Keegan Chetwynd, director and CEO of the Military Aviation Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of flying vintage military aircraft, has been recognized as a rising star in the world of warbirds. The Warbirds 20 Under 40 Rising Stars Program honors individuals under age 40 who have made significant contributions to the warbird field. Chetwynd received the award on July 21 during the annual AirVenture, one of the world’s largest airshows, held by the Experimental Aircraft Association. More than 680,000 people attended this year’s show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Current and former colleagues nominated Chetwynd, 35, for his dedication to and passion for preserving the history of World War II aviation. Chetwynd has more than 15 years of experience in museums and cultural sites in the United States and Canada. Under Chetwynd’s leadership, the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has become one of the most highly rated attractions in the region, drawing over 85,000 visitors annually. The museum boasts a unique collection of more than 50 aircraft from both World Wars, plus a 4,800-foot grass runway, several original WWII structures relocated from Europe and a maintenance facility. The site hosts regular flying demonstrations, aircraft rides and multiple airshows each year. The museum’s annual Warbirds Over the Beach, one of the nation’s largest all-warbird air shows, will return Oct. 5-6 and is expected to include a major announcement. Details will be released later.
“Receiving the 20 Under 40 award is an incredible honor that I share with the dedicated team at the Military Aviation Museum,” said Chetwynd, who oversees 30 staff and more than 250 volunteers. “This highlights our collective efforts to preserve aviation history and underscores the importance of engaging the community with these stories. Our work ensures that future generations can learn from and be inspired by the past.”
Chetwynd was born in Singapore and raised there and in Dubai. He now calls Norfolk, Virginia, home. Chetwynd initially joined the Commemorative Air Force, a nonprofit that preserves and snows historical aircraft, as a volunteer. During his time with the American Airpower Heritage Museum in Midland, Texas, a division of the CAF, Chetwynd conducted oral history interviews with members of the WWII and Vietnam War generations and managed annual induction ceremonies for the American Combat Airman Hall of Fame. He quickly became part of the CAF’s headquarters staff in Dallas, Texas, and played a key role in the restoration of “That’s All, Brother,” the C-47 aircraft that led the D-Day invasion. His collaborative approach and belief in the value of historical preservation inspired his team and contributed to the project’s success. As director of the Military Aviation Museum, Chetwynd has continued to work to save rare and important aircraft, adding planes to the collection so they can be restored to flying condition. Chetwynd’s recent initiatives include inviting aircraft from the D-Day Squadron to the museum and coordinating flights for WWII veterans and active-duty members of our local NATO command. As CEO, Chetwynd is shepherding the museum’s transition from a private collection to an independently managed nonprofit. “Keegan Chetwynd possesses the vision and skill to ensure this is the finest educational and historical experience imaginable,” museum founder Jerry Yagen said.
About the Military Aviation Museum
The Military Aviation Museum, located on a private airfield in Virginia Beach, Virginia, opened in 2008 and today has one of the world’s largest collections of historic military aircraft, as well as the largest flying collection on display in a single location. The museum is dedicated to preserving, restoring and flying historic military aircraft. Its extensive collection includes examples from both World Wars, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience aviation history up close. For more information about the museum and Warbirds Over the Beach, visit militaryaviationmuseum.
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.
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