The Tillamook Air Museum, Oregon, has provided an update on recovery efforts following storm damage that forced the closure of Hangar B last December. Museum officials say the historic World War II-era blimp hangar remains closed to the public while assessments and stabilization work continue. Safety measures have recently been expanded, including the installation of exterior fencing around the museum grounds and the damaged sections of Hangar B to restrict access during the ongoing evaluation of the structure. As part of the recovery process, a lidar drone scan of Hangar B has been completed with support from the Friends of the Tillamook Air Museum. The scan produced a detailed three-dimensional model of the building, which engineers and preservation specialists will use to examine structural conditions, measure storm-related damage, and help plan future repair work on the historic facility.
Officials also confirmed that a $4 million Community-Initiated Project request has been submitted through the offices of Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden. If approved, the funding would support cleanup, repairs, and site preparation inside Hangar B, including safety equipment and access systems such as scaffolding and lifts. The Port of Tillamook Bay has also been working with Oregon Emergency Management to document storm-related costs. Those figures are part of a broader county report submitted to the governor as officials consider whether a state disaster declaration is warranted.
During the recovery period, the museum has launched an online store where supporters can purchase museum merchandise and souvenirs. Local pickup is available for residents of Tillamook County through the Port of Tillamook Bay office. Museum officials say community donations have played an important role in supporting the ongoing recovery effort.
Contributions can be made through the museum’s operations fund at www.tillamookair.com/operations or through the Friends of the Tillamook Air Museum’s “Save Hangar B” campaign at www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-hangar-b. Restoring a structure the size of Hangar B is expected to take time, but officials say progress is being made as assessments and planning continue. For more information, click on this link: www.tillamookair.com.
