Air Mobility Command Museum: A Tribute to Airpower

Located on Dover Air Force Base, the Air Mobility Command Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of air transport and air refueling. Established in 1986, the museum is housed in Hangar 1301, a building with its own storied past, having been used for secret rocket development during World War II. The hangar is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum features over 30 aircraft, both inside the hangar and on the outside ramp, ranging from WWII propeller planes to modern jet transports. Many of these aircraft are the first, last, or only examples of their kind. Exhibits within the museum detail the history of air mobility, including stories of humanitarian airlift, air refueling, and aeromedical evacuation. Visitors can explore exhibits about airlift operations during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well as the Berlin airlift. Highlights of the museum include a retired Dover AFB control tower, offering a glimpse into air traffic operations from 1956 to 2009, and flight simulators that allow visitors to experience the thrill of flying. Select aircraft are open for visitors to climb aboard, providing a first-hand look at these historic machines. Guided tours are available, offering in-depth knowledge of the aircraft and exhibits. The museum also features a Commemoration Park and a Medal of Honor Hallway. The Air Mobility Command Museum is committed to accessibility, with the main floor of the hangar, museum store, and restrooms being accessible to visitors with disabilities. The C-141B Starlifter aircraft has a ramp for wheelchair access.