I have never been out to Castle Air Museum in Atwater California even though it only is about 30 minutes from us. When my Sister-in—law suggested we go out there after church one Sunday because it was Open Cockpit Day. I quickly said “We’d love too!”
The place was packed not just with people but with so many types of aircraft. I had know idea how big this place was and how many different exhibits they had. I wish I knew more about planes to elaborate and share on the types we saw. They did have displays next to each type to give you some information and history but I have to confess it was extremely hot and the kids wouldn’t stand still long enough to read them. The best thing about going on Open Cockpit Day is the fact that they open up many of the planes and let you walk through them or take a peek inside of them. The kids really enjoyed seeing the cockpits and exploring the planes.
Castle Air Force Base got It’s start in the 1941 during WWII when it was opened as a Basic Flying School for the Army Air Corps. It was part of President Roosevelt's 30,000 Pilots A Year Campaign. After the war it continued to serve as a base for army flight training and sent many pilots off to fight in the wars overseas such as Korea, and Vietnam. In 1996 after the cold war had ended it was closed and the process of preserving it’s history and turning it into a museum began.
Besides the outdoor museum space there is also an indoor museum with exhibits showing flight gear and uniforms.
Perhaps on another day when it is not so crowded or hot we will return to tour the inside museum.
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