‘Incredible:’ Evansville Wartime Museum’s Huey Ride Highlights

The Evansville Wartime Museum recently celebrated its reopening with Huey helicopter rides, food, and even a visit from Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry.

READ MORE: Evansville Wartime Museum Announces Reopening

During the weekend of August 10th and 11th, the Evansville Wartime Museum welcomed the crew of the Columbus, Indiana, 1970 UH-1 Vietnam Huey Helicopter for an immersive historical experience. Throughout both days, the crew offered rides in the vintage Huey and were present to answer any questions visitors had about the Vietnam era. I was personally on one of the first flights and can only describe the experience as incredible.

Visiting the Evansville Wartime Museum

On Saturday, August 10th, I stopped by the museum to partake in the festivities, which were a lot of fun. In addition to the Huey rides, the museum also welcomed several veterans and had their grill fired up to feed all those hungry history buffs. It was great to see so many people in the community taking an interest in the event and, of course, supporting the museum's mission.

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I hadn't been to the museum in a few years, so when I first arrived, I took a look around at everything that had been added since I was last there. There was certainly a lot to see. As I was talking with one of the volunteers in front of one of the many display cases, I heard over the loudspeakers that my flight number was preparing to board. After a safety briefing, myself and seven others boarded the aircraft, with four of us sitting on each side. We were each strapped to a canvas bench which was facing outward.

I can honestly say I wasn't nervous at all before the flight. However, when I dove under the rotor to board the craft, the reality of what was happening set in. The force of the propellers had a distinct sound, and the amount of wind they stirred up was nothing short of awesome. Before boarding, our safety guide told us to "respect the propellers," because they will not respect us. I really have to tip my cap to the entire crew; they not only made all of us feel safe and secure, but were also extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer any and all questions.

What Was It Like to Fly in a Huey Helicopter?

When we began to take off, I saw the ground gradually dissapear from under my feet. As we flew above the City of Evansville, the wind was slightly chilly, but welcome none the less. The city looked beautiful from the sky, and I soaked up every second of the experience. Not only were we flying in a helicopter, we were fyling in a vintage Huey, the same type of aircraft my grandfather jumped in and out of during his time in Vietnam. The views, sounds, and even the smell of old metal made for a spectacular memory.

After the ride, my wife and I walked around the museum some more before sitting down to lunch outside the hanger. I had a smile from ear-to-ear the whole time. Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry was also in attendance and made an exciting proclaimation during her visit, dubbing August 10th as "Evansville Wartime Museum Day." It was a phenomenal event, and just one of many the museum hosts every year. Click HERE to find out how you can support the Evansville Wartