American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport creates "hands on" educational WW II aircraft through federal funds requested by Congressman Israel
Refusing to allow time to destroy our nation's collective experience
Jeff Clyman, president of the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport, Farmingdale, New York, announced that a grant from the Institute of Museum Library Services requested by U.S. Congressman Steve Israel has permitted the museum to open its doors on a new "hands on" history experience designed to allow Long Island students to bridge the nearly six decades since their grandparents went to war to defend democracy.
The exhibit is a full scale replica of a World War II bomber, complete with gun positions, bombardier, radio and pilot positions, accompanied by text and audio visual aids that give students a better appreciation of a conflict that has defined this nation and the world for more than half a century.
Mr. Clyman stated that the airframe used in the presentation is not a World War II aircraft as those now cost millions of dollars and their use as an instructional device would be prohibitive. Rather, the original exhibit air frame was a maritime patrol bomber designed in the 1950's by Grumman. After considerable reconstruction, the airframe now resembles the type of bombers America produced by the tens of thousands, and its interior is so complete that even "walk around" oxygen bottles used by the waist gunners of a B-17 have been placed into this display.
In addition, the entire fuselage has been put on top of a steel frame which can be relocated on heavy duty dolly wheels. This gives the museum the option of relocating the display from its hangar to schools and universities depending on scholarship contributions required to make transportation possible. Educators are invited to contact the museum through its web site, www.americanairpowermuseum.org or Facebook page to make field trip reservations as space is limited.
The museum is located at 1230 New Highway, south of Conklin Avenue, Farmingdale, and is open year round, Thursday through Sunday, 10:30 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. Flight operations are scheduled throughout the year with special emphasis on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and anniversaries that mark important dates in American history such as D-Day, V-J Day and December 7th. Donations are requested and group rates are available. Updated information is always on Facebook, and the museum's web site is www.americanairpowermuseum.org
THE LEGENDS OF AIRPOWER GATHER ONCE AGAIN....
THE B-29 "FIFI" COMING TO AAM THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!
American Airpower Museum unveils Vietnam Veteran Tribute on the anniversary of the Bloody Tet Offensive
On Sunday, January 30, at 12 Noon, more than 40 years after the start of the bloody Tet Offensive seen as the turning point in the Vietnam conflict, the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY will unveil a permanent tribute to the American veteran who served in that war and all those who did not return home.
The display, conceived and constructed by two Purple Heart Vietnam veterans, Leonard Partiss of Bohemia, and Joseph Pellegriti of West Islip, includes a mannequin depicted as an American "grunt" loaded down with gear and weapons in the middle of a jungle clearing. Another element of the display is a model of an American firebase engaged in defending its position somewhere in Vietnam's "I Corps." The display will be presented in coordination with the museum's Vietnam era F-105 fighter-bomber built by Republic Aviation during the 1960's at the museum's hangar location and flown in support of American troops throughout the Vietnam conflict. Vietnam veterans who experienced Tet will be on hand to discuss their experiences.
The Tet Offensive was a massive surprise attack launched by North Vietnam against the United States and South Vietnamese Army on January30, 1968. The attack took place during Tet, one of the most sacred holidays in the Vietnamese calendar and took months for the communists to be routed from their positions throughout South Vietnam. While a tactical defeat for the North, with tens of thousands of causalities, the fact that they could mount such a devastating surprise attack eroded support for the conflict across the United States.
What: Vietnam exhibit and permanent tribute to the vet being dedicated Where: American Airpower Museum, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY, 11735 When: Sunday, January 30, at 12 Noon Why: On anniversary of bloody Tet Offensive, a turning point in the Vietnam conflict
American Military Living History now available as a holiday gift with recipients in WW II planes, Armor and PT boats
Come this holiday season history buffs will be able to purchase a combined World War II history experience that includes a tour of duty in Airborne gear aboard an operational C-47 paratrooper plane, a ride inside the bouncing turret of an M8 armored car and a sortie aboard a roaring PT boat in the waters around New York.
Entitled, "Military History Alive!" this marks the first time that historic American military land, air and sea assets are available to the history buff under one coordinated program and answers the desire by many to experience what it must have been like for America's "greatest generation" to confront tyranny some 65 five years ago.
The operational aircraft and armor are part of the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport, Farmingdale, New York and the PT Boat is owned and operated by Fleet Obsolete, two not for profit educational organizations. Together, this unprecedented living history program allow gift givers to present holiday gift certificates that consist of "duty orders" to the recipient, along with a mission briefing and photos of the aircraft, armor and patrol boat they will experience in the spring. The total cost for the air, land and sea military living history program is a $500 donation to the not for profit organizations.
