A new aviation museum is on the rise in Jacksonville, Florida. Named the US Military Air Power Museum, the organization plans to own and fly aircraft representing the aviation history for each of the five branches of the US Military; namely the United States Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Coast Guard. In dramatic style, they announced the arrival of their first donated aircraft on Veterans’ Day when they flew in a former US Army Grumman OV-1B Mohawk (serial 59-2631) to their home at Craig Airfield. Airworthy Mohawk’s are rare these days, but this example is unique, being the only B-model of 90 built known to be flying anywhere today. The aircraft started life with the US Army in October, 1962, serving in the former West Germany with the 503rd Aviation Battalion. 59-2631 joined the Georgia Army National Guard in 1978 as part of the 158th Military Intelligence Company at Winder Field, flying there until 1985. After a brief spell under the aegis of the United States Army Aviation Museum in Fort Rucker, Alabama, the Mohawk went into private ownership. More recently she was with the Georgia Army National Guard Aviation Museum in Winder, Georgia. Now under new ownership with the US Military Air Power Museum, we hope the Mohawk has a long and successful future ahead of it on the air show circuit. The USMAPM’s press release continues as follows…
“We are very excited to receive this generous donation of the only OV-1B Mohawk in the world to still be flying and functional,” said Bill Mosely Executive Director, USMAP. “Everyone wants to know how they can help Veterans, well we need the help of the community and local businesses to reach our fundraising goal so we can solidify the space for the museum for them.”
The future US Military Air Power Museum, set to open late 2016, needs $50,000 to start development in the area previously occupied by the Army National Guard off St. Johns Bluff. The mission of the USMAP Museum, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is to honor the history of US Military Aviation through the collection, preservation and education of historical aircraft and artifacts. Representing all US Military Branches, USMAP hopes to unite the community through its many educational programs, hands-on exploration of the displayed aircraft and by providing an exciting and expansive venue for a variety of corporate and community events. Its phased growth plan includes a restaurant, playground, IMAX Theatre and more.
The First Coast has played an important role in the military aviation history of the South East and the Museum will provide a positive economic impact to the Jacksonville area and a boost for community morale. USMAP also aims to provide a place for Veterans of all branches of the armed services to showcase their memories for future generations. USMAP will begin by introducing and hosting “Power Hours” in area restaurants, where local Veteran heroes will share their ‘war stories.’ USMAP’s “Power Hours” will be recorded, archived and shown in the USMAP. Future generations will be afforded the opportunity to experience this living legacy, some of which may have been told by members of their own family.
The OV-1B Mohawk will be among numerous aircraft; artifacts and memorabilia donated to the USMAP as part of its permanent living history exhibits. “We have many wonderful people offering to donate their treasured possessions, now all we need is the final funding to secure the location to preserve and share them with future generations,” said Mosely. Organizers and representatives of the USMAP will be present for the landing and available for interview.
About The US Military Air Power Museum (USMAP)
The mission of USMAP Museum, nonprofit 501(c)(3), is to honor the history of the US Military Aviation through the collection, preservation and education of historical aircraft and artifacts. USMAP is currently raising $50,000 to seed the development of the Museum. For more information about future events and volunteer opportunities please visit www.usmapmuseum.org. To contact USMAP representatives, email: [email protected]. Meeting Location: Please meet us at Sky Harbor Aviation at Craig Airfield and we will caravan to the OV-1B Mohawk Landing site and preview the future USMAP Hangar.
Sky Harbor Aviation
855-5 St. Johns Bluff Road
Jacksonville, FL 32225
For more information visit www.usmapmuseum.org/
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Fantastic news! To me the Army colours pictured make the perfect Mohawk scheme, and it looks like the Museum has an excellent example. Congratulations to all involved and I look forward to future updates.
Had the privilege and honor to fly as a T.O. with the 244th Aviation Co. in can Tho, RVN from Aug., 1967 to July, 1968. Wonderful aircraft and good memories with the O V 1 Mohawk Association members at the annual reunions. To see the ‘guys’ again is absolutely priceless.