BRINGING THE JOY OF ‘HOPE’ AND ‘HOME’ TO OUR TROOPS
CHARTING A BOLD NEW FLIGHT PATH FOR THE MUSEUM
By Gen Raymond E. Johns, USAF (Ret.), Chairman of the Board
It’s with great excitement that I share a milestone moment in the evolution of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: the appointment of our first Chief Executive Officer, retired U.S. Navy aviator John P. Hiltz, who officially joined our team on June 15, 2025.
A TRANSFORMATIVE NEW CHAPTER
John’s arrival marks more than a leadership transition—it signals the beginning of a transformative new chapter for our Museum. As we reimagine our guest experience and undergo extensive renovations across our campus, his appointment comes at exactly the right moment. We’re in the midst of shaping an inspiring future—one that connects deeply with our mission and energizes future generations – all on the grounds of America’s WWII aviation battlefield.
FORWARD-THINKING VISION
John brings not only deep operational leadership from his distinguished military career but also a forward-thinking vision rooted in strategy, innovation, and a passion for aviation. He understands that a museum is far more than its artifacts. It is a living, evolving institution that connects people to history through storytelling, education, and shared purpose. His leadership will be instrumental as we create immersive exhibits, expand STEM-focused programming, and ensure the Museum becomes an even more powerful platform for learning and inspiration.
CONTINUITY AND PROGRESS
He will work closely with our Interim Executive Director, Janeen Woellhof in the months ahead to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition. We are deeply grateful to Janeen, who stepped into the role at a moment when we had no clear successor in place. Janeen brought calm, clarity, and an extraordinary work ethic during a pivotal time. In just a few short months, she made significant impact—streamlining internal processes, improving operational efficiency, and uncovering key areas in need of attention and improvement. Her leadership ensured not only continuity but also progress, laying the groundwork for a stronger organization moving forward. We owe her our heartfelt thanks for her dedication and for helping to stabilize and strengthen the Museum during this critical transition.
As we renovate our historic hangars and reimagine our guest experience, John’s arrival couldn’t be better timed. His dedication to legacy, leadership, and innovation align seamlessly with the future we’re building together. Please join me in welcoming John Hiltz to Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. We look forward to soaring into this next chapter—together.
Mahalo, Gen Raymond E. Johns, USAF (Ret.) Chairman, Board of Directors Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum CEO John Hiltz.
CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY
By Bill Miller, Director of Visitor Services and Programs
At Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (PHAM), community means everyone we reach—whether they’re visiting the Museum, participating in our programs, supporting our mission, or connecting with us in any way. Every department at PHAM plays a role in serving and strengthening our community of visitors, students, partners, supporters and volunteers.
While this community is broad and far-reaching, we realized there was room to build stronger, more intentional connections with those physically closest to us—our local community, our kamaaina and military families who live and work around us.
DEEPENING IMPACT IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
Our staff and volunteers don’t just work at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum—they live here, raise families here, and many share deep ties to the military. That connection drives our commitment to giving back.
PHAMILY FUN DAY
Beginning in February 2025, on the first Saturday of every month, we began hosting a “PHAMily Fun Day” for our local community. Spearheaded by Concierges, Public Programs, & Volunteer Services Manager, Arisa Helbick, and Assistant Manager of Docents and Public Programs, Nick Kann, each PHAMily Fun Day is a carefully planned event centered around a unique theme and packed with engaging family-friendly activities. The Museum has planned scavenger hunts, lei making, kite flying, military dog demos, open cockpits, RC training, movie shoots, theater presentations, and welcomed multiple exhibitors and vendors. The event is free for Members and offered to all other visitors at a discounted rate for the day, providing a great experience at a great value to our local ohana.
VOLUNTEER SUPPORT
How can we staff these events, you ask? We asked the same question last year during brainstorming sessions. Turns out, “community” is the answer. Arisa and Nick turned the dial up to 11 to recruit new volunteers to not just assist, but to run activities and take ownership. It worked, and we doubled our volunteer pool.
Currently, we proudly support our uniformed military with free admission, free professional training and special access for military families on branch birthdays and designated holidays. Hawaii residents, our kamaaina, also receive 30% off general admission and discounts on special programs and Museum Membership. But for us, offering savings wasn’t enough. We wanted to do more—to truly connect, contribute, and create lasting value for the community that surrounds and supports us.
