West Wing
The West Wing of the Museum houses examples of the some of the key Navy and Marine Corps aircraft of World War II and highlights the Navy's postwar transition to the Jet Age. From classic aircraft such as the F6F Hellcat and bent-wing Corsair, to the only known surviving warbird to have fought in the Battle of Midway (SBD Dauntless Bureau Number 2106), this area chronicles Naval Aviation's greatest victories while visitors walk a life-size replica of the flight deck of a light aircraft carrier.
Following victory in World War II, the U.S. military saw a significant downsizing in equipment and personnel, but technical advancement continued as jet aircraft such as the FH-1 Phantom were developed and adapted for use aboard carriers, and the helicopter came of age. Naval Aviation's postwar value was displayed decisively with the onset of the Korean War in June 1950, as the aircraft carrier provided rapid response and Navy aircraft such as the AD Skyraider waged a massive interdiction war against North Korean and Chinese forces.