Within each experience the participant is suited up in appropriate period uniforms, provided an authentic briefing on their mission by living historians and sent into the air, on the sea or into the woods aboard an M8 in what organizers describe as a genuine military time machine.
Coordinated Land, Sea and Air offering unprecedented
Jeff Clyman, president of the American Airpower Museum, stated, "There is simply no other place in the country where this type of land, air and sea hands-on history experience is available. It also reflects the alliance between two organizations that share the common purpose of using operational World War II hardware to honor our military heritage."
Rob Iannucci, president of Fleet Obsolete, explained, "This united effort is designed to dramatically connect with a new generation of Americans whose current understanding of history is filtered through texting and computer gaming. It is also is designed to give each one of us some understanding of what our parents and grandparents experienced as defenders of our freedom more than sixty years ago. This triple living history experience creates a national model for putting Americans in touch with our nation's heritage and that of our individual families. For many, this will be the gift of a life time."
The C-47 "D-Day" flight experience has been hailed by the New York Times and ABC-7 while the M8 armored car has been profiled for its role in helping liberate the concentration camps. Obsolete Fleet's PT boat, originally built in 1945 in the closing days of the war, is meant to represent every American naval vessel that sailed in defense of freedom and offers participants a recreated torpedo run on enemy forces.
Holiday gift givers who want to provide a "Military History Alive!" package to their favorite history buff can e-mail americanairpowermuseum.org or phone 212 843-8010.
Rare iconic Sherman Tank returns to America to act as living tribute to all G.I.'s
Operational armor to be on display to help tell the story of those who defend our freedoms
A rare operational Sherman tank owned by the Kadish Museum of American Armor has become part of a public display of World War II armor at the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport, 1230 New Highway Farmingdale, New York, for the purpose of honoring American servicemen and women who have defended our freedoms.
The Sherman tank represents one of forty thousand built during World War II to provide Allied armored forces with the means to overwhelm the more powerful German panzers that conquered Europe. The Sherman tank was also found on battlefields ranging from North Africa to the Pacific and was effectively used by allies after World War II including the State of Israel.
There are few operational Shermans left in the United States and none on public display in the northeast. President of the Kadish Museum of American Armor, Lawrence Kadish, stated, "The Sherman tank is an iconic images of World War II and it still speaks to us over an historic span of sixty five years about bravery in the face of a ruthless enemy. It is a lesson that is no less important today than it was when the first M4 Sherman engaged the Nazis."
American Airpower Museum President Jeff Clyman stated, "This museum, together with Lawrence Kadish, has the ability of presenting to the public operational weapons of war – not for the purpose of glorifying combat – but to instill in a new generation an understanding – a genuine appreciation – of why they live in a nation that is free. Seeing these aircraft and armor here at Republic breaks through the clutter that envelope all of us – distractions that divert us from recognizing what is important.
The Sherman M4 tank has no operational weapons but its powerful engine will enable the tank to roll down the flight line at the American Airpower Museum accompanied by equally rare American armor of World War II including an M8 Greyhound, a M 20 armored command car, jeeps and other vintage weapons. In addition, through the efforts of Pratt Brothers, a member of the Long Island Contractors' Association, the Sherman tank will periodically be transported to appropriate public events that honor active duty American military personnel engaged in the War on Terror and American veterans who have defended our freedoms.
Paying tribute to those who gave their lives for freedom
This particular tank was acquired from Europe and shipped back to the United States through the efforts of Congressman Steve Israel. Israel stated, "I was genuinely honored to be able to play a role in helping retrieve an important part of our nation's past. Tens of thousands of American G.I's rode into battle aboard these tanks and many did not live to see their legacy of liberation and victory. As an avid student of history I find there is no small irony that the last time this particular tank made an ocean voyage there was a genuine fear of being torpedoed by German U-Boats hunting convoys heading for Britain. Today, this Sherman has returned home on a new and equally important mission, keeping our heritage alive."
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli told the audience of veterans, "Families will experience the sight and sound of a Sherman tank clanking towards them and begin to understand what a grandfather did for them during a time long ago in Europe or the Pacific. This dramatic presentation also reminds us that the War on Terror continues against an implacable foe, a ruthless enemy and a brutal opponent.
New York State Senator Charles Fuschillo said, "Those Americans who fought in these tanks were at a disadvantage because while these fighting vehicles were state-of-the-art on the eve of America's entry into World War II they were under-armored and under-gunned when they began to see combat. It was the valor of their crews that gave them the winning edge in battle after battle. It is that courage we salute today."
