Barksdale Global Power Museum

08/24/2026

Preserving History for Future Generations.

Airmen with the 2nd Bomb Wing worked together in restoring the B-17 Flying Fortress static display at the Barksdale Global Power Museum. The 2nd Civil Engineering squadron, Crash and Recover, and the Wheel and Tire shop joined forces in uplifting the display, replacing damaged tires and setting the aircraft up with new display supports.

08/16/2026

This past week, crews took on the heat to help bring our static B-17 Flying Fortress back to life with a little much-needed maintenance. ✈️

The B-17 Flying Fortress is one of the most recognizable American bombers of World War II. Primarily built by Boeing, it became an enduring symbol of the U.S. Army Air Forces’ strategic bombing campaign and the courage of the Airmen who flew aboard her.

During World War II, a B-17 crew consisted of only 10 Airmen, but in true bomber fashion, they were a mighty crew:

✈️ Pilot
✈️ Co-pilot
✈️ Navigator
✈️ Bombardier
✈️ Flight Engineer/Top-Turret Gunner
✈️ Radio Operator
✈️ Ball-Turret Gunner
✈️ Two Waist Gunners
✈️ Tail Gunner

Each man had a critical job, and each depended on the others to complete the mission and make it home.

Today, preserving aircraft like the B-17 is about much more than maintaining a piece of metal. It is about preserving the stories of the Airmen who climbed aboard, flew into harm’s way, and helped shape history.

A special thank-you to the crews who braved the Louisiana summer heat this past week to care for this incredible piece of aviation history. Your hard work helps ensure future generations can stand beneath her wings, learn her story, and remember the brave crews who once took to the skies aboard the mighty Flying Fortress. 🇺🇸

07/28/2026

Step Inside the Barksdale Room 🇺🇸

Every room has a story—and the Barksdale Room at the Barksdale Global Power Museum tells one of service, sacrifice, and strength.

Discover the rich history of Barksdale Air Force Base, from its founding in 1933 to its role as a cornerstone of America’s strategic airpower.

As you walk through this beautifully recreated space, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the people who built the foundation of one of the Air Force’s most important installations.

Whether you’re a military history enthusiast, a veteran, or visiting for the first time, the Barksdale Room is a must-see exhibit that brings history to life.

📍 Barksdale Global Power Museum
🕘 Open Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🎟️ Admission is FREE!
Must have base access

Come explore the legacy. Honor the service. Experience the history.

07/23/2026

The 2nd Bomb Wing has had a busy summer as it welcomed its newest commanders through a series of formal Change of Command ceremonies.

Steeped in Air Force tradition, these ceremonies symbolize the transfer of authority, responsibility, and trust from one leader to the next, ensuring the continued success of the mission and the Airmen who carry it forward.

To each of our new commanders, welcome to Team Barksdale!

We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to the Barksdale Global Power Museum as you begin this new chapter of leadership.

🇺🇸 Welcome to Team Barksdale, and thank you for your service.

07/22/2026

We could not let this day pass without remembering **RAIDR 21**.

**July 21, 2008**, will forever remain in the hearts of so many Airmen—not only those stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, but throughout the Air Force family.

Tragically, just moments before a scheduled flyover for the 64th Guam Liberation Day Anniversary Parade, **RAIDR 21** suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure and crashed into the Pacific Ocean, claiming the lives of all six Airmen on board.

Today, we honor their sacrifice, remember their service, and keep their families, friends, and fellow Airmen in our thoughts and prayers. Their dedication to our nation and their commitment to the mission will never be forgotten.

**Gone, but never forgotten.**
**RAIDR 21 – Forever in our hearts.** 🇺🇸✈️

07/16/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Museum Director, **Elizabeth "Jan" Micaletti**, who went to be with our Heavenly Father on **Sunday, July 12, 2026**.

Ms. Micaletti was an incredible asset to the Barksdale Global Power Museum, serving as our Museum Director since joining the team in 2021. She never missed an opportunity to greet each guest as they walked through the museum's doors, making everyone feel welcome and appreciated. Through her passion, leadership, and unwavering dedication, she played a vital role in preserving the integrity and rich heritage of the United States Air Force at Barksdale Air Force Base.

During her time as Museum Director, Jan curated the museum's Women's Exhibit, helped bring the historic 94-7 "Flight Around the World" exhibit to life, hosted numerous Secret Squirrel reunions, and welcomed countless promotion and retirement ceremonies to the museum. She also worked tirelessly to expand the museum's outreach and ensure that the stories of those who served would continue to educate and inspire future generations. Her commitment to honoring the men and women of the United States Air Force left a lasting impact on our museum, our community, and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside her.

Jan's legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her kindness, warm smile, and genuine love for the museum touched the lives of countless visitors, volunteers, and Airmen throughout the years.

We ask that you keep her family, friends, and the entire museum community in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

**Rest in peace, Jan.** Thank you for your unwavering dedication to preserving the legacy of the United States Air Force. Your service, leadership, friendship, and love for our museum will never be forgotten.

07/09/2026

Join the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council tonight for a Balloon Glow! 🇺🇸

Bring the whole family for an evening full of fun, entertainment, and unforgettable memories!

✨ Enjoy FREE tethered hot air balloon rides! (Weather permitting)

📍 Location: 201 Langley Drive, behind the Hunt Housing Office

🪑 Bring a chair or blanket, relax, and enjoy the evening!

⚠️ Base access is required to attend.

07/09/2026

06/28/2026

The mission at Barksdale doesn’t stop at 5 p.m. on Friday. It is built on commitment, leadership, and showing up—even on the unexpected days.

On Saturday, June 27, members of Airman Leadership School Class 26-5 volunteered their time at the Barksdale Global Power Museum to wash the historic B-47 aircraft on static display.

🇺🇸 Thank you, ALS Class 26-5, for washing the B-47 and demonstrating what servant leadership looks like.

06/17/2026