Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon “Island Doll” Joins the Collection at the Military Aviation Museum

PRESS RELEASE

The Military Aviation Museum, located in Virginia Beach, has announced the addition of a rare Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon, known as “Island Doll,” to its growing collection of historic aircraft. The PV-2 Harpoon was a long-range U.S. Navy patrol bomber used during World War II, particularly in the Northern Pacific theater. Operating from bases in the Aleutian Islands, Harpoon and Ventura crews carried out what became known as “The Empire Express” missions—dangerous long-range sorties conducted in freezing temperatures and treacherous weather. These operations were instrumental in keeping Japanese forces occupied far from the main Pacific battlefronts.

Island Doll itself was preparing for deployment to the Aleutians from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island when the war came to an end, leaving it without an assigned combat mission. Since the mid-1980s, the aircraft had been under the care of the American Military Heritage Foundation (AMHF) in Indiana. The organization successfully had the aircraft listed on the National Register of Historic Places and showcased it at airshows throughout the Midwest. However, the foundation suffered significant setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, losing volunteers and revenue from tours and public appearances.

Earlier this year, the AMHF board made the decision to find a new home for the Harpoon to ensure its preservation and continued flight. After evaluating several proposals, the foundation selected the Military Aviation Museum as the aircraft’s new steward. Factors influencing the decision included the museum’s ability to keep the aircraft flying, its available space, and the resources to manage the aircraft and associated parts.

“We are honored to have been selected as the future home for the PV-2 Harpoon,” said Keegan Chetwynd, Director of the Military Aviation Museum. Speaking from Indiana, where he and a team of museum volunteers and Fighter Factory mechanics are preparing the aircraft for its relocation, Chetwynd noted that the Harpoon will soon be readied for flight and its eventual journey to Virginia Beach. Support for the project has come from Vintage Flying Machines of Huntington, Indiana, as well as the Jet Access team at Indianapolis Regional Airport, which provided hangar space during the restoration process. The museum has launched a fundraising campaign to help offset the costs of transporting the Harpoon to Virginia, with an anonymous Virginia Beach donor pledging to match contributions. Donations can be made at this link or by texting “harpoon” to 44321.

Once the aircraft arrives in Virginia, it will be housed temporarily at the museum’s Suffolk facility before going on display in Virginia Beach. Updates on its progress will be shared via the museum’s restoration blog. For more information, visit militaryaviationmuseum.org or contact the museum at (757) 721-7767. The Military Aviation Museum is located at 1341 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23457.