Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA

Naval Air Station Ottumwa, Iowa was a WWII primary flight training base. This base was part of the Navy's far-flung Naval Air Primary Training Command.

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

Across social media are many reminders as what today is about. Those lost dreamed of coming home to loved ones, picnics in the park, or volunteering at a museum or event. Those we honor today led lives that were anything but selfish….. It’s a great day for self reflection. #usn

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

Tom Lazio, Jay D Wheaton, Newell Palen and Steve Showalter are the newly launched NAS Ottumwa Foundation board of directors. They were having pictures taken today! This separate board will manage this organization’s long term funds. #foundation #usn #musem

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

After a long day at the old base NAS VP Les Gaskill and myself flew to one of the base’s outlying practice fields. Our friend Eric was practicing his airshow routine.
#navalaviation #airshow #aerobatics #usnavalaviation #usnavy #airshowpilot

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

Movie night at the museum!!!! Watching Midway and a few period cartoons. Refreshments available inside! #history #usn #aviationhistory

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

@sigsauerinc People who lack training.

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

@mcmsharksxx I hope this gets solved with a happy conclusion. Hang tough!

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

Save the date! July 20th… #warbird #flyin

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

@Astro_Clay Walt and Dot! You couldn’t ask for nicer folks! Sure do miss him! I got my own stories and memories, but not for here!

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

Our just completed trip to Brodhead, last year’s trip to Sheboygan and this earlier trip to Naval Air Station Pensacola have been immeasurable to all of us at the museums involved. James “Sandy” Wilson (on the right) has been the driving force behind all of this. #museum #USNavy

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

Folks from Naval Air Station Ottumwa were recently flying seaplanes. Aviation Cadets went on to fly from hard surface or water based operations. This experience will better serve the museum thru the exhibits we create and the experiences we can share. #USNavy #seaplanes

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

80 years ago, this base celebrated its first Christmas since construction began the previous year. Alan Stubbs first posted these in 2012. This country's citizens were experiencing shortages such as wood, paper, rubber, metal, food, fuel, etc. Be thankful for what you have!

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

Wave Adele Liau hangs decorations with the help of an unknown member of the Ship's Company. Music wasn't streamed, nor were there shows on TV. There were Radio programs or V-DISC's the size of today's 33 1/3 LP records. Back then they played at 88 speed for 6 minutes #WWIII #USN

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

Kate Rusch has accepted an internship with this nonprofit!
A 2022 graduate of IHCC where she received associate degrees in history and communication. She is currently a senior at Buena Vista University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in history with an agency administration minor.

[Iowa Heartland History Connection @IaHeartlandHist]

On this day in 1907, the Ottumwa Foot Ball Squad was gathered for a photograph. Impressive looking bunch!

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

Bruce Burkhalter’s son contacted me that his father passed away on Sunday. Bruce is pictured on the left edge of this photo. We have digitized author Elsie Mae Cofer’s interview with Bruce. Bruce was celebrating his 100th birthday during this open house.

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

Today we give thanks to all of you who have been a part of our preservation efforts. Without you the Navy’s WWII Primary Flight Training Command, as well as this base, would have faded from history. #USNavy #ThanksgivingDay2023

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

Thursday evening…..prep for varnishing floors. 3:30 a.m. Friday morning the first coat of varnish is applied. Saturday afternoon the last coat is curing. Progress on first floor exhibits has inspired us to finish the second floor. #museum #USNavy

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

A few days in town….. Met with the attorney concerning the organization’s foundation, worked on displays and hosted Coca-Cola in our community room. #cocacola #museum #USNavy

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

@friedalive I think I need to lay down…. Nope, the room is spinning……

[Naval Air Station Ottumwa, IA @naval_ia]

Picked up some blueberry jelly from a favorite Amish baker. I like blueberry, my spouse likes blackberry. The baker solved our bantering by making us these awesome personal pies! They were delicious!! #pie