Among those speaking is Guenter Bier who, as a child, recalled his hometown being liberated by Shermans and realizing that when they arrived outside his Leipzig apartment the war was truly over. Also attending is Hy Horowitz, a Sherman gunner/driver who says the tank was not the best on the battlefield but gave Americans the speed and firepower to outfight the enemy.
U.S. Congressman Peter King agreed. "This extraordinary museum has gathered together some of the most amazing aircraft and armor of World War II but they have not lost sight of the fact that it remains about our military personnel who have fought to defend our freedoms. I congratulate Lawrence Kadish for making this commitment in acquiring the Sherman and allowing it to be displayed where tens of thousands will be able to see it."
Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone explained, "The role of historic airpower and now armor has helped make the new Route 110 Corridor a vibrant and important economic anchor for the town, the county, and the region as a whole. And in the process, you have ensured that our American veteran will never be forgotten."
In addition to Pratt Brothers, others who are joining forces include Local 138 of the Operating Engineers, Polimeni International and ABC 7 which is co sponsoring the tank's museum presentation during Memorial Day ceremonies scheduled for 2011. The Sherman M4 will be maintained by Stevens Service Station, Freeport, a recognized military specialist.
American Airpower Museum to honor CIA personnel killed in Afghanistan
Memorial Day ceremonies planned
At this year's Memorial Day observance, Monday, May 31st at 12:30 p.m., the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, will be sending its aircraft into the skies in tribute as it honors the memory of the seven CIA employees who were killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan. Participating in the memorial service will be U.S. Congressman Steve Israel and Michael J. Sulick, Director of the National Clandestine Service of the CIA.
Jeff Clyman, President of the American Airpower Museum, stated, " It is rare that we can publicly acknowledge the CIA’s loss of brave men and women in the line of duty. The knowledge that seven CIA personnel were killed at the hands of a terrorist compels us to pause and remember these patriots who fully understood the mortal danger they faced and yet deliberately went into harm’s way to protect our homeland and our lives."
Clyman says the museum's historic aircraft will escort a B-17 bomber that will serve as a platform to drop flowers in Atlantic waters not far from the site of the Twin Towers and the World Trade Center. "For those Americans who have forgotten why we are in combat this flight will be a dramatic reminder that thousands of our fellow citizens were killed here and in Washington, victims of a deliberate attack on the very fabric of our democracy. The CIA, and members of America's military, are now engaged in a fierce struggle to determine whether our nation, and every country that embraces democracy, will now live free from fear."
A longtime supporter of the museum, and its mission, Lawrence Kadish, explained, "Let us be clear. Our country is engaged in a deadly, no quarter given, war on terror and the stakes are enormous. On one side is the simple concept of democracy. On the other side is a political philosophy that burns to death little girls in a school classroom when not plotting to turn our cities into mass graves. Those slain CIA employees understood the risk but also understood that our nation is in peril. They knew that courage is required in the face of incredible evil. We must honor them, and all those Americans who have served during this war on terror as we observe Memorial Day 2010."
Also participating in this program is American Airpower Museum trustee, Major Scott Clyman, USAFR, an F-16 fighter pilot with the 79th EFS. Shortly after the attack on the CIA base his flight was directed to assist Forward Operating Base Chapman in Khost in the event the bomb blast was the precursor to an even larger attack on the base. He will present Mr. Sulick with an American flag he had aboard the fighter at the time of the combat air patrol over Chapman.
The American Airpower Museum will launch its CIA tribute flight on Memorial Day after two days of participating in the air show over Jones Beach that will feature the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels.
The public is invited to tour the American Airpower Museum flight line all Memorial Day Weekend as its squadron of World War II fighters, bombers and patrol planes is augmented by a B-17 Flying Fortress from the Yankee Air Museum, the P-51 Mustang from Warbirds over Long Island and Airpower’s "Armored Division" that includes armored cars, anti aircraft guns and other period equipment. A donation will be requested at the gate, $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and veterans and $5 for children.
The museum is located at 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, south of Conklin Avenue.Additional information is
located at www.americanairpowermuseum.com
A living history museum where the aircraft, equipment, apparel and
even the hangar itself have a significant military history.
