commemorative air force dixie wing

My arrival was shortly before noon, with most staff/voluteers & workers heading to lunch. The first person I met was Art, who took the time to start my tour. After 20 minutes Jerry took Art's place.At present are a total of aircraft.FG-1D Corsair.WW11 L-6 Grasshopper spotter a/c.P-51 Mustang 'Red Nose'.Navy SJN trainer.Japanese Zero & Kate torpedo bomber, with torepdo. Both aircraft were constructed from T-6 Texans trainers and flew in the movie 'Tora, Tora Tora'.PT-19 Cornell trainer.Bell P-63 King Cobra-which is being restored to flying conditio.Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless dive bomber.Most a/c belong to the hanger, with some privately owned. All commemorative a/c are restored to flying condition.Besides the hanger is the Artifacts Museum. Here in glass cases are models of a/c from the beginning of flight, military vehicles, ships. One model that stands out is the U.S.S. CV-6 carrier Enterprise. There is a large number of wooden WW11 toys, as all metal was needed for the wae effort. Also military memorabilia from Germany & Japan.For making restoration parts is a full machine shop. This I didn't see, however a visitor may see the shop if asking. The hanger & machine shop are the two major rooms. Art told me photography is encouraged.Most visitors will probably need only 45 minutes, with my tour time well over an hour, that includes asking several questions and photographing. Both Art & jerry took the time to answer any questions I asked. A visitor will find the hanger doesn't allow much space between a/c. During my visit I watched a tow vehicle maneuvering a/c outside slowly, but interesting. Some times several a/c must be removed just to remove one a/c.To finf the hanger, drive all the way to the end of Echo Court, loking foa large Commemorative Air Force-Dixie Wing sign. The hanger can be rented for weddings, accommodating 400 people,. Other events the facilty can be used for are business meetings, seminares, parties, reunions & dances.Hanger hours are Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. 9:00 to 4:00. For all other days a visitor should call the main office.I recommend a visit. Nine aircraft may discourage a visit, however how often can a visitor see an aircraft uo close in restoration & a full machine shop?No admission, however donations are welcomed.Jack L., Syracuse, New York.