CONTACT: Nicole Wahlberg, Director of Marketing & PR, Evergreen Aviation Museum (503) 434-4006 or nicole.wahlberg@sprucegoose.org
Most Significant WWII Navy Fighter, the Hellcat,
Arrives in McMinnville Today
The Hellcat, considered the most significant U.S. Navy fighter of World War II, arrives today and becomes the Evergreen Aviation Museum’s newest exhibit.
MCMINNVILLE, Ore.— Fri., June 11, 2004 - The Evergreen Aviation Museum welcomes its newest arrival, the F6F-3 Hellcat, the only F6F on display in the Pacific Northwest, and one of only 25 on display in North America. The museum’s newest addition is on loan from the U.S. Marine Corps Museums Branch and will join the “Spruce Goose” and over 50 other historic aircraft and exhibits.
“The Evergreen Aviation Museum is very excited to welcome the F6F-3 Hellcat. It will be a perfect addition to our display and a wonderful representation of the Navy’s efforts in WWII,” said Ben Kristy, Museum Curator.
Originally there were 12,275 Hellcats built. Hellcats were responsible for the destruction of more than 5,000 enemy aircraft during World War II, which accounted for 75% of all enemy aircraft destroyed by the U.S. Navy during the War (nearly all in the Pacific Theater). The Hellcat that will be on display at the museum was delivered to the Navy on January 20, 1944 and served with several fighter squadrons until the end of the war. During its short, but successful career, the Hellcat was flown by 305 aces, more than any other operational American fighter during the war. This carrier-based fighter was manned by one pilot and flew a maximum speed of 380 mph at 23,400 feet.
The Evergreen Aviation Museum is best known as the home of the world’s largest wooden airplane, the “Spruce Goose” and the SR-71 Blackbird. In addition, there are more than 50 historic aircraft and exhibits on display, along with aviation artwork, traveling displays, the Spruce Goose Café and the museum store. The Evergreen Aviation Museum’s hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily except when it is closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter. An extensive museum store and friendly café add to the Museum experience. The Museum is located at 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, across the highway from the McMinnville Airport and about three miles southeast of McMinnville, Ore., on Highway 18. Regular visitor admission is required. Call (503) 434-4180 for more information, and visit www.sprucegoose.org.