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“One Helluva Roar”: American History, Air Force Future

  • Published
  • By Samantha Maiette
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

History is more than written words on a page; it’s the understanding of how actions of the past affect future generations. Whether immediately or over time.

The Global Power Museum gives visitors a look into the past, teaching visitors the overall history of the base and where it comes from and where it is going.

“You’re not going to understand who you are or where you come from unless you understand where we’ve been,” said Amy Russell, Global Power Museum director.

The museum unpacks history, unveiling the legacy that rests upon Airmen’s shoulders. It’s their hope visitors leave feeling inspired and eager to know the rest of the story.

“It’s really a way of life,” said Tech Sgt. James Hulett, Deputy Director of the Museum and Maintenance NCO in charge “Understanding the Airmen who came before you, helps to build you up to who you are now.”

The story of Barksdale is told through multiple exhibits in the “most in your face way,” says Russell.

One such exhibit is Operation Secret Squirrel. The mission required seven B-52 Stratofortresses to make a 14,000 mile nonstop journey to drop bombs in Iraq. The museum features memorabilia from this historic event as a link to Barksdale’s past.

The museum also offers an airpark with 22 static displays. The park offers visitors a chance to explore aircraft which helped to change history. Visitors can get up close and personal with a B-29 Superfortress, now on display. It is also the same model that dropped the first atomic bomb.

Knowledge of the past can spark a desire to immerse oneself into these fabled stories and form a connection with the past and the legacy Airmen continue to this day.