"Hell bent for leather” doesn’t
carry much meaning to today’s
cattle-herded air travelers, but
there was a time when the phrase summed
up all the sights, sounds, smells and equipment
of military fliers piloting warbirds in
action against our enemies. Jeff and Jacky
Clyman, co-founders of Cockpit USA, a
civilian and military apparel manufacturer
(www.cockpitusa.com), literally let their
passions take wing and founded the
American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale,
N.Y., to celebrate military aviation
history. This living history museum may
be one of the few in the country where
each aircraft is routinely flown because according
to the Clymans, "these birds were
made to fight and fly, not be caged like
obsolete relics of the past."
Jeff Clyman and his wife Jacky are mad
about militaria, motivated by the sheer love
for the products they acquire and produce.
The Clymans got bit by the collecting bug
in an organic manner: they were exposed
to it literally piece by piece. In 1975 they
began a small mail-order business out of
their living room in Manhattan, N.Y., selling
premium military surplus jackets. Their
business got a jump start when Jeff purchased
a store-sized collection of vintage
World War II militaria, composed of a
treasure trove of aviation jackets, boots
and thousands of miscellaneous airplane
parts, from a collector in London. They
sold these items through small ads in enthusiast
publications.
Eventually the supply dried up but the
demand didn’t. That’s when the Clymans
became manufacturers. They virtually created
the category of wearable collectable
military jackets when they founded Avirex
in 1975. They began by replicating some
of the most desirable designs, ones that
they had sold as military surplus: the famous
A2 (Air Force) and G1 (Navy) flying
jackets. It was then that Jeff turned up the
gas on his collecting habit and acquired his
first military airplane.
"I bought a PT-17 Army bi-plane trainer
in the mid-1970s. I flew it at air shows
wearing my dad’s World War II A2 leather
jacket, which fueled my collecting bug. The
World War II garments wore well and were
serviceable even 30 years after they were
manufactured. I wore a vintage cotton flight
suit most of the time during the summer I
flew that plane. A few years later, I heard
the Spanish air force was selling their entire
fleet of AT-6 World War II trainers, which
they converted to light attack aircraft for use
chasing insurgents in Spanish Sahara (now
a part of Morocco). The planes had three
.30 caliber machine guns, carried 12 twoinch
rockets and could barely get off the
ground fully loaded with gas and ammo.
This was the first heavy World War II iron I
had flown and I had a ball. Once I had a
few birds under my belt, I knew that my collection
was going to take up considerably
more space than my jackets did on the
closet!" narrates Jeff Clyman.
Over the course of about 10 years, the
Clymans acquired a number of historically
significant combat aircraft, the first being a
Grumman TBM Avenger which saw action
at the taking of the Okinawa campaign in
1945. After that it was a B-25, the first one
actually accepted by the Air Corps in February
1941, which later became Gen. Hap
Arnold’s personal transport when he was
in the continental United States (see “The
Collection” section on page 44 for more
information and a photograph).
Next the Clymans got into fighters, beginning
with the quintessential warbird: a
P-51 Mustang. They then added an F4U
Corsair and a P-47 Thunderbolt. The
Clymans started a non-profit educational
foundation in 1993, driven by the concept
that the airplanes would eventually form
the nucleus of a military history museum.
But it was actually their kids that helped
jump start the process.
"I started to help my kids with some of
their high school history courses and
found a bunch of factually incorrect drivel
being parceled out as actual history in
their textbooks. I became infuriated and
decided that in addition to military and
aircraft history, I would create a living history
museum which would touch on all aspects
of our 20th century struggles. This
ambitious project would include World
War I, the Great Depression, World War II
as well as later, more contemporary periods
such as the Cold War, Vietnam and
even the first Gulf War," says Jeff Clyman;
however the collection needed a home to
make this happen.
"Jeff simply outgrew every nook and
cranny in our properties and warehouses.
We had planes, jackets, weapons, everything
you’d find surrounding military history.
It would take years to run through
and look at every item. The museum just
made sense," says Jacky Clyman. After
searching for a home for their collection,
the Clymans settled on Republic Field in
Farmingdale Long Island, N.Y. The collection
itself is housed in a 40,000 square
foot hangar on a working airfield rated for
fighter jets, perfectly suited for a museum
where the exhibits actually work.
“We were fortunate to be just in time
to occupy the last vintage 1941 aircraft
hangar, at least in New York, where the
Republic Aircraft Corp. produced some
of our nation’s most significant military
aircraft. Our hangar was used as the
final assembly point where guns and
radio equipment were installed in the
planes before the aircraft were rolled out
and accepted by the U.S. Air Force,"
says Jeff Clyman.
