U-2 “Takes Flight” Once More for Relocation to Hill Aerospace Museum Hangar

The Hill Aerospace Museum, near Hill AFB in Ogden, Utah, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its L.S. Skaggs Gallery on April 29, 2024, officially opening it to the public on May 2. This 91,000-square-foot expansion brings the museum’s total enclosed display space to 240,000 square feet, enabling most of its 79 aircraft to be housed indoors. The $20 million project was primarily funded by a $15 million grant from the Utah State Legislature, with additional support from private donors via the Aerospace Heritage Foundation of Utah.

One of the museum’s rarest aircraft, the Lockheed U-2A (s/n 56-6716), was recently moved into the new gallery. Built in 1957, this U-2A saw extensive service, participating in the High Altitude Air Sampling Project and operating in locations like Argentina and Thailand. In 1960, it sustained damage during a deadstick landing in Canada and was later transferred to Taiwan’s Republic of China Air Force in 1965, where it remained active until 1980. Now, it rests permanently in the museum. Check Aero Visual for more information.

Now that the majority of the museum’s aircraft are displayed inside, only the largest of the collection remain outdoors, including the B-1B (83-0070) 7 Wishes, B-52G (58-0191) Bearin’ Arms, and C-124C (53-0050). The Hill Aerospace Museum is on Facebook and is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit their website at: www.aerospaceutah.org.

Moreno Aguiari

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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