The appearance of Air Force personnel has always been a point of pride and professionalism. A new exhibit at the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) Headquarters offers a unique journey through the history and transformation of Air Force clothing, emphasizing the command’s crucial role in the uniform lifecycle. Located in Building 262 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, this exhibit showcases a diverse collection of uniform images spanning from the 1940s to the present day, providing a visual narrative of the Us Air Force Dress Uniform and beyond.
To gain deeper insights into each uniform featured, visitors can interact with the displayed images to access detailed descriptions. Furthermore, a comprehensive uniform image gallery is readily available on the exhibit’s webpage, allowing for an extensive exploration of Air Force attire through the years.
Featured Display: A Glimpse into the Vietnam Era
Vietnam-era K-2B Flight Suit
Donated by Col. Walter Boyne, USAF, Retired
One of the exhibit’s highlights is the Vietnam-era K-2B Flight Suit, generously donated by the late Col. Walter Boyne. This artifact offers a tangible connection to a significant period in Air Force history. Walter J. Boyne was not only a decorated Air Force veteran but also a renowned author and aviation historian. His distinguished career began in 1951, serving as a bomber pilot with thousands of flight hours. Boyne’s service included roles as a B-50 and B-47 combat crew member in Strategic Air Command and 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, he transitioned to the National Air and Space Museum, eventually becoming its director from 1983 to 1986.
Col. Boyne’s contributions were widely recognized through numerous national and international accolades, including the Bronze Star, induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame (2007), a lifetime achievement award from the Air Force Association (2010), and induction into the American Combat Airman Hall of Fame (2011), alongside various literary awards. His flight suit represents not just a uniform, but a piece of aviation history embodied by a remarkable individual.
Boyne Flight Artifacts: Personal Items of a Flying Legend
Complementing the flight suit, the exhibit also features a collection of Col. Boyne’s personal flight artifacts, offering a more intimate look into his life as a pilot. These items include his flight bag, flight handbooks (including one for the B-47E), a flight navigation tool, and his flight helmet and oxygen mask. These artifacts provide context and humanize the history of Air Force uniforms, showing the equipment used alongside the attire.
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 Compendium of Air Force Attire
The exhibit’s online image gallery serves as a rich resource for those interested in the diverse history of US Air Force dress uniforms and other attire. While only a selection of images are presented here, the full gallery showcases a broader spectrum of uniforms, from historical examples to contemporary designs.
Among the featured uniforms in the expanded gallery are:
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#3: Summer Bush Uniform (505s): The Air Force’s initial attempt at a khaki uniform in the 1950s-60s. This “Bush Uniform” was part of the 505 series, which included various combinations for different climates and occasions. While intended as a practical summer dress uniform, its wrinkle-prone nature led to its phasing out in favor of the 1505 series.
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#30: Current Air Force Service Dress: Representing the modern standard, the current Air Force Service Dress uniform embodies today’s regulations and aesthetic standards.
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#31: Current Air Force Blues Uniform of the Day: The “Blues” uniform is a staple, and the gallery includes the current iteration of this widely recognized US Air Force dress uniform.
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#33: 2007-2021 – Airman Battle Dress Uniform (ABU): Although no longer in service, the ABU represents a recent chapter in Air Force uniform history, designed for combat and utility purposes.
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#35: Current Air Force Mess Dress (Men’s): For formal occasions, the Mess Dress uniform is the highest standard of US Air Force dress uniform, and the gallery includes the current men’s version.
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#36: Women in the Air Force Seersucker (1950s-60s) with Tunic: Highlighting the evolution of women’s uniforms, the seersucker uniform of the mid-20th century, including a rare tunic variation, is featured.
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#47: Air Force Woodland Camouflage Battle Dress Uniform (BDU): Preceding the ABU, the woodland camouflage BDU served the Air Force from 1981-2011, representing a significant era in field uniforms.
This exhibit and its accompanying online gallery provide an invaluable resource for understanding not only the history of the US Air Force dress uniform but also the broader context of military attire evolution and the AFMC’s role in shaping it. By showcasing these uniforms, the exhibit honors the heritage and dedication of Air Force personnel throughout history.
