Several weeks ago, Roan and I made a pit stop at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside on our way to Big Bear. We got on the road a bit late (almost noon), so we essentially caught some mid-day traffic along the way. Somewhere along I-215, I spotted three hovering aircrafts, which looked like they were practice-flying, but Roan knew better. He said those were C-130 aircrafts, the same plane they took and spent one New Year’s Eve on when he was still in the military. As it turns out, they were waiting for a chance to land at the nearby airport/airbase. To my surprise, Roan made a swift exit towards the museum.
War Dog Memorial
It was high noon by the time we pulled into the parking lot, but in spite of the unforgiving sun, we beelined to the little War Dog Memorial right before the museum entryway. It was built in memory of the war dogs who served in the Vietnam War. According to one veteran, the war dogs that served in Vietnam were unlike the war dogs in World War II because they were left there to the horror of their handlers.
March Field Main Hangar
One of the highlights at the March Field Main Hangar is the Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird. The Blackbird is a spy plane, hence it is capable of going in stealth mode. It remains the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft in the world. It could operate beyond the range of interception in both speed and altitude.
Vincent J. Rogers, Jr. Exhibit
I may not know a lot about fighter aircrafts, but Roan—being a war veteran himself—enjoys going to museums such as this, too. My favorite part of the museum was the exhibit dedicated to Vincent J. Rogers, Jr. I lingered there longer out of all the exhibits because I got drawn into listening to (and reading) his wartime experiences through his letters, which described each stop of his captivating personal journey from recruit to hardened veteran as he teaches us the true cost of war. He had a pretty penmanship, too!
Pearl Harbor Exhibit
My second favorite was the diorama featured at the Pearl Harbor Exhibit in the March Field Main Hangar. The movie, which starred Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, and Kate Beckinsale, is one of my favorite movies of all time. I’ve seen it several times, yet it doesn’t fail to tug at your heartstrings. Coincidentally, Roan and I share our wedding anniversary with the attack on the island.
Located between the museum’s two main hangars, 29 climate-controlled exhibit cases tell the story of aviation, the conflicts and personalities, technologies and tactics that have shaped our modern world. One of which was dedicated to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Roan’s first mission on tour. Although he’s told me about his deployment numerous times, I still revel in his not-so-distant memory of the two times he served in Iraq.
In an outdoor exhibit displayed over 70 decommissioned fighter aircrafts, spanning nearly 100 years of aviation. The museum offers 30 to 45-minute guided tours (refer to their schedule) if you want to know more about each and every aircraft in the lot, but you may explore and take photos on your own if you choose not to join the group.
We stayed longer than we should have (because Roan spent plenty amount of time at the gift shop, hoarding Army-related souvenirs), and so after taking a few more photos outside, we decided to leave for Big Bear; otherwise, it’d be nightfall by the time we got there.
March Field Air Museum
22550 Van Buren Boulevard,
March Air Reserve Base, CA 92518
(951) 902 5949
This looks like really good fun! I have a national museum of flight close to me. I’ve never been but your post makes me want to visit 🙂
I highly suggest that you check it out at least once (or twice)! It’s funny how we don’t seem to mind the “attractions” around us because we’ve gotten used to knowing that they’re there, doesn’t it?
Whoa this looks like an awesome museum! You took great photos. Sign me up to see the War Dog Memorial! 🙂
Thank you, Kim! If I’m not mistaken, there are three War Dog Memorials here in the US. The other two are in Hawai’i and Georgia. I could be mistaken, but that’s what I kind of remember!
This sounds like such a fun museum! It reminds me of the one I visited in CT when I was in the US – it was very detailed and had awesome submarine models! The pearl harbour part looks really interesting, I’m glad you enjoyed it. It looks like that would be one of my favourite parts of it too.
Hey, Pauline! Agreed! Don’t you just love museums such as this?? They hold so much history, and I’m mostly drawn into those I really find strange and captivating. When you make it to SoCal someday, make sure you include going to museums to your itinerary!☺️
That looks like a really neat museum! I like it when there are lots of interesting artifacts to look at, I like the drone because I had no idea what an actual drone looks like. Never mind those silly things people are flying all over the place these days lol.
I realized that we actually skipped a section because I didn’t want to walk through sand. Funny you said that; the military drone is what I’m familiar with when someone mentions “drone!” Now almost every one has them.
Oh my gosh. Knowing the dogs were left behind breaks my heart. That’s tragic.
I love the little figurines and your husband standing next to the memorabilia that relates to him! (Thanks to him for his service!!)
Dayton, OH has an air force museum that I’ve been to a few times. It’s always so interesting!
We may not have dog pets here, but we have back home in Manila. It’s got to be worse than a pet dying due to old age or natural death. Roan says you’re welcome!
This is so cool. I absolutely love museums, especially this kind! I’ll definitely have to check this out soon 🙂 I didn’t know Riverside even had museums to be honest. Thanks for sharing, Jae. The photos are also really beautiful.
☼ cabin twenty-four
Haha! I’m sure you’ve driven past this before, you just didn’t realize it. You’re welcome, and thank you, Eena!☺️
This is the kind of place Dan would want to spend an entire day. Great photos! I am horrified by the fact that the dogs were left behind…gosh I can’t even imagine. And I love seeing the Sony Mavica!
If you guys want to see another great air museum, check out the one in Chino. We visited a couple of years ago and it’s huge.
Thanks, Em! You and me both! It’s one of the saddest things I’ve heard about the dogs of war. I had to add the Sony Mavica since I’m a Sony user myself. Haha! Ohh, thanks for the tip! We’ll check it out, too!