Lyon Air Museum An Aviator’s Dream

Aviator heaven just might look like Lyon Air Museum (LAM), a new 30,000-sq.ft. facility based at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif.

Created by founder Maj. Gen. William Lyon, USAF (Ret), the museum showcases a fleet of superbly conditioned, operational and historically significant World War II-era aircraft and vehicles.

“Lyon Air Museum is designed to capture the American spirit that thrived during World War II,” said Gen. Lyon. “Each plane and each vehicle tells a story that deserves to live forever.”

Docent-led tours take museum visitors for a walk through history as they stroll among machines and artifacts that helped define the 20th century. Interactive educational exhibits intended to inspire viewers provide in-depth narratives about the history of each aircraft.

“It is my hope that visitors - young and old alike - will embrace these stories, experience an indelible and memorable time, and leave here with a clearer understanding of an era of tremendous victory and pride.”

Said Mark Foster, LAM President: “The opportunities to capture and share the experiences of World War II’s aviation veterans are fading. I feel it is imperative that we do all we can to somehow Ôbottle’ the stories of these men and women so that someday, when the people who lived through those defining moments in time are no longer with us, future generations can benefit greatly as they learn of the remarkable collective character of the greatest generation.”

Gen. Lyon, who held the position of Chief of the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1975 to 1979, served in Europe, the Pacific Region and North Africa during World War II and later flew combat missions in Korea. Currently, Gen. Lyon is chairman of the board and CEO of William Lyon Homes, Inc., Newport Beach, Calif.

For more information about the museum, becoming a docent, taking a tour or other information, see www.lyonairmuseum.org or the January issue of Pacific Flyer.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Britt Dietz