An insightful exhibit at the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) Headquarters offers a journey through the history and evolution of Air Force uniforms, with a special focus on the iconic Blue Uniform Air Force personnel have proudly worn for decades. Located in Building 262 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, this display uses images to showcase the remarkable transformations in Air Force attire from the 1940s to the present day, highlighting AFMC’s crucial role in the uniform development process.
To delve deeper into the details of each uniform featured, visitors can explore descriptions linked to each image in the exhibit. A comprehensive collection of uniform images is also readily available in the uniform image gallery provided on the exhibit’s webpage.
Featured Display: Vietnam-Era K-2B Flight Suit
A prominent piece within the exhibit is the Vietnam-era K-2B Flight Suit, generously donated by Col. Walter Boyne, USAF, Retired. This blue uniform flight suit represents a significant era in Air Force history and the evolution of flight gear.
Walter J. Boyne, a celebrated author and aviation historian, served in the Air Force from 1951. His distinguished career included serving as a bomber pilot with thousands of flight hours, flying B-50s and B-47s in the Strategic Air Command, and working as a nuclear test pilot with the 4925th Nuclear Test Group at Kirtland Air Force Base, piloting both B-47 and B-52 aircraft. After retiring in 1974, Boyne continued his contributions to aviation as a curator and later director of the National Air and Space Museum from 1983 to 1986. His legacy is honored through numerous accolades, including the Bronze Star and induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2007.
Boyne Flight Artifacts: Glimpses into Aviation History
The exhibit also displays a collection of flight artifacts from Col. Boyne, providing a more personal look into the equipment used by Air Force pilots. These items offer a tangible connection to the past and complement the blue uniform exhibit by showcasing the gear associated with flight operations.
Flight bag
handbook photo
B-47E Flight Handbook
flight navigation tool
flight helmet and mask photo
flight handbook
inside of flight helmet photo
helmet photo
Uniform Image Gallery: A Visual History of the Blue Uniform Air Force and More
The Uniform Image Gallery expands upon the physical exhibit, offering a digital archive of Air Force uniforms. While only a selection of images are displayed, the gallery provides a broader view of the diverse range of uniforms used throughout Air Force history, including various iterations of the blue uniform.
Among the featured uniforms are historical examples like the Summer Bush Uniform and the Women in the Air Force Seersucker uniform, contrasting with modern uniforms such as the Current Air Force Service Dress, Current Air Force Blues Uniform of the Day, and the Airman Battle Dress Uniform. This collection visually represents the evolution of Air Force attire, from early khaki experiments to the now-standard blue uniform and camouflage patterns.
The exhibit and image gallery serve as valuable resources for understanding the heritage and changes in Air Force uniforms, particularly the enduring blue uniform air force personnel wear, symbolizing their commitment and service. Visitors can explore this rich history and appreciate the AFMC’s role in shaping the appearance of the US Air Force.
