Thursday, May 02, 2019

Museum of Aviation – Robins Air Force Base, Georgia


The can do’ spirit shown by the people of Robins Air Force Base and middle Georgia (is) multiplied many times throughout this command, (and shown) at bases and communities across the country. …it is the solid foundation of a free future for all Americans.”
John R. Paulk, Major General Commander
Warner Robins Air Logistic Center 1980-1982










After spending the night on beautiful Robins Air Force Base, we decided to go to this museum which is the second largest aerospace museum of the United States Air Force and conveniently located just outside the gate of Robins Air Force Base. Driving by this amazing museum the night before, we saw all the airplanes out in the field and knew we had to come here to see this large aviation museum.














We got up, had breakfast, and then headed to this museum; our destination for the next four hours. As we made our way to the front entrance, where a B-1B Bomber that you can walk around and underneath. What an amazing bird. After spending some time checking it out, we headed inside. We were greeting by three Air Force retirees who warmly welcomed us.










Walking inside, we saw the scope of how large this building really was. The first room alone was enormous with the ceiling over three floors up with aircraft hung from the ceiling and ground scenes below. We picked up our map from the volunteers/retirees and started our journey.
















As we wandered around the main building in awe, the scenes just got better and better and really brought history to life. You got the feeling you were living that day in history. There was so much to see from WWII, Korea, Vietnam era planes along with information on the Tuskegee Airmen, D Day, the Flying Tigers, women in the services, movies from the day, and scenes of life during those times. We enjoyed it all. This museum was brilliantly put together with much thought and attention to details. Throughout the museum were volunteers who would answer any questions you had and give a narrative of life back in the day.










We walked all three levels of this building and enjoyed it thoroughly. We also enjoyed watching a scout troop visit hurrying from plane to plane with excitement over each aircraft. There was a beautiful area with a display of flags and snack bar on the third floor. It was decorated beautifully with black and white checked floor tiles. There was also motion simulator rides that for a low price you try out.















One display was all on Robert L. Scott, Jr who was a hero and an author. He was born in Waynesboro, Georgia and graduated from West Point in 1932. He went to flight school at Kelly Field in Texas and was a flying Ace during WWII. He was credited with shooting down thirteen Japanese aircraft. He also wrote twelve books with the most famous one being, “God is my co-pilot.” He died in 2006 and is now buried in Arlington Cemetery.
















When this museum first opened on November 9, 1984, there were only 20 aircraft in an open field and another 20 in restoration. It has since grown to having five different buildings containing over 93 historic US Air Force aircraft and missiles and now has 51 acres. The 200,000 square feet of space in these buildings are used for exhibition areas and are also used for education. When we were there an educational class going on. They have many educational events for all there. It is now the fourth most visited museum in the Department of Defense. This museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and honors veterans and their families. It is here that is now the Home of the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame.











We went out and went to another building. There is so much to see and each building was unique and interesting. In one building was the Blackbird which was clocked back on July 27th and 28th, 1976 as having an average speed of 2,193.167 mph. it is hard to imagine speeds that fast but must have been something to see. It is still the all time speed record. That was a very slick plane and really something to see. We also got to see another area where they are currently restoring planes with work stations in use.










We also got to see an atom bomb, old firetruck, jeeps, and other unique items. After we explored all of the inside of the buildings, we headed to see the many planes on the outside. It will make you feel small standing next to some of these giants. There is an older Air Force One outside to see also on the grounds. If you are into airplanes, history, and aeronautics, this is the place to come.











This museum is a work of art. Without the hard work of the volunteers who work as tour guides, greeters, gift shop, aircraft restoration workers, docents and archivist, this museum wouldn’t be what is is today. There are over 100 volunteers that work here and help keep this museum open seven days a week from 9 to 5. They are closed some holidays so keep that in mind when you plan to visit. Did I mention it is free? But donations are more than welcome to help maintain this gem.






If you are ever near Robins Air Force Base, stop here. Your will be happy you did. There is no way you can leave this museum without feeling patriotic and proud of our country and its heroes. God bless the men and women who served our country and their sacrifices. Bye for now.  Https://www.museumofaviation.org.









High Flight

Of sun-split clouds, - and done a hundred things
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the sky on laughter-silver wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
my eager craft through footless halls of air.

Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,
I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee
No 412 squadron, RCAF
Killed 11 December 1941


#GreatAviationMuseumInGeorgia #PlacesToSeeGeorgia #InterestingPlacesToSeeGeorgia
#AviationMuseumRobinsAirForceBase #LearnAboutHistoryOfFlight #UniqueMuseumsGeorgia




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