Air Force Armament Museum, Fort Walton Beach, FL

Where Your American Pride Will Fly High

by Zandra Wolfgram | April 11, 2010

Eglin Air Force Base celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. In fact, this weekend the Air Show is welcoming 75,000 locals and visitors each day to tour aircraft and watch exciting aerial feats at the base. You can still come out today and join me and my family to catch the show, which is free and open to the public.

Another fascinating attraction is The Air Force Armament Museum in Fort Walton Beach. It is the only museum in the world dedicated to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of artifacts and memorabilia associated with Air Force armament and its platforms of delivery.

As a “Navy brat” and spouse of a former Air Force officer, I’ve experienced my fair share of obligatory tours of ships and planes. So I wasn’t expecting much when my family set out for the museum. I have to say, I was completely captivated. First of all, upon arrival we were greeted by a number of impressive airplanes and helicopters that flew in the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf wars. I was mesmerized by one in particular—the fastest plane ever built—the SR 71 Blackbird, placed center stage. How awesome to walk right up to it and glide my hand along the sleek, black metal. I imagined myself rocketing through the air in a black blur. I couldn’t wait to go inside and see more.

Inside are four huge aircraft and a variety of bombs, missiles and rockets. While my kids checked out the interactive displays and climbed into cockpits. I walked through history learning through interactive displays and video clips how our air combat evolved from the early years to World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and even into the Gulf War. I was particularly fascinated by a life sizes tableau of a POW cell from World War II. I was touched by a photo tribute to our local armed men and women who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

If you are a history buff, airplane junkie or simply looking to boost your sense of American pride, you should visit the Air Force Armament Museum.

The Air Force Armament Museum is located on Highway 85 South, seven miles north of Fort Walton Beach. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for Federal holidays.