Two new galleries showcasing the Marine Corps operations from the post-Vietnam era to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will open on Oct. 6 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia.
The 20,000-square-foot exhibits feature life-like cast figures, hundreds of artifacts, and immersive environments.
Exhibit highlights include the M198 Howitzer that fired the first shot in Operation Desert Storm; an F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet that flew armed patrols over Washington, D.C. the day after 9/11 and a detailed recreation of an Iraqi street, where visitors can experience the challenges of urban warfare as Marines clear buildings of insurgents and collaborate with Iraqi citizens to rebuild their communities
“Opening these new galleries is a significant achievement for the museum and the Marine Corps,” said retired Major Gen. James Lukeman, President and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. “These exhibits give visitors an immersive look into the experiences of Marines over the last fifty years, and we hope they inspire an appreciation for the brave men and women who have faithfully served our nation.”
The galleries also explore key moments in Marine Corps operations and allow visitors to encounter recreations of forward operating bases, the evolution of combat medicine, and experience life aboard U.S. Navy amphibious ships, all designed to give a comprehensive view of Marine Corps operations since Vietnam.
To learn more about the National Museum of the Marine Corps, visit here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.