Aviation Museum Acquires A-7 Corsair II Cockpit Trainer

PRESS RELEASE

Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum is thrilled to announce the recent acquisition of an A-7 Corsair II Cockpit Trainer from The National Museum of the United States Navy in Washington DC. This significant addition to its collection enhances the museum’s commitment to preserving the rich history of naval aviation and providing an immersive educational experience for our visitors.

The A-7 Corsair II, an iconic carrier-based subsonic light attack aircraft, played a pivotal role in the United States Navy’s aviation history. Its development and service spanned several decades, and it became a versatile and reliable platform for ground-attack missions. This cockpit trainer allows NASW to offer visitors a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of naval aviators and experience the cockpit environment of this historic aircraft.

This aircraft was developed by Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV) in the 1960s. It was intended as a replacement for the A-4 Skyhawk (also in the museum’s collection), providing a more modern and capable aircraft for the U.S. Navy. The A-7 Corsair II saw extensive combat service during the Vietnam War, where it performed various roles, including close air support and bombing missions. It also participated in conflicts such as the Gulf War, where it demonstrated its versatility and effectiveness in ground-attack roles.

The A-7 Corsair II left a significant legacy as a reliable and effective platform for ground-attack missions. It played a crucial role in multiple conflicts and was appreciated for its ability to carry a substantial payload, its durability, and its suitability for carrier operations.

“We are honored to receive this trainer from The National Museum of the United States Navy,” said Chet Rietheimer, Curator at NASW. “This addition not only expands our collection but also provides an educational exhibit that will captivate visitors of all ages. It’s a tangible connection to the brave men and women who served in naval aviation.”

The A-7 Corsair II Cockpit Trainer will be a focal point in the museum’s display, allowing visitors to get a firsthand look at the advanced avionics, controls, and instruments that were integral to the A-7 Corsair II operational success. This new addition will be on display when the museum reopens after the replacement of Historic Hangar #1 Southside roof. NASW expresses gratitude to The National Museum of the United States Navy.

The Aviation Museum was formerly Naval Air Station Wildwood, which served as a World War II dive-bomber training center. The museum is currently closed for replacement of its southside roof, however the museum’s office and online store are open.  For more information about NASW, visit www.usnasw.org, the museum’s social media pages, or call (609) 886-8787.

Angela Decker

Angela Decker, from McPherson, Kansas, discovered her passion for aviation after earning a Master’s in Military History from Norwich University in 2011. Since 2012, she has volunteered with vintage aviation groups, excelling as a social media content creator and coordinator. Angela has coordinated aviation and WWII events, appeared as Rosie the Riveter, and is restoring a Stearman aircraft. She is the Operations Logistics Coordinator at CAF Airbase Georgia and an accountant with a degree in Economics from the University of Georgia. Her son, Caden, shares her love for aviation and history and is studying Digital Media Arts.

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