B-17s Change Guard at National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

March 21, 2018 - The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force observed a changing of the guard on March 14, installing its newly restored B-17 Memphis Belle in place of longtime resident B-17 Shoo Shoo Baby. Both historic combat veterans took a few moments outside of the museum gallery doors for a photo shoot prior to the Belle moving into the gallery where it will be officially unveiled in May. The Memphis Belle is famous for being the first bomber in the 8th Air Force to fly its tour of duty and return home to the United States.  It is on the tail end of a massive, multiyear restoration and will now proudly call the World War II Gallery of the U.S. Air Force Museum home. 

Shoo Shoo Baby will be heading to a place of honor on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington D.C.  Both B-17s will play an important role educating the public about the brave men and women who were involved in the development, construction, and combat missions of the B-17s during World War II. 

EAA is proud to be a part of the Memphis Belle’s opening events at the U.S. Air Force Museum taking place from May 17-19. EAA’s B-17 Aluminum Overcast will be on display outside of the museum, then make a tour stop at the Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport on May 19-20, where visitors can buy a ride on the historic airplane.  EAA Aviation Museum Programs Coordinator Chris Henry will be a guest speaker  and deliver his B-17 presentation during the three days of events.