"The airport works well for many reasons;
it’s an area with heavy population
demographics, a mere 35 miles away
from New York City that can handle
virtually anything that flies. It was available
with the help of the N.Y. State Department
of Transportation and a lot of
like-minded folks that wanted history offered
in a setting that was real, historic
and could accommodate groups. Today
we receive 15,000 to 20,000 visitors
per year, have hosted actual congressional
hearings regarding veterans and
servicemen's issues, and have a dedicated
cadre of about 90 to 100 volunteers,"
adds Jeff Clyman.
"There is a feeling of a time warp when
one enters the hangar. Our collection con-
sists of World War II fighters, bombers and
trainers and has many historical artifacts,
dioramas and interactive exhibits such as real
aircraft cockpit sections and original bomber
turrets. And these exhibits aren’t roped off.
We want people to sit in them, touch the
controls and feel the cold hardness of the
steel. They can smell the oil and see the
technology that surrounded all the servicemen
and women who have kept this country
free. We also have developed a program of
“living history” flight experiences where ordinary
people can participate in a D-Day
1944 flight in our Douglas C-47 transport.
The plane is an actual D-Day veteran itself.
The experience consists of the participant
dressing in 1944 combat jump clothing and
hooking up in the aircraft before embarking
on a flight," says Jacky Clyman.
In 2009, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
returned to the museum to thrill
crowds over Jones Beach on Long Island
with their spectacular acrobatics in F-16
fighters. The museum’s vintage warbirds
flew in the show as well on Memorial Day
weekend. "Every weekend is an experience
at our museum and a visit from the city is
well worth the short drive. We’ve added the
civilian pilot training program, which replicates
a program that took place on college
campuses around the country between
1939 and 1945. In 1939, President Roosevelt
declared that we would create 50,000
pilots per year using bi-plane trainers, one
of which we have. Our UPF-7 Waco was
based at Rice University in Texas and students
earned their private pilot’s license and
three credits toward graduation and then
went on to become Army or Naval Aviators,"
says Jacky Clyman.
So what’s on the horizon for the museum?
The future includes a proposed expansion
plan and relocation at Republic
Airport that will incorporate parts of the
original 1941 hangar into a new green facility
with larger grounds and a conference
center. The move is made possible
through grants and donation funds. This
will allow the museum to expand on its
charter as a living history non-profit educational
foundation and accommodate
even more people, airplanes and exhibits.
"We are restoring a World War II PBY
Catalina flying boat patrol aircraft back to
stock flying condition. This will become
part of an interactive event through a
special membership that will allow members
to participate in live sub hunting expeditions
off the south shore and Great
South Bay of Long Island, N.Y.," says
Jeff Clyman.
With a considerable amount of money,
love and dogged determination, the
Clymans have made sure that history is
not forgotten. "We founded the museum
with the idea that one day we would be
able to house a collection of some of the
most interesting and significant vintage
military and civilian aircraft and reproduce
all the sights and sounds that surround the
experience, and I think we’ve achieved
that goal," says Jeff Clyman.
To contribute to the museum or become
a member or special living history
member (flying as a historical
participant), visit www.americanair
powermuseum.com. For additional information,
call Gary Lewi at (212)
843-8010.
Location and Hours: 1230 New Highway,
Farmingdale, NY 11735
Thursday - Sunday: 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST
(Squadron of vintage aircraft operate
weather permitting)
Curtiss -wright P-40M aka the Flying Tiger; Photo by Steve Lundin
Douglas C-47 Dakota; Photo provided by the American Airpower Museum
Fg-1D (F4U-1D) Corsair; Photo provided by the American Airpower Museum
L-39 Albatros; Photo provided by the American Airpower Museum
P-47D-30 Thunderbolt; Photo by Steve Lundin
Republic F-105 Thunderchief; Photo by Steve Lundin
The Collection
Consolidated Vultee PBY-6A This aircraft is the last of
the Dumbos. Dumbo was a nickname given to these
110-foot wingspan navy patrol bombers because
when their wingtip floats are dropped for a water
landing, they look like the Disney character Dumbo
the elephant. They were used for search and rescue by
the Air Force into the 1950s and extensively as waterbombers
in Canada, fighting forest fires until 2007.
This particular model is being restored to pristine
original condition.
Curtiss-Wright P-M aka the Flying Tiger This airplane
was immortalized by the American Volunteer
group, an all volunteer group of American military
aviators released from active duty by the U.S. government
to engage in one of the first covert operations of
world war II. It turned out to be far less than covert
after Time magazine published an article on the fliers
who went to China to fly P-40s in the Chinese air force
against the superior Japanese forces. The aircraft was
originally designed in the late 1930s and is known for
its speed and aerobatic ability. This airplane was
acquired from the Harrah gambling Casino Museum
in Reno, Nev.