It also changed our volunteer cross-section. Our volunteer base contains a retired, military and youth cohort. With the introduction of PHAMily Fun Day, our military and youth cohorts have exploded by nearly 50% and many are also helping with the daily operations during the summer. Our volunteers have measurably improved our programs and made a positive impact on our community. This success is a powerful reminder that when you give back, the rewards often come in unexpected and meaningful ways. Next time you’re at PHAM, please thank a volunteer. And if you’re a volunteer reading this, thank you. If you are interested in volunteering your time, please contact Arisa at ArisaH@pearlharboraviationmuseum.com.
MORE TO COME
We look forward to more community events and PHAMily Fun Days throughout the year! Stay in the loop by visiting www.PearlHarborAviationMuseum.org or following us on social media @PearlHarborAviationMuseum on Facebook and Instagram.
Guests gather in Hangar 37 to explore an array of exhibitor booths and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum displays.
RAISING A LEGACY: PLANS TO DISPLAY AIRCRAFT UNDERWAY
By Amanda Sheley, Collections Manager/Registrar
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is cooking up a huge project in Hangar 79. The restoration team is diligently working out a plan for raising several aircraft overhead, to be visible from the second-story mezzanine. This will allow us to move more of our jets indoors, shielding them from the elements and displaying them in a way that more effectively tell their stories.
SUSPENDING AIRCRAFT: NO SMALL FEAT
Suspending an aircraft is no small feat. Many major and minor components must work together to ensure the safety of those walking under them and the long-term preservation of these airframes. The two major challenges are structural engineering and preservation.
Structural engineering must consider everything, including aircraft connection points, wire rope requirements, engineering of the beam and aircraft mounts, structural assessment of the building itself, and safety for both people and airframes. Each aircraft will require its own unique rigging method and come with its own challenges, but our team is confident moving forward with plenty of seasoned professionals and contractors supporting us.
The second major challenge, preservation, is the focus on stabilization of corrosion or other deterioration. These aircraft will likely not be brought down for many years, so all issues currently afflicting our collection must be addressed beforehand. Additionally, our team will be working to ensure future deterioration is minimized. The goal is to help preserve these aircraft and help the next crew who will work on them. Each aircraft will also get a thorough “spa day” meant to bring them back to their glory after spending time out in the elements, and make them display-ready.
STARTING WITH THE F-16A FIGHTING FALCON
Currently, we plan to start with the General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon. This aircraft is one of the best combat aircraft still in service today. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in both air-to-air combat and air-tosurface attack. The single-seat F-16A first flew in December 1976 and became operational in January 1979. It can locate targets in all weather conditions, detect low-flying aircraft in radar ground clutter, and accurately deliver ordnance during non-visual bombing conditions. This aircraft includes a “fly-by-wire” system where electrical wires
relay commands. A side-mounted stick controller increases control and accuracy of the aircraft during high G-Force maneuvers. The F-16 can stand up to 9G, which exceeds the capability of almost all other current fighter aircraft.
Our F-16A is on loan to us by the National Museum of the United States Air Force with the help of Dr. Lawrence and Mrs. BoHing Chan Tseu, who generously provided the funding required to transport the aircraft. One of the first F-16s built, this F-16A, #80-498, was accepted by the Air Force in August 1981. It served with the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing at Nellis, AFB, NV; with the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hahn AB, Germany; with the 56th Tactical Training Wing at MacDill AFB, FL; and at the 465th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Tinker AFB, OK.
YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
The F-16A is the first of eleven aircraft planned to be suspended in Hangar 79. These aircraft are more than metal—they are monuments to the innovators who built them, the pilots who flew them, and the ideals they defended.
With your support, these legendary warbirds will soar once more, displayed overhead in a powerful tribute to the heroes of our past.
To learn more, visit: www.pearlharboraviationmuseum. org/aircraft-suspension/ Or scan the QR code at the right.
An F-16 Fighting Falcon makes full afterburner takeoff.
FIGHTING FALCON FACT:
The first recorded air-to-air victory by a USAF F-16 was achieved by Lt. Col. Gary "Nordo" North on December 27, 1992, during Operation Southern Watch. He flew F-16DG 90-0778 (left) and shot down an Iraqi MiG-25 Foxbat-E with an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile. This victory was also the first time an AIM-120 AMRAAM had been used in combat.
is
General Dynamics F-16A Fighting
This
Falcon
housed in Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum's historic Hangar 79.
