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Celebrating Aviation: Heroes on Deck!

March 19, 2025 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™:

Join us Wednesday, March 19 from 6 - 9 pm at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™ as we kick off our 2025 Celebrating Aviation series with a special screening of the film Heroes on Deck and a presentation by the film’s executive producer, Harvey Moshman.


Narrated by CBS and A&E anchorman Bill Kurtis, Heroes on Deck tells the story of efforts to recover World War II fighter planes from the bottom of Lake Michigan. During World War II, with enemy submarines patrolling both coasts, the U.S. Navy came up with a bold and innovative plan to use two former coal-fired side-wheel passenger steamers transformed into “flattops” to train aviators in carrier operations in the safety of Lake Michigan. More than 15,000 naval aviation cadets trained on the lake, including future President George H.W. Bush. But not every flight or practice landing ended successfully. Serious injuries and death often resulted, and more than 100 aircraft wound up on the bottom. The film highlights the ingenious training operation, and the modern-day efforts to recover the rare warbirds lost in the lake to accidents.


The presentation will feature Harvey Moshman, multi-Emmy Award winning executive producer of the film, who will introduce the film and give a presentation and take questions following the showing. Moshman was also the director of recovery photography for the film and will share his unique perspective on the project.


Presented in combination with the special exhibits OceanXperience and Drop in the Ocean the Foundation is hosting at the Museum through April 27. Attendees will be able to experience both exhibits in the 4th building at no charge following the presentation!

 

Tickets are just $20 per person. Your ticket purchase through the nonprofit Air Force Museum Foundation benefits the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™.





The Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc.

1100 Spaatz St.

PO Box 33624

Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433



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The National Museum of the United States Air Force

 is site #5 on the Aviation Trail.

























































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Location

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park 

16 S. Williams St., Dayton, OH 45402

Visitor Center:

For details and seasonal date schedules see https://www.nps.gov/daav/planyourvisit/hours.htm

or please call (937) 225-7705 for the current park schedule.

Parking:

From W. Third St., turn south on Williams St and then turn left on Fourth St. Go 1/2 block and turn left into the Visitor Center parking area.

CLICK HERE for a parking map.

See the Visitor Center page for details on hours and for a map.

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