New director appointed at Air Force museum

A new director has been appointed at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

Former Assistant Deputy Chief Management Officer for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, David Tillotson III, was recently appointed as the director of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Tillotson replaces Jack Hudson, who retired Oct. 5 after serving as director for nearly eight years.

“As the public’s window to the Air Force, the museum is quite a gem and I look forward to working with the staff and volunteers as we carry out our mission to inspire visitors to learn and experience the Air Force story,” he said.

Tillotson will manage nearly one million square feet of exhibit space with more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles, and thousands of other artifacts.

He also will provide guidance to the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program, which includes more than 2,400 aerospace vehicles and more than 46,000 other artifacts, on loan to nearly 780 domestic and international military heritage activities, civilian museums, cities, municipalities and veterans’ organizations.

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world’s largest military aviation museum. With free admission and parking, the museum features more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year about one million visitors from around the world come to the museum. 

About the Author