Exhibits are organized by significant eras of history, starting with the early 1930s. Visitors can arrange a tour with one of our dedicated docents, many of whom have literally "walked the talk" during their service to our country. If interested, ask about docent availability, or call ahead at (650)964-4024.
the beginningDiscover a pictorial display that provides an overview of Moffett Field’s earliest days.
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electronic warfareMoffett Field’s role in America's defense extended into the modern era, as illustrated by this display (sponsored by the Association of Old Crows).
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uss maconThe iconic Hangar One at Moffett Field was built to house the USS Macon airship. The centerpiece of this exhibit is an amazing diorama showing the Macon in scale. Also learn about the Hangar's many other uses over the years. The exhibit includes an extensive collection of photographs and artifacts from the airship era.
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oFFICERS' mESSSee the largest collection of fine silver serving pieces and china from Navy Officers’ messes, from all ranks, in Northern California. Get a rare view of formal Navy life in the 20th century.
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ReaR Admiral mOFFETTIn this display, we recognize Moffett Field’s namesake, Rear Admiral William Moffett, who lost his life in the crash of the Macon’s sister ship, the dirigible USS Akron.
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aRMY aIR cORPSLearn about the 1935-1942 era of Moffett Field, when it was home to the US Army Air Corps’ Cadet Training Command and 20th Pursuit Group.
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wwII & bLIMPSDiscover the story of the key role Moffett Field played in WWII, when it was home to aircraft, blimps, and balloons that were an important part of the war effort.
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fIGHTER / aTTACK eRAMoffett Field became the Navy’s West Coast Master Fighter and Attack base after WWII. See a collection depicting a time under various Carrier Air Groups, through the 1950s.
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cOLD wAR ERADuring the Cold War, Moffett Field was the headquarters of Patrol Wings Pacific and was home to seven P-3 Orion Maritime Patrol squadrons and the West Coast’s P-3 Training Command (VP-31). See anti-submarine warfare equipment of the period.
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tRANSPORT sQUADRONSMoffett Field was home to seven Transport Squadrons under NATS and NATWINGSPAC from the mid-40s to the mid-60s and a Reserve Transport Squadron in the mid-90s. Get the story of these commands and those who won the airborne “logistics battle for the Fleet,” plus how Moffett Field played that critical role in West Coast transport operations.
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iN mEMORIAMThe In Memoriam display honors those who lost their lives in service to America while stationed at Moffett Field.
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nAVIGATIONComputers and modern electronics have made today’s aircraft navigation highly sophisticated. Learn about the history of navigation, including how the navigator's role used to be a simpler and very hands-on process compared to today.
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uNIFORMSOur extensive uniform collection spans the many periods of Moffett Field’s great history. It includes examples from different ranks, from Junior Enlisted (E-1) to Senior Officers (O-8), uniforms that belonged to several WWII heroes, flight suits from WWII to today’s desert operations, and a large display dedicated to women who served the Navy, such as the WAVES.
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aIRCRAFT / cOCKPITSThe Museum’s aircraft collection includes P-2 and P-3 Navy patrol planes, a U-2 spy plane, an F-104 Starfighter, and a Cobra helicopter. We also have complete P-3 and Harrier VTOL (pictured above) cockpits that visitors can get in and "fly." Is is great fun for both adults and kids! Some aircraft are under restoration and not currently on display.
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Aircrew Survival EquipmentMoffett Field’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean created its key role in Naval Aircrew survival and rescue, as illustrated by our display of equipment used for this critical function.
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Train RoomIn the 1980s, the current museum building was a recreation room for the Navy. During down time, a model train system was built, consisting of three levels, train yards, parking lots, seven-story spirals, and more. The train room is open for display on Saturdays.
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AirfielDWalk among some of the great aircraft that flew the skies and rested at Moffett Field. From the Navy to NASA, our aircraft cover a wide range of history.
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Link TrainerThe Link Trainer, also known as the Blue Box or Pilot Trainer, was a commonly used flight simulator between the 1930s and the 1950s.
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