Exhibit to reopen; tours back

Heightened base security had closed Presidential Gallery.

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR

— Tours of FORCE BASE the hangar filled with historic presidential and experimental aircraft will resume next week at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, according to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

The museum had suspended shuttle bus service for visitors from the main complex to the hangar on a restricted portion of Wright-Patterson because of heightened security last month.

The shuttle service, available on a first-come, first-served basis, resumes Monday. Buses will depart daily at 9:20 a.m.; 9:50 a.m.; 10:35 a.m.; 11:15 a.m.; 1:15 p.m.; 2 p.m.; 2:35 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.

Tour visitors over age 18 must present a government-issued identification. Foreign visitors must present an original passport, according to the museum.

The buses are not handicapped accessible. Visitors who need assistance to access the Presidential and Research and Development galleries should contact the museum’s Operations Division in advance at 937-255-3286.

The museum’s “Behind the Scenes” tours on Fridays will resume June 26 through Sept. 4, but be closed July 3 because of a federal holiday. Advance registration begins 9 a.m. Monday. Visitors may call 937-656-9436 or log onto www.nationalmuseum.af. mil/visit/tours.asp.

TY GREENLEES / STAFF President John F. Kennedy’s body was flown from Dallas to Washington, D.C., on SAM 26000 (Special Air Mission), or Air Force One, which is the centerpiece of the Presidential Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.