An extraordinary artifact of World War II aviation history, a B-24 Liberator, is on the move from the collection of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler, Georgia.
The aircraft is one of only three B-24s in the Air Force’s historical collection, according to museum officials.
“Our main priority is the preservation of the historic bomber, Rupert the Roo II,” said Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, Eighth Air Force and the Joint-Global Strike Operations Center commander. “By rehoming to the Mighty Eighth Museum, it will allow the artifact to be kept alive and well for generations — a gift made possible not only by the Air Force, but generous benefactors who understand the importance of World War II heritage.”
The addition of the B-24 marks a pivotal moment in the Mighty Eighth Museum’s mission to preserve and interpret the history of the Eighth Air Force, according to museum officials. Already home to a restored Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, the arrival of the B-24 allows the museum to present the complete story of the heavy bombers flown by the Eighth during World War II.
“With the two heavy bombers flown by the Eighth in World War II, the Mighty Eighth Museum is able to present a comprehensive history of daylight strategic bombing, a pioneering form of aerial warfare,” said Scott Loehr, President and CEO of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. “In tandem with the B-17 currently on exhibit, these rare objects put the museum on the map.”
The transfer from Barksdale AFB to its new home will be scheduled at a later date, museum officials added.
Following its restoration, the B-24 will be centerpiece of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s multi-million-dollar capital-improvement program, Maximum Effort. The museum expansion and new permanent exhibitions are scheduled to be completed in late 2026.
For more information: MightyEighth.org
While the USAF at Barksdale AFB (Near Shreveport, LA) has a very nice collection of aircraft, they are all stored outdoors. They have taken good care of it but it is still in the elements. Getting the B-24 inside and restored will be a very good thing.
https://www.barksdaleglobalpowermuseum.com/
Barksdale AFB also has a Avro Vulcan, donated to the USAF by the UK. A very unusual and cool airplane and not a common exhibit in the USA.
I’ve seen this Lib at the Barksdale AFB museum. I’m very happy to read that it’s getting a new indoor home that will preserve it.