Douglas C-7 Dakota This airplane was acquired from
the Israeli air force. It was ferried from Israel to Canada
in 2000 using a system of linked 50 gallon drums of
avgas to supply fuel for a nonstop flight from Ireland
to Canada. It was acquired for its authenticity and
pristine condition: nothing had been changed since it
dropped paratroopers over normandy in June 1944.
It is fitted with all its original equipment including a
parachute static line used for the museum’s living
history program.
FG- 1D (F4U-1D) Corsair The Corsair was built as a
fighter for the navy and Marines. It was dubbed the
"whistling death" by enemy pilots; its distinctive gull
shaped wing profile gives it an unmistakable look. It
operates as smoothly as a modern jet yet has the oil,
gas and paint of all world war II fighters. The museum’s
Corsair was built in January 1945 and was
never used during the war but it was raced at the
reno air races. The museum acquired it from a
restoration company.
General Dynamics F-111 Mission: long-range, allweather
strike aircraft. In service from 1967 to 1996.
First aircraft in service to use the versatile “swing
wing.” rushed into service in Vietnam, the two-man
crew F-111 was met with mixed success. However,
the aircraft was used effectively in attacking targets
in Libya and later Iraq.
Grumman TBM Avenger This torpedo bomber is a
combat veteran of the 1945 Okinawa campaign.
These were aircraft carrier mainstay attack bombers
capable of carrying up to 3,000 pounds of droppable
ordinance or one 3,000 pound aerial torpedo in its enclosed
bomb bay. This is the same airplane flown by
former President george Bush in the navy during
combat in world war II and one in which he was shot
down twice while executing bombing missions
against heavily defended Japanese island outposts
close to the home islands. The Clymans have probably
one of the most complete examples of this aircraft
in existence.
L39- Albatros This Soviet jet trainer, first flown
in 1968, has been in service since 1972 and is
currently being used by 16 countries.
North American Aviation B25- Mitchell A
bomber often called the Tokyo raider because
airplanes of this type were the first to bomb the
Japanese home islands. The fourth generation
model was launched from an aircraft carrier on
April 18, 1942 in retaliation for the attack on Pearl
Harbor; it was the fastest production B-25 designed.
The actual airplane in the museum was
chosen by gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold, Commander
of the U.S. Air Force in world war II, as his personal
transport for use in the continental United
States. Other owners included Howard Hughes,
who purchased the airplane when the Army sold
it for surplus after world war II.
North American T-6 Texan Mission: advanced
fighter trainer. In service from 1936 to 1958 by
U.S. forces (operational in other countries until
1996). no other trainer in history has been used
by so many countries spanning the period from
1938 through 1996.
P-47D-30 Thunderbolt This Thunderbolt was
originally used by the U.S. Air Force; it was then
acquired by the yugoslav air force before winding
up in a park at Belgrade, Serbia as a kid’s play
object. The museum acquired it from a restoration
facility in California. This airplane was made
to be flown fast, at over 300 mph, with some
pilots insisting that they hit 600 mph. Jeff
Clyman's uncle flew one in the 362nd Fighter
group, 377th Fighter Squadron moving with
Patton's Army across France and into germany
in 1944 and 1945.
Republic F-105 Thunderchief This aircraft was
one of the most advanced single-engine, lowaltitude
strike fighters in the late 1950s with a
thermonuclear bomb in an internal bomb bay
and advanced electronics and radar. Later in the
mid-1960s, it became the work horse fighter
bomber of the Vietnam war. The museum’s
Thunderchief saw four years in that conflict.
Republic F-84G The F-84G is on loan from the U.S.
Air Force Museum. This is a very interesting and
rare historical Cold war era aircraft. This is a Korean
war veteran and one of the first Air Force jet
fighters to enter service along with the Lockheed
P-80. The F-84 was built to carry the first tactical
freefall atom bombs and is a tank. The museum
also has a general Dynamics F-111A on loan from
the Air Force. This particular aircraft was assigned
to what was known as the Strategic Air Command
(SAC) during the Cold war and carried a
variety of armaments in its internal weapons
storage space including atomic weapons. It was
essentially mothballed at the end of the Cold
war; however some saw action at the end of the
Vietnam conflict.
