I am on a medicine that recommends limiting sun exposure (thanks UTI). We decided it might be a great afternoon to do something indoors. I joined the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum as a member after my friend told us it’s a really great museum. We could probably get in for free, but the member rate was great and we get tickets to share with family or friends. I think that museums could use a lot of help right now.
The museum is inside one of the original hangars that existed during the attack on Pearl Harbor. You can see bullet holes in the sides. It’s on what is called Ford Island which is only accessible with a DOD ID unless you take the shuttle from the Pearl Harbor visitor center.
I enjoyed learning more about the attack by reading the panels, but it was sometimes hard to fully understand things (I get that they can only cover so much). So I look forward to going back for a guided tour at some point. I really liked the plaques that talk about the planes story. Some of them were sold off to be re-used and made their way back to the museum. Others, like this, weren’t original but were repainted to be close. The museum person told me that they painted the propellers black to “hide” more. They do the same to submarines. 😉
It’s obviously closely related to the battleships getting hit as well, so to the right you see a piece of the Arizona. In the back is a Japanese war plane.
Here are some other planes; you’ll have to visit to hear the story behind all of them!
I’m not really sure the point of the motorcycle; we didn’t spend the whole time here and decided we didn’t have to do it all in one day, but nonetheless it was a cool picture.
The whole attack lasted two hours; I can’t imagine that. There were fun stories about Japanese getting stranded on a remote island and a couple about submarines. Overall lots of sad and heroic stories to read about.
On the outside is the old radio tower. Apparently they are working on opening this up for tours soon too! Brian wanted me to take a picture of it because it’s what he calls a “Nav Aid” (navigation). Essentially, he uses this as a visual aid to steer the submarine into port (no, submarines aren’t self driving yet).
It used to also house the fire station, so yes here’s a close up of the old truck.
Looking forward to going back for a guided tour and to check out more. There is a whole additional hangar with more planes we didn’t get to. We’ve both been feeling worn out so wanted to make a quick excursion.