Photos by McKinley Seaver
THE HUMANITY OF BOB HOPE AND HIS IMPACT IN WWII
By Greg Waskul, National Development Director
As we prepare to celebrate the 80 th Commemoration of the end of World War II — Presented by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation — we honor the sacrifice of the millions of service members and everyday Americans who helped win the war.
Bob Hope’s story is one of the many American hero stories the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation is working with PHAM to bring to life as part of the "Remember Pearl Harbor" vision now under development. Watch for details as this vision unfolds.
For many of these valiant Americans of our Greatest Generation, Bob Hope was their voice — the person who best connected them to home and hope during the war. For all but a handful of his #1 rated Pepsodent radio shows during WWII, Bob Hope performed from a military location. He served as Master of Ceremonies for the Hollywood Victory Caravan, a two-week tour of 12 American cities that was part of a film industry effort that ultimately raised a billion dollars for Army and Navy relief agencies. He also made many appearances on other radio shows, such as Command Performance, and often performed and served active duty troops at the Hollywood Canteen.
But his performances at the front lines, and on bases and ships were where Bob Hope and his traveling troupe left their greatest mark during World War II. Bob's troupe most often included comic Jerry Colonna, singer Frances Langford, dancer Patty Thomas, musician Tony Romano and gag writer Barney Dean.
Hope and his "gypsies," as he called them, entertained our troops at USO shows in Alaska, the Aleutian Islands, Europe, North Africa and Sicily. Bob connected with the troops so powerfully that he became a trusted friend to many. Thousands wrote letters to him, asking advice or just telling him about their combat experiences or their families. And many widows and parents of service members wrote Bob to tell him the positive impact his wartime appearance made on the life of their loved one.
In fact, more than 100,000 troops signed petitions asking the Pentagon to send Bob Hope to the Pacific. And in 1944, he went. He and his gypsies logged more than 30,000 miles in the South Pacific, giving more than 150 performances on major bases, ships, tiny islands and atolls — often with enemy troops lurking nearby.
Bob Hope and his troupe visit a field hospital in the Pacific. Frances Langford and Tony Romano perform as Bob Hope watches.
Bob Hope and Frances Langford are surrounded by sailors. Bob Hope did hundreds of shows for our troops in WWII.
Bob Hope's "gypsies" entertain troops in Hawaii in 1944 in this newly colorized photo. From left are (lower row from left), Bob Hope, Barney Dean, Tony Romano and Jerry Colonna, and (upper row from left) Patty Thomas and Frances Langford.
Hope and his writers always customized their shows with jokes tailored to the local venue, because he thought the troops laughed hardest when the joke was on them...or their superiors. “The GI can take it," Bob said. "He’s laughing off the icy cold, the searing heat, the bugs and the scorpions, his fears and his frustrations. Our GI's real enemies, even after war broke out, were never just the Germans or the Japanese. The enemies were boredom, mud, officers, and abstinence. Any joke that touched those nerves was a sure thing.”
Famed novelist John Steinbeck wrote about Bob Hope in a column in the New York Herald Tribune. “When the time for recognition of service to the nation in wartime comes to be considered,” Steinbeck began, “Bob Hope should be high on the list. This man drives himself and is driven. It is impossible to see how he can do so much, can cover so much ground, can work so hard, and can be so effective. He works month after month at a pace that would kill most people…. And he has been doing this ever since the war started. His energy is boundless.”
“Probably the most difficult, the most tearing thing of all, is to be funny in a hospital…. And Bob Hope and company must come into this quiet, inward, lonesome place, and gently pull the minds outward and catch the interest, and finally bring laughter up out of the black water. There is a job. It hurts many of the men to laugh, hurts the knitting bones, strains at sutured incisions, and yet the laughter is a great medicine. There’s a man for you—there is really a man.”
Time magazine put Bob Hope on its cover, with the tagline “First in the Hearts of the Servicemen.” The accompanying article, “Hope for Humanity,” noted that the comedian had just performed “about 250 camp and hospital shows in eleven weeks.”
In all, more than 7,000 entertainers, including the biggest stars in show business, entertained our military during World War II. But Bob Hope was #1 in the hearts of our troops— just as he he performed for our troops overseas until 1990, when he was 87 years old. There was truly magic in the Humanity of Hope!