Republic RF-84 Thunderflash Mission: photo
reconnaissance. In service from 1953 through
1971. The RF-84F Thunderflash was the final F-84
version to be built at republic Aviation. It was the
first of the modern jets to be designed specifically
for photo reconnaissance and the first
fighter-type airplane to carry cameras that could
take horizon-to-horizon pictures.
News Advisory
Rep. Israel Brings Max Cleland, Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission, Former Senator and Distinguished Veteran, to the American Airpower Museum for a Discussion with LI Veterans.
Secretary Cleland will discuss his role as Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission and speak on related veterans issues
Farmingdale, NY – On Tuesday, Rep. Steve Israel (D – Huntington) brings the Honorable Max Cleland, Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission, to the American Airpower Museum for a discussion with Long Island veterans. Secretary Cleland, a former Georgia Senator and Combat Wounded Vietnam Veteran and Silver Star Recipient, will talk about the future of the American Battle Monuments Commission and veterans issues.
WHO: The Honorable Max Cleland, Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission; Rep. Steve Israel (D – Huntington); Long Island Veterans
WHAT: Rep. Steve Israel (D – Huntington) brings the Honorable Max Cleland, Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission, to the American Airpower Museum for a discussion with Long Island veterans
WHEN: 10:30AM – 12:00PM, Tuesday, May 18, 2010
WHERE: American Airpower Museum, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY 11735
Long Island's aviation buffs perch at Republic's Airpower to catch the Memorial Day Weekend Airshow
While more than a quarter million people will descend on Jones Beach this Memorial Day weekend to watch the Bethpage Federal Credit Union Air Show and the Navy’s Blue Angels precision demonstration team, many die hard aviation buffs will station themselves at the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, to get up close and personal with the current and historic aircraft scheduled to fly.
Long Islanders will be offered the chance to inspect this historic line up that include vintage World War II bombers and patrol aircraft, Vietnam era helicopters, aerobatic biplanes, A-10 attack planes built on Long Island, a Navy Northrop Grumman Prowler, F-18 Hornets, among others, as the museum supports the air show blasting off for Jones Beach. The American Airpower Museum will host these aircraft between Friday, May 22nd through Monday, May 25th between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. A gate donation will be requested of $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and veterans and $5 for children.
This year the American Airpower Museum is unveiling their "armored division," a quietly acquired series of World War II military vehicles that include two massive armored cars, a British scout car, a 40 mm anti aircraft gun and vintage airfield fire trucks. Recently one of their M8 Greyhounds was dedicated by Holocaust survivors who remember the vehicles being used to knock down the gates of their concentration camp.
President and founder of the American Airpower Museum, Jeff Clyman, stated, "This institution has been entrusted with the legacy of American servicemen and women, regardless of where they served, in what branch or in what capacity. There is no better place in which to place a squadron of operational World War II aircraft than at Republic Airport and it really becomes apparent on Memorial Day weekend when our squadron is joined by visiting aircraft for the purpose of saluting the courage of our armed forces. We are proud to be part of this tradition."
Flight experiences available
Flight experiences will be available all Memorial Day weekend on a legendary Flying Fortress B-17 World War II bomber owned by the Yankee Air Museum as well as a classic Waco biplane, T-6 Texan and C-47 Airborne paratrooper plane. Flight experience fees are posted at the museum. All aircraft will be available for unprecedented photography as they depart overhead for their Jones Beach appearance.
World War II maritime patrol bomber open for inspection at the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport
A World War II maritime patrol bomber that once hunted Nazi U-boats outside New York Harbor is opening its hatch for Memorial Day weekend to allow visitors to the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, an opportunity to get a first hand view of what will become an operational flying tribute to all US Navy personnel.
Dubbed, the "PBY Catalina" some 70 years ago, the "Cat" is in the throes of a massive restoration effort and the wings are currently being rebuilt in a workshop that specializes in this kind of exacting repair.
Airpower Museum President Jeff Clyman stated, " This aircraft, the PBY, was enormously active along the Long Island coast line, searching for Nazi U-boats trying to torpedo our freighters and tankers. It served as the "eyes" of the fleet when radar was in its infancy, and it was instrumental in securing victory over Japanese aircraft carriers in the Pacific and German battleships in the North Atlantic.
"By opening up the interior of the PBY while it is undergoing restoration we can provide visitors with a glimpse of what it must have been like to be cruising for hours above the cold forbidding waters of the Atlantic only to spot a U-Boat on the surface and then determine the life or death of either crew in seconds,” continued Clyman. “That is part of the American Airpower experience"
The American Airpower Museum will host many of the aircraft in the Bethpage Federal Credit Union Air Show between Friday, May 28th through Monday, May 31st between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. A gate donation will be requested of $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and veterans and $5 for children.
