Are you curious about how our country got to where it is today? Do you have a proud veteran in your family? Do you want to learn more about the weaponry and aircraft that powered the United States in the 20th and 21st centuries?
Just 20 minutes from The Breakers at Fort Walton Beach, you are welcome at the Air Force Armament Museum, free of charge! At this destination, you’ll encounter the full history of aviation warfare armament. You’ll blast to the past of World War I then head all the way back to the high-tech weaponry of today. Learn about the Air Force Armament Museum below:
See Planes Flown by Heroes
As you approach the museum from outside, you’ll immediately see a collection of aircraft from the World War II, Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf War eras. This outdoor exhibit includes vintage aircraft like the SR-71 Blackbird—the fastest plane of its time. Once you enter you’ll be inside the only museum in the world dedicated to the collection and preservation of the Air Force Armament, with over 100 years of artifacts and memorabilia on display. Founded in 1976, the museum has had over two million visitors, and has hosted many significant military-related ceremonies. You’re encouraged to take as many photos as you’d like!
The Technology that Protects Our Country
Aviation became important to the military just a handful of years after its invention by the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk, during World War I. As warfare has changed over time, so has the technology that’s been developed. The Air Force Armament Museum showcases over 29 different aircraft as well as several hundred pieces of armament. Visitors will get a close look at AMRAAM and the GBU-28 bunker buster that were built for Operation Desert Storm. You will be amazed by the history and technology in the museum’s collection which includes a wide range of guns, bombs, bomblets and missiles. The Air Force Armament Museum is a fan favorite!
Plans for Museum Expansion Underway
The Air Force Armament Museum is a must-see destination for anyone with a heart for history, technology, or military and aviation endeavors. Over time, this museum has only grown in popularity and today, plans are well underway to expand certain sections of the museum to make for a more insightful and detailed visit for those who drop by for years to come! The Quonset huts exhibits are being constructed as spaces that will focus on the history of African Americans at Eglin Ari Force Base. The huts will also work as museum highlights for exhibits focusing on munitions development at the Air Force Research Lab as well as Explosive Ordnance Disposal also known as EOD. While these four Quonset huts will significantly add to the exhibit space the museum hosts, plans for expansion don’t end there. The museum is working on building a wooden replica of the original Eglin Air Force Base headquarters that were used during World War II. Eventually, this replica space will also host the museum gift shop and information center when guests are looking for memorabilia or information on museum specifics.
Be Sure to Visit the Gift Shop Before You Go
While the many exhibits and displays on-site at the Air Force Armament Museum are sure to delight, there’s something to be said for picking up one-of-a-kind souvenirs to commemorate your journey by before you go. That’s where a visit to the museum gift shop comes in. This fun and inviting space is filled with options for guests who can’t wait to pay homage to their journey through unique gifts. The gift shop here hosts a vast and varied inventory complete with everything from bomber jackets and customized caps to replica model build sets of historic planes. Where an AC-130 night light could make a wonderful addition to a child’s room at home, the F-15 wooden puzzle is a wonderful option when you’re looking for a souvenir that brings the entire family together in the name of fun. Wooden Humvee model sets are a wonderful choice when you’re looking to get crafty upon your return home. Those looking for a new take on traditional aviation apparel can mix and match patches available for purchase or even find bomber jackets available in colors like shiny pink! There’s a little something for everyone here looking to top of their visit in style. Pick up a single souvenir or fill a bag and make the most of the museum adventure you’ve found yourself a part of.
Air Force Armament Museum For Walton Beach FL
This museum offers a chance to do more than just look! At this incredible educational and social landmark, you’ll experience interactive displays that include multiple cockpit simulators as well as a 32-minute film on the history of Eglin Air Force Base.
Your visit to the museum is just a quick drive away, Monday through Saturday from 9:30am to 4:30 p.m. (except on federal holidays), and admission is free. See you there!
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