Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum facts for kids
Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum and Walk of Honor
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| Established | 1978 |
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| Location | 2017 N. Greenfield Rd. Mesa, Arizona |
| Type | Aviation museum |
The Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum, also known as Airbase Arizona Aircraft Museum, is a super cool place in Mesa, Arizona. It opened in 1978 at Falcon Field. This museum is a big part of the Commemorative Air Force. It shows off amazing World War II artifacts, helicopters, and classic American and foreign combat planes. It's one of the largest groups in the Commemorative Air Force!
History of the Airbase Arizona Museum
The story of the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum began on September 6, 1961. That's when the main Commemorative Air Force group was started. This group is a non-profit organization. Its main goal is to find, fix, and keep World War II airplanes. The idea started in 1957 when a few former pilots bought a P-51 Mustang plane.
People in Arizona loved the idea of saving old planes. They wanted to start their own branch of the Commemorative Air Force. After looking around, they picked Falcon Field as the perfect spot. Falcon Field was created before World War II. Famous people like Henry Fonda and Fred Astaire helped fund it. In 1977, work began at Falcon Field. The museum officially opened in 1978. The Arizona Wing became the tenth group of the Commemorative Air Force.
Right outside the museum, you can see cool things. There's a huge propeller that used to be on a B-29 Super Fortress bomber. You can also spot a 3-inch Mark 33 deck gun. This gun was once on the USS Guam to protect it from enemy planes.
There's also a special "Walk of Honor" outside. This walk celebrates people from Arizona who helped with military aviation. Their names are put on special bronze plaques at the museum.
Most of the planes and exhibits are inside a big hangar. Some planes are even kept outside on the airfield because they can still fly! The hangar also has a gift shop where you can find souvenirs. Many planes are from World War II, but some are from 1917. You can also see jet fighters from after World War II. Military helicopters are on display too. Next to the main museum hangar is the Mechanics Hangar. This is where skilled people repair and restore the old aircraft. The museum is home to one of the biggest Commemorative Air Force groups in the world. You can also see items like pilot jackets from World War II.
Amazing Aircraft Exhibits
The museum has many incredible aircraft on display. Here are some of the highlights:
- Douglas C-47 Skytrain: This plane, called "Old Number 30," flew secret missions in World War II. It carried spies, supplies, and rescued injured people. Its amazing story was hidden for 70 years! The plane is named after a mule that helped carry guns during the war.
- Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor: A twin-engine transport plane used for various tasks.
- Douglas A-26C Invader named Miss Murphy: This powerful attack bomber was used in many conflicts.
- Douglas SBD Dauntless: A famous dive bomber from World War II.
- Lee-Wray Nieuport 17: A replica of a French biplane fighter from World War I.
- McDonnell Douglas F-4N Phantom II: A fast and powerful jet fighter.
- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21: A well-known Soviet-era jet fighter.
- Nieuport 28 C.1: Another replica of a French biplane fighter. American hero Eddie Rickenbacker flew this type of plane in World War I.
- Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon: A patrol bomber used for hunting submarines.
- North American B-25 Mitchell named Maid in the Shade: A famous medium bomber from World War II.
- Grumman TBF Avenger: A large torpedo bomber used by the US Navy.
- North American P-51 Mustang: This iconic fighter plane was once called Dazzling Donna. It was later renamed Stang for a movie.
- Bell UH-1B Iroquois: A famous utility helicopter, often called a "Huey."
- Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaw: An early transport helicopter.
- Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5: A British biplane fighter from World War I.
- McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II: This unique jet can take off and land vertically! It arrived at the museum in June 2025.
See also
- Williams Air Force Base
- Air Training Command
- Arizona World War II Army Airfields
- List of aerospace museums
- List of museums in Arizona