Flight experiences will be available on a legendary Flying Fortress B-17 World War II bomber throughout the weekend as well as a classic Waco biplane, T-6 Texan and C-47 Airborne paratrooper plane. Flight experience fees are posted at the museum.
WASP aviator of WW II welcomes visitors this Memorial Day Weekend at the American Airpower Museum.
A public tribute to those who used airpower to shatter the glass ceiling
Bernice 'Bee' Haydu, a member of the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots, WW II) will be a guest at the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, this Memorial Day weekend, May 29th and 30th, where she will welcome visitors and sign copies of her book, “Letters Home” written while she was flying aircraft for the war effort some 65 years ago.
Some 1,100 women served the country as WASP and 38 died in the performance of their duties, but their service and sacrifice went unrecognized by the military (and/or government) after the war’s end. It is only now that these women, in their 80’s have finally been recognized by Congress with an appropriate medal.
Julia Lauria Blum, WASP Exhibit curator at the American Airpower Museum, and a leader in bringing the story of the WASP to the public says Haydu was accepted into the WASP in February of 1944 and upon graduation was assigned to Pecos Army Air Field in Pecos, Texas where she flew the AT-17 and UC-78 and WASP were designated as engineering test and utility pilots.
In 1975, Bee was elected WASP (alumni) president and led the charge for legislative veteran's status. In July 2009, Bee was one of three WASP present at the White House when President Obama signed legislation to award the Women Airforce Service Pilots, WWII the Congressional Gold Medal. A medal will be on display at the American Airpower Museum on Memorial Day weekend.
She will be at the museum as the Bethpage Federal Credit Union Air Show takes off from Republic Airport where Long Islanders are offered the chance to inspect an historic line up of aircraft that include vintage World War II bombers and patrol aircraft, Vietnam era helicopters, aerobatic biplanes, A-10 attack planes built on Long Island, a Navy Northrop Grumman Prowler, F-18 Hornets, among others, as the museum supports the air show blasting off for Jones Beach.
The American Airpower Museum will host these aircraft between Friday, May 22nd through Monday, May 25th between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. A gate donation will be requested of $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and veterans and $5 for children.
Faith Weiner of Stop & Shop receives a flag flown in combat on behalf of
thousands of company associates.
Stop & Shop Supermarkets, Blumenfeld Development Group and Lawrence Kadish were given places of honor in New York this Memorial Day weekend in recognition of their sustained efforts to honor the veterans within our own families. Thanks to their underwriting community affairs grant to the American Airpower Museum on Long Island, some 400,000 people were told of their charitable commitment during the two day Memorial Day weekend air show at Jones Beach. Featuring the Thunderbirds aerobatic team, and an aerial parade of vintage aircraft, ceremonies at the museum included Thunderbird pilots, leading state and town officials, civic leaders and leading business executives who participated in the awards ceremony that included the presentation of American flags flown in combat aircraft over Afghanistan.
Brad Blumenfeld of Blumenfeld Development meets one of the thunderbird pilots
during the evening's ceremonies.
Stop & Shop Supermarkets, Blumenfeld Development Group and Lawrence Kadish were given places of honor in New York this Memorial Day weekend in recognition of their sustained efforts to honor the veterans within our own families. Thanks to their underwriting community affairs grant to the American Airpower Museum on Long Island, some 400,000 people were told of their charitable commitment during the two day Memorial Day weekend air show at Jones Beach. Featuring the Thunderbirds aerobatic team, and an aerial parade of vintage aircraft, ceremonies at the museum included Thunderbird pilots, leading state and town officials, civic leaders and leading business executives who participated in the awards ceremony that included the presentation of American flags flown in combat aircraft over Afghanistan.
Lawrence Kadish accepts his award by acknowledging the courage of our active
duty personnel in the War Against Terror.
Stop & Shop Supermarkets, Blumenfeld Development Group and Lawrence Kadish were given places of honor in New York this Memorial Day weekend in recognition of their sustained efforts to honor the veterans within our own families. Thanks to their underwriting community affairs grant to the American Airpower Museum on Long Island, some 400,000 people were told of their charitable commitment during the two day Memorial Day weekend air show at Jones Beach. Featuring the Thunderbirds aerobatic team, and an aerial parade of vintage aircraft, ceremonies at the museum included Thunderbird pilots, leading state and town officials, civic leaders and leading business executives who participated in the awards ceremony that included the presentation of American flags flown in combat aircraft over Afghanistan.