INTRODUCING NEW AVIATION PATHWAYS A&P PROGRAM
By Rojo Herrera, Director of Aviation Pathways
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, a leader in aviation education that sparks a passion for aviation history and science among Hawaii’s youth, launched our Aviation Pathways Program for Pilots in 2023 to help young people from Hawaii, 19 to date, earn their Private Pilot License.
Building on that momentum, we plan to launch the Aviation Pathways Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Program—a twoyear training program providing high school-aged students the opportunity to earn their FAA A&P certificate, opening doors to high-paying aviation careers available right here in Hawaii.
TWO-YEAR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM
Students, in addition to completing all coursework required to graduate high school, will participate in A&P classroom instruction and shop activities, gaining broad knowledge of aircraft systems and installing, overhauling and testing aircraft components. Students will conduct inspections, engine operations, critical maintenance procedures, and troubleshoot, repair and service aircraft components and aviation systems using FAA-approved procedures.
BRINGING THIS VISION TO LIFE
With guidance and research conducted by Hawaiian Airlines’ talent acquisition team, we reviewed various program delivery options. After a special trip to Arizona to tour one of our options, made possible by flight support from Alaska
Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, a partnership with Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC), a public-school district, was selected as the best path. West-MEC provides innovative Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, preparing students to successfully meet the employment challenges they will face in the future.
HELPING THE PROGRAM MOVE FORWARD
The West-MEC team led by Troy Gabaldon, and their entire governance team helped us move forward, securing FAA approval to open an additional fixed location for the A&P high school program in Hawaii in partnership with Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, extending their FAA oversight, certified 14 CFR Part 147 curriculum and student materials for our use at no cost.
The West-MEC Aviation Maintenance Technology curriculum teaches students the maintenance and repair of aircraft mechanical systems including turbine and reciprocating engines, aircraft finishes, sheet metal, welding, landing gears, hydraulics, propellers, and much more. Students will be prepared to pass the FAA exam and secure their A&P certificate, a first step in achieving highly technical aviation jobs within Hawaii’s growing aviation industry.
With the financial and in-kind support of many, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum High School A&P program will launch on August 4, 2025. Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska
Hawaiian Airlines facilitates a tour of Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) by Hawaii educators, business and community leaders, legislators, and Museum staff in support of our A&P program.
The Western Maricopa Education Center in Arizona.
Airlines will provide experienced A&P certified instructors and tool boxes to support student hands-on training. Their subject matter experts provide invaluable guidance and credibility to this initiative. Additional financial support was provided by Island Energy Services, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Takitani Foundation, State GIA (Grant in Aid), Rick and Teresa Price and other members of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s Board of Directors (scan the QR code below for the full list of supporters).
THE IMPORTANCE OF IN-KIND SUPPORT
In-kind support has also been critical. Input from Toolkit Technologies and Pacific Air Cargo will ensure that the needed equipment will be available. The Hawaii Wing of the Civil Air Patrol will serve as the training location for our first A&P Program cohort. In addition to providing this essential support, the organization is widely respected for its dedication to both emergency services and advancing aerospace education for Hawaii’s youth.
Learning of our financial challenge to secure the necessary equipment to open the A&P High School Program, the Si Robin Foundation also stepped in.
“For decades, my father, Si Robin, has worked hard to advance the future of aviation. His innovations and industry achievements improved the technology and safety of flight and his personal commitment to providing scholarships and
educational programs for youth around the country has changed lives. When we learned of the plans at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum to not only provide flight training support through Aviation Pathways to help Hawaii youth achieve their dream of being a pilot, but to also help them earn their FAA A&P certificate, a true pathway to future employment in the aviation industry, we were excited to help. Launching a new initiative such as this A&P training program is challenging, but we believe that over the next few years, the rewards will be huge. Our family is honored to support the Aviation Pathways A&P high school program, an investment in the lives of many Hawaii youth and in aviation’s future.”Lori Vreeke, Si Robin’s daughter and Foundation Executive.
With the support of many, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum plans to induct the first cohort of Hawaii youth on August 4, 2025 into this challenging program.
POTENTIAL CAREER IMPACT
We’re thrilled to witness both the immediate and lasting impact of this powerful program—one with the potential to transform the lives of Hawaii’s youth and shape their futures in aviation.
If you are interested in supporting this effort with a gift toward the new A&P program, please scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/AviationPathwaysAP.
The Aviation Maintenance Technology curriculum teaches students the maintenance and repair of aircraft mechanical systems including turbine and reciprocating engines, aircraft finishes, sheet metal, welding, landing gears, hydraulics, propellers, and more.
