Tours to Resume for Presidential and R&D Gallery and Restoration Area

PRESS RELEASE – The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will resume tours for the Presidential and Research & Development (R&D) Gallery as well as the restoration area starting next week.The Presidential and R&D Galleries, which are located on a controlled–access portion of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, are accessible using the shuttle bus service from the main museum complex. Eight shuttle buses will be available daily from June 22 through Sept. 30. The buses will be available at: 9:20 a.m.; 9:50 a.m.; 10:35 a.m.; 11:15 a.m.; 1:15 p.m.; 2 p.m.; 2:35 p.m.; and 3:15 p.m.The shuttle service is offered on a first–come, first–served basis, and visitors are encouraged to sign up early in the day as buses fill up quickly. A current government-issued photo ID is required for U.S. citizens over age 18, and all foreign visitors must present an original passport. Anyone under age 18 must be escorted by an adult. Shuttle buses are not handicapped accessible, and individuals requiring special assistance should contact the museum’s Operations Division in advance at (937) 255-3286 to arrange transportation.Military and Department of Defense civilians with government ID may use their private vehicle to visit the Presidential and R&D Galleries from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

 More information on visiting the Presidential and R&D Galleries is available at www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/questions/topic.asp?id=180.In addition, the “Behind the Scenes” tours of the museum’s restoration area will re–open on Fridays from June 26 through Sept. 4. (Note: There will be not be a “Behind the Scenes” tour on July 3 due to the federal holiday.)  Advance online registration for these tours will begin on Monday, June 22 at 9 a.m. To register visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/visit/tours.asp, select a date and follow the instructions on the registration form. You may also register by phone by calling (937) 656-9436.

Visitors who have previously registered for a “Behind the Scenes” tour that was cancelled are encouraged to re–register for a future tour. Those who have already registered for an upcoming summer tour will be contacted by the museum and given an opportunity to remain on their original tour. As part of Wright–Patterson AFB, the museum follows security measures in accordance with base policy. Museum operations may be affected if those measures change or determinations are made to limit public activities.  Please check the museum’s website at www.nationalmuseum.af.mil for the latest information on museum activities.    The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world’s largest military aviation museum. With free admission and parking, the museum features more than 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 17 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year about one million visitors from around the world come to the museum. For more information, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.