexington Boulevard on Ford Island. Guest access to Ford Island for this event may be obtained by contacting Loretta Fung at 808-441-1008 or Loretta.Fung@PacificAviationMuseum.org by November 6, 2012.

Pacific Aviation Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Its mission is to develop and maintain an internationally recognized aviation museum on historic Ford Island that educates young and old alike, honors aviators and their support personnel who defended freedom in The Pacific Region, and preserves Pacific aviation history.

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Public Invited to 6th Anniversary Gala for Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Damon

The public is invited to spend a gala evening at the Museum with military, civic and community dignitaries on Historic Ford Island as Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor celebrates its 6th Anniversary. Museum Executive Director Kenneth DeHoff promises, “It will be another glittering evening of friends of the Museum, dining and entertainment to fund our Education and Restoration projects. As this is the Museum’s annual fundraising dinner, we invite table sponsors to participate.”

Guests will be greeted at the door of Hangar 37 with aircraft, vintage military vehicles, and re-enactors dressed in period costumes. At dinner, they will be entertained with a “1940s Radio Show,” enjoy fine wines and award-winning cuisine from Chef Chai of Chai’s Island Bistro. A silent auction will be held for items such as trips and hotel stays, wines, jewelry and art.

Tickets and tables may be purchased by calling Director of Development Carol Arnott at 808/441-1006 or purchasing online at PacificAviationMuseum.org. The Museum is located at 319 Lexington Boulevard on Historic Ford Island at Pearl Harbor.

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Pacific Aviation Museum Now Affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution – Free Day Coming Up

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Damon

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor has recently been named the newest Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, as part of the Smithsonian Institution Affiliates Program, it was announced by Pacific Aviation Museum Executive Director Kenneth DeHoff.

“The Smithsonian Affiliations Program is an expansive network of 150+ museums and educational organizations that demonstrate excellence in the field of historic preservation and education and we’re delighted to be selected to be a member of this esteemed organization,” DeHoff said.

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor’s association with the Smithsonian Institution means access to artifact loans, traveling exhibitions and education programs from the Smithsonian Institute, the world’s largest museum, as well as from other Affiliate museums. The Museum is hosting a private reception on Thursday, September 20, 5:30 to 7:30PM to celebrate its Smithsonian Affiliate status.

Again this year, the Museum will be participating in Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day Live! with free admission to the Museum on September 29 with tickets from: .http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/ticket/

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. It provides educational programs for adults and children and is located at 319 Lexington Boulevard on Historic Ford Island at Pearl Harbor. Opened December 6, 2006, it has been ranked by TripAdvisor as one of the “top ten aviation attractions” in the nation.  Phone (808) 441-1000 or visit http://www.PacificAviationMuseum.org for tickets, information and to download a coupon for a free combat simulator flight.

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Discover Your Future in Aviation at the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor

Posted on March 24, 2012 by Damon

Next Saturday, March 31st, the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor will host a “Discover Your Future in Aviation” day from 10am to 4pm.

If you have a youngster interested in aviation as a career or hobby, this is the place to be.


This is the third year for the aviation conference, which promises to be a day filled with hands-on workshops and seminars, a career fair, and interactive science exhibits. Participants can enter to win aviation prizes, and take photos with Rosie the Riveter and “her friends” (bring your camera).

According to Executive Director Kenneth DeHoff, “It’s a really good opportunity to talk one-on-one with aviation professionals and learn more about careers in aviation and the related sciences.”

Some of the activities that guests can partake in:

  • Career fair
  • Interactive science exhibits
  • Trade show
  • Aviation demonstrations and seminars about the contributions men and women have made to aviation.

For students and anyone interested in aviation as a career, an opportunity to network and meet aviation mentors. Enter to win aviation prizes. Exhibitors are invited to participate.

Free with paid Museum admission. Special discounts for school and scout groups.

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New A-3D Skywarrior Makes Final Landing at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Damon

An A-3D Skywarrior, also called the “Whale” because of its immense size, arrived at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor on Wednesday, March 7, 2012. It became the 30th aircraft to join the Museum’s growing collection. It will be restored and put on display in Hangar 79. VIP guests will view it at a special “Whale of an Evening” reception at the Museum tonight, Friday, March 8.

A-3D Skywarrior makes it's final landing

On June 21, 2011, Raytheon flew Skywarrior #144867 from Van Nuys Airport, Van Nuys, California to the North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego, California. On February 3, 2012, the Whale started its journey to its next place in history at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, Ford Island, Hawaii. The USS Midway Museum assisted.

A-3D Skywarrior moved into place

The Skywarriors were first used as tactical nuclear bombers and were the heaviest aircraft ever to be operational on the Navy’s aircraft carriers.

A-3D Skywarrior on an aircraft carrier deck

“This Skywarrior was removed from active Navy service in October 1968 and was on loan to Hughes Aircraft, now Raytheon, for radar and avionics testing for the Grumman F-14 program and as a B-2A Spirit Stealth Bomber avionics test bed,” said Museum Executive Director Kenneth DeHoff. “It has quite a history and we’re pleased to give it a new home.”

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. Its mission is to develop and maintain an internationally recognized aviation museum on historic Ford Island that educates young and old alike, honors aviators and their support personnel who defended freedom in The Pacific Region, and to preserve Pacific aviation history.