Students receive hands-on training at West-Mec.
2025 AVIATION SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
By Col Brandon Casey, USAF (Ret), Scholarship Selection Task-Force Chair
Each year, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum proudly awards scholarships to those aspiring to become aviators or aviation professionals. At our 2025 Scholarship Award Ceremony, we honored fourteen exceptional individuals—rising stars in aviation—whose passion and potential represent a bright future for the industry. Thanks to our generous donors, these scholarships celebrate not just achievement, but empower a new generation ready to take flight.
During the ceremony, the heartfelt gratitude expressed by this year’s recipients inspired Rick and Teresa Price to announce a $100,000 matching gift challenge whereas $100,000 will support the For Love of Country Endowment and $100,000 as a direct
$2,000 | Kailua, Hawaii
For Love of Country Scholarship
$5,500| Northglenn, Colorado
For Love of Country Scholarship
Alanah Pluchos
$6,500 | Port Orange, Florida
For Love of Country Scholarship
Anthony J. Panganiban
$5,500 | Mililani, Hawaii
For Love of Country Scholarship
Harley Lenart
$8,500 | Chapel Hill, Tennessee
pass-through to the 2026-2027 For Love of Scholarship recipients. This generous commitment has the power to transform lives.
All are encouraged to visit bit.ly/PHAMeducation to learn more of about PHAM’s extensive educational programs or visit bit.ly/ FLOCscholarship to make a direct donation to the For Love of Country Scholarship Fund to help fulfill this matching gift challenge.
We extend our deepest thanks to all our scholarship donors for their generosity, to our scholarship committee for their dedication, and our warmest congratulations to the 2025 recipients. We wish them every success and hope they’ll continue to inspire others as future leaders in aviation.
$2,000
For Love of Country Scholarship
Heather Smith
$5,500 | Honolulu, Hawaii
For Love of Country Scholarship
Connor Runkle
$8,500 | Daytona Beach, Florida
For Love of Country Scholarship
$5,500 | Pagosa Springs, Colorado
For Love of Country Scholarship
$10,000 | Maui, Hawaii
$6,500 | Morganton, North Carolina
To learn more about our scholarship program and this year's recipients on our blog, visit bitly./2025PHAM Scholarships or scan the QR code below.
Brig Gen Robert B. and Judith Maguire Scholarship
Tyler Moote
Admiral Ronald J. Hays Scholarship
Caitlin Thomas $2,000 | Mililani, Hawaii
COL. Robert P. Moore Scholarship
Iyanu Bajomo
| Prescott, Arizona
Bianca Vasquez – Abarca
$2,000 | Honolulu, Hawaii
Frank Der Yuen Aviation Scholarship
Michelle JoAnn $5,000 | Honolulu, Hawaii
COL. Robert P. Moore Scholarship
Makayla Galler
Sienna Rose
Malina Mossman
For Love of Country Scholarship
Patsuqua Xiong
Early Bird pricing ends August first!
Please join us
for this year’s For Love of Country Gala on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Step into the heart of history in iconic Hangar 79, to experience an unforgettable evening of celebration and tribute, honoring the unbreakable spirit of all service members, past and present. Indulge in a selection of fine wines paired with a gourmet culinary experience, as we come together to celebrate our nation’s heroes and the leaders of tomorrow.
Last year’s event sold out quickly—don’t miss your chance to be part of this magical event. To learn more or to reserve your spot, visit www.ForLoveofCountry.org or contact us at Gala@PearlHarborAviationMuseum.org.
Save the Date
All proceeds will support Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s mission to steward America’s WWII aviation battlefield and to honor those who have defended our freedom so we might educate and inspire future generations.
Saturday, December 6, 2025
oin us f hi ’ For Love of Country Gala on , Decem ep into the heart of history in angar 79, to experience an unforgettable evening of celebration and tribute, honoring the unbreakable spirit of all service members, past and present. Indulge in a selection of fine wines paired with a gourmet culinary experience, as we come together to celebrate our nation’s heroes and the leaders of tomorrow.
Last year’s event sold out quickly—don’t miss your chance to be part of this magical event. To learn more or to reserve your spot, visit www.ForLoveofCountry.org or contact us at Gala@PearlHarborAviationMuseum.org.
All proceeds will support Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s mission to
Historic Ford Island | 319 Lexington Blvd.