Airborne and Special Operations Museum | Fayetteville

The U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum (ASOM), located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, stands as a premier institution dedicated to honoring, preserving, and educating the public about the history, legacy, and sacrifices of the United States Army’s Airborne and Special Operations Forces. Situated at 100 Bragg Boulevard, near the gates of the sprawling Fort Bragg military installation, the museum serves as both a memorial and an educational center, highlighting over 80 years of airborne and special operations history, from their origins during World War II through the latest modern conflicts.

Historical Background and Purpose

The museum was officially opened on August 16, 2000, created to commemorate the elite soldiers who have served in airborne and special operations units, including paratroopers, Rangers, Green Berets, and others engaged in unconventional warfare. The concept emerged from the collaborative efforts of the U.S. Army and the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation, a nonprofit organization established to raise funds, promote community engagement, and ensure the museum’s development and maintenance.

The foundation’s role was instrumental in the construction and early operations of the museum. In 2005, ownership of the museum was formally transferred to the U.S. Army, though the foundation continues to provide support, outreach, and fundraising to maintain and expand the museum’s offerings.

The ASOM is not just a place to view artifacts; it is a living tribute designed to educate visitors about the courageous men and women who have shaped airborne and special operations history through their bravery, innovation, and sacrifice.

Museum Architecture and Layout

The building itself is architecturally designed to reflect military heritage and the solemnity of its mission. It features modern exhibit spaces, interactive galleries, and large display areas that accommodate both indoor exhibits and large military equipment such as aircraft, helicopters, and vehicles.

The museum’s layout guides visitors chronologically and thematically through the development of airborne and special operations forces, ensuring an immersive and comprehensive experience that blends historical narrative with personal stories, artifacts, and multimedia presentations.

Major Exhibits and Collections

The museum’s exhibits are extensive and varied, featuring authentic military equipment, uniforms, weapons, vehicles, photographs, personal letters, and oral histories. The exhibits highlight key campaigns, missions, and developments in airborne and special operations from their inception to the present day.

Origins of Airborne Operations:
This exhibit traces the birth of American airborne forces with the establishment of the Parachute Test Platoon in 1940 at Fort Benning, Georgia. It highlights pioneering soldiers like Lieutenant William T. Ryder, the first American paratrooper, and Private William King, who jumped in the first U.S. parachute jump. Visitors can learn about the development of airborne tactics and training that revolutionized modern warfare.

World War II Immersive Experience:
One of the museum’s standout features is an immersive replica of a French village representing Sainte-Mère-Église, a key location during the Normandy D-Day invasion. Visitors encounter detailed dioramas that include a WACO CG-4A glider, used to silently insert troops, and a C-47 “Skytrain” aircraft from which paratroopers jumped into battle. This exhibit conveys the intensity, strategy, and heroism of the airborne missions during the war’s pivotal battles in Europe and the Pacific.

Vietnam War Exhibit:
The museum includes a full-scale UH-1 “Huey” helicopter and recreates jungle environments to depict the experiences of soldiers engaged in Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols (LRRPs) and special operations during the Vietnam War. This section features stories of extraordinary bravery, such as that of Lieutenant James “Nick” Rowe, a Green Beret who survived captivity for five years and later developed the Army’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) program.

Modern Conflicts:
Exhibits highlight recent U.S. military operations, showcasing equipment like the M551 Sheridan light tank used in Operation Just Cause (Panama) and the AH-6 “Little Bird” helicopter, which played a critical role in special operations missions, including rescues and counterterrorism. Artifacts and multimedia displays provide insight into evolving tactics, technology, and the expanding role of special operations forces in the 21st century.

D-Day: Freedom From Above:
This immersive exhibit, covering 1,500 square feet, centers on the missions of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions during the D-Day invasion. It includes interactive digital elements such as the HistoPad, a tablet device that allows visitors to explore detailed historical narratives, maps, and photos, enriching the understanding of this monumental event.

Additional Features

Iron Mike Statue:
The museum houses the iconic “Iron Mike” statue, a powerful bronze sculpture symbolizing the spirit and valor of airborne soldiers. Originally dedicated at Fort Bragg in 1961, it was relocated to the museum in 2010 to serve as a centerpiece and symbol of airborne heritage.

HistoPad Interactive Technology:
To deepen visitor engagement, the museum offers HistoPads for rent—tablet devices loaded with interactive content, detailed exhibits explanations, and augmented reality features that bring history to life through immersive storytelling.

Museum Store:
The museum’s gift shop offers a curated selection of military-themed merchandise, books, apparel, collectibles, and souvenirs related to airborne and special operations history, enabling visitors to take a piece of the experience home.

Visitor Information

Location: 100 Bragg Boulevard, Fayetteville, NC 28301

Operating Hours:

Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Closed on Mondays and most federal holidays

Admission: Free of charge, though donations are encouraged to support museum operations.

Parking: Free parking is available adjacent to the museum, with spaces for cars, buses, and RVs.

Accessibility: The facility is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, offering handicap parking, wheelchair availability, and accessible restrooms.

Educational and Community Role

The ASOM serves as a vital educational resource for military personnel, veterans, students, historians, and the general public. It offers guided tours, special lectures, educational programs, and events that highlight the history and ongoing contributions of airborne and special operations forces.

The museum also acts as a memorial honoring those who have served and sacrificed, preserving their stories for future generations and fostering an understanding of the complexity and importance of airborne and special operations in U.S. military history.

Summary

The U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, NC, is a world-class institution that not only preserves and displays an impressive collection of artifacts but also provides a deeply immersive and educational experience. It traces the heroic journey of airborne and special operations forces, showcasing their innovation, courage, and dedication from World War II through present-day missions. Through its rich exhibits, interactive technology, and community engagement, the museum honors the legacy of these elite soldiers and ensures that their stories continue to inspire and educate the public.