The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is dedicated to preserving the history and stories of the “greatest air armada of all time,” the Eighth Air Force Division, which was activated in Savannah, just 53 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Activated January 2nd, 1942 at Savannah Air Base as the Eighth bomber command, then redesignated February 22nd, 1944 as the Eighth Air Force, the Mighty Eighth as it came to be known, played a pivotal role in turning the war for the allies.
More than 1 million men and women have served in this division and it was the largest of the deployed combat Army Air Forces during WWII, flying numerous bombing missions over Nazi Germany. Now headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, the Mighty Eighth hosts the majority of America’s heavy bomber force, including B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, B-1 Lancer supersonic bombers, and B-52 Stratofortress heavy bomber aircraft.
Located in Pooler, a western suburb of Savannah only minutes from historic downtown, the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force keeps the history of the Eighth Air Force Division alive through exhibits, artifacts, archival materials, and stories.
Some of the most stirring displays are those of the many aircraft the museum has collected and restored, including a B-47 Stratojet, a MiG-17, a F-4 Phantom II, the model of a Messerschmitt Bf 109G fighter, and a 3/4-scale model of a P-51 Mustang fighter.
Most fascinating of all, the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is in the process of restoring a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber – named “City of Savannah” – and you can watch the progress!
When you visit the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force you’ll not only see numerous historic aircraft, you’ll also hear unforgettable stories of war-time bravery, visit an art gallery, discover the what ti was like to be a WWII POW exhibit, experience a bomber mission and briefing, and more. The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force also includes a gift shop, pub, beautiful Memorial Gardens, and the Chapel of the Fallen Eagles.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA
Open seven days a week, 9am to 5pm
For further information, current events, and more, please visit: www.mightyeighth.org
Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force LodgingMcMillan Inn is the perfect place to stay during your culinary Savannah getaway. Our 1888, Italianate Revival Inn has twelve rooms and a Carriage House to choose from and all conveniently located in the Landmark Historic District, within minutes of Savannah’s most popular destinations. McMillan Inn is a wonderful way to experience the luxury and hospitality of our classic, Southern city.