Dan
10-05-2006, 05:57
RELEASE NUMBER: 061004-01
DATE POSTED: OCTOBER 4, 2006
Airborne and USASOC museum opens revealing new modern special forces wing
By Pfc. Daniel Love
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Oct. 4, 2006) – Since the revolutionary war, historians and military enthusiasts have created museums to document and save reminders of America’s worldwide battles. These displays show the public an insider’s view of Soldiers’ lives and challenges.
In an effort to give the public a rare view of the relatively little-known mission of Special Operations Soldiers, the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina, opened a new section in its special operations wing Oct. 4.
“Our museum is an attempt to preserve a salient part of our history,” said Gen Brown, commander of United States Special Operations Command. “The timing of the opening of this Army special operations exhibit couldn’t be more appropriate. Today, around the world, special operations forces are involved at a level of expertise and a level of commitment that is unlike anything we have ever had in our history.”
The $950,000, almost 3,000 square-foot display is the museum’s first addition since its opening in 2000 and occupies an area that was once unfinished storage space. The ASOM used contacts with the Smithsonian Institution to contract Design and Production, a Lorton, VA based company, to complete the project.
“This display helps realistically tell the story of how we’ve been fighting,” said Wayne Boor, USASOC G4-systems support division. “It gives museum guests a rare view of our operations and the equipment we’re using to fight terrorism.”
USASOC was the main monetary contributor to the display, given the museums ability to tell the Army story. The authenticity of the new display is bolstered by show pieces donated by USASOC and individual special forces team members.
“A wish list came from the museum of what they needed to have to complete the new wing,” Boor said. “I went down the list and called people to get the supplies they need from USASOC units to make the displays authentic. We were able to transfer medical equipment, MRE rations, a GMV (Ground Mobility Vehicle and even expended AT-4s (anti-tank rocket launcher).”
One of the guests of honor during the ceremony was Kurt Muse, a former CIA agent who was captured in Panama and later rescued by special forces during Operation: Just Cause in 1989. One of the displays portrays his rescue showing Special Forces Soldiers in an MH-6 helicopter flying over the rooftop of Carcel Modelo Prison, the building in which he was held.
“The special forces are the brothers that I never knew I had,” said Muse. “It’s important that those that don’t know what the special operations do can gain an appreciation for SF Soldiers’ talent and courage. People that visit the museum will realize that these are great Americans, heroes, and proverbial giants; out there in the front so we can all rest a little easier at night.”
The new exhibit was formally opened when Brown, Gen. (Retired) James Lindsay, former SOCOM commander, Lt. Gen. Robert R Wagner, commanding general of USASOC, Col. David Fox, Fort Bragg garrison commander, and Henry Holt, president of the ASOM Foundation cut the ribbon at the entrance. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free.
-usasoc-
DATE POSTED: OCTOBER 4, 2006
Airborne and USASOC museum opens revealing new modern special forces wing
By Pfc. Daniel Love
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Oct. 4, 2006) – Since the revolutionary war, historians and military enthusiasts have created museums to document and save reminders of America’s worldwide battles. These displays show the public an insider’s view of Soldiers’ lives and challenges.
In an effort to give the public a rare view of the relatively little-known mission of Special Operations Soldiers, the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina, opened a new section in its special operations wing Oct. 4.
“Our museum is an attempt to preserve a salient part of our history,” said Gen Brown, commander of United States Special Operations Command. “The timing of the opening of this Army special operations exhibit couldn’t be more appropriate. Today, around the world, special operations forces are involved at a level of expertise and a level of commitment that is unlike anything we have ever had in our history.”
The $950,000, almost 3,000 square-foot display is the museum’s first addition since its opening in 2000 and occupies an area that was once unfinished storage space. The ASOM used contacts with the Smithsonian Institution to contract Design and Production, a Lorton, VA based company, to complete the project.
“This display helps realistically tell the story of how we’ve been fighting,” said Wayne Boor, USASOC G4-systems support division. “It gives museum guests a rare view of our operations and the equipment we’re using to fight terrorism.”
USASOC was the main monetary contributor to the display, given the museums ability to tell the Army story. The authenticity of the new display is bolstered by show pieces donated by USASOC and individual special forces team members.
“A wish list came from the museum of what they needed to have to complete the new wing,” Boor said. “I went down the list and called people to get the supplies they need from USASOC units to make the displays authentic. We were able to transfer medical equipment, MRE rations, a GMV (Ground Mobility Vehicle and even expended AT-4s (anti-tank rocket launcher).”
One of the guests of honor during the ceremony was Kurt Muse, a former CIA agent who was captured in Panama and later rescued by special forces during Operation: Just Cause in 1989. One of the displays portrays his rescue showing Special Forces Soldiers in an MH-6 helicopter flying over the rooftop of Carcel Modelo Prison, the building in which he was held.
“The special forces are the brothers that I never knew I had,” said Muse. “It’s important that those that don’t know what the special operations do can gain an appreciation for SF Soldiers’ talent and courage. People that visit the museum will realize that these are great Americans, heroes, and proverbial giants; out there in the front so we can all rest a little easier at night.”
The new exhibit was formally opened when Brown, Gen. (Retired) James Lindsay, former SOCOM commander, Lt. Gen. Robert R Wagner, commanding general of USASOC, Col. David Fox, Fort Bragg garrison commander, and Henry Holt, president of the ASOM Foundation cut the ribbon at the entrance. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free.
-usasoc-