The Museum, located at 319 Lexington Boulevard in Hangars 37 and 79 on Historic Ford Island at Pearl Harbor, recently, was ranked one of the “top ten aviation attractions” nationally by TripAdvisor. The Museum is accessed by air-conditioned shuttle buses from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Phone (808) 441-1000 or visit www.PacificAviationMuseum.org for tickets and more information.

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Pacific Aviation Museum is Seeking Volunteers for New Student Education and Tour Programs

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Damon

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor’s Education Department has new student education and tour programs for 2012 and requests volunteers to help deliver these programs, plus develop additional ones, help manage events, process data entry, research, transcribe oral histories, and work on the Museum’s successful outreach program to 6th graders, “Barnstorming.”

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor Hanger 37

Other volunteers are need in all areas of Museum operations, as well, from docents delivering tours to mechanics helping restore historic aircraft in the Restoration Shop.

The education programs target pre-school students through high school seniors and focus on math, science, social studies, technology and engineering connected to the principles of aviation and history of aviation in the Pacific. The opportunities are perfect for those retired from the fields of education. The Museum will train and a minimum of at least one day a month is required to be a volunteer.

Volunteers sought for the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor

Volunteers receive many benefits: They work hands-on with aircraft, meet and talk story with veterans and experienced pilots and mechanics, receive free admission to the Museum and to the other Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, receive discounts at the Museum gift shop, free admission to all Hangar Talks and lectures, an annual “Volunteer Appreciation” party, and more.

Contact Volunteer Coordinator Loretta Fung for more information and a volunteer application at 808-441-1008 or Loretta.Fung@PacificAviationMuseum.org. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age or partnered with a parent. The Museum will provide documentation for service hours.

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, located on Historic Ford Island, 319 Lexington Boulevard, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which depends on its volunteers, members, and support from donations. 808-441-1000; www.PacificAviationMuseum.org.

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Visiting Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial and The Pacific Aviation Museum

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Damon

One of my good friends from high school is currently visiting Hawaii and last weekend I met him over on Oahu the day I set the Tandem Skydiving Altitude Record with SkyDive Hawaii.  We had a few drinks at Dukes Canoe Club in Waikiki and then I let him and his girlfriend explore Waikiki while I checked into the Waikiki Resort Hotel and rented a car from Discount Hawaii Car Rental  for only $20.00 for 24 hours!

I woke up bright and early in the morning from my one night stay at the Waikiki Resort Hotel and we headed out to Pearl Harbor leaving the Hotel at about 7:00 in the morning.  I forgot that the Honolulu Marathon would be blocking off much of Waikiki so it became kind of a maze getting out of there and off to Pearl Harbor where we got there just in time to pick up free tickets on the first US Navy boat to the Arizona Memorial.

They issue free tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial

While I have done lots of interesting stuff with the Navy and I’ve seen Pearl Harbor as a guest on several embarks with the US Navy… this was the first time that I had ever gone to the USS Arizona Memorial inside of Pearl Harbor so it was quite special.

One of the displays in the Pearl Harbor Museum

We were going just four days after the 70th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and I wasn’t sure how busy or packed the place was going to be… but I was quite happy to get on that first boat without having to wait in a long line… as anyone that knows me… knows I hate long lines!

The US Navy provides a free ferry to and from the USS Arizona Memorial

Most of us have seen pictures of the memorial, but I can tell you now personally that it’s a whole different experience visiting it in person.

USS Arizona Memorial

As you enter the memorial, it’s lined with a few flags from around the world.

Flags in the USS Arizona Memorial

Then as you proceed forward into the chamber it opens up and there are 21 windows to view out of the memorial.

Inside the chamber folks can look down at the sunken vessel through a hole in the memorial

You really feel the aura of the place and it’s almost kind of a haunting feeling knowing that you are literally standing on the tomb of so many sailors that lost their lives on that fateful day.

Honoring the sailors that lost their lives

Of course I had to get the mandatory picture of the “Tears of the Arizona”.

"Tears of the Arizona" - Oil still leaks to this day

The memorial is staffed with folks that know anything you may ever want to know about the USS Arizona and are more then happy to discuss things with you.  The total tour of the place once you actually get on the ferry is about 45 minutes long.

One of the few remaining parts of the USS Arizona still above the surface

After touring the USS Arizona Memorial we took a shuttle across to Ford Island and went and got a private Aviators Tour at Pacific Aviation Museum.

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor

This was also the first time I had ever been to this museum so I had no idea what to expect and was pleasantly surprised with the knowledge of our tour docent as he explained the history of the airplanes at the museum.

Inside Hangar 37

I learned some of the stories about the planes and the pilots that flew the planes during the war.

Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 21 Type 0 (Naval Carrier-based Fighter)

What was really impressive was the shape that some of these old planes had been remodeled to and I know it must take a lot to get them back to looking the way they were during World War II.

The Cactus Air Force

While the tour itself is about 2 hours long… we had a shorter more condensed tour because we had an appointment we had to make with the US Navy so we unfortunately didn’t even get to the other hangar.

Former President George W.H. Bush trained in this actual plane

We made our way to the Laniakea Cafe and had lunch and then made our way to a private submarine tour on the USS Cheyenne courtesy of the US Navy.

The newly restored Ford Island Control Tower

I just wanted to say thanks to the Pacific Aviation Museum for hooking us up with the free Aviators Tour.  Wish we would have had more time to spend with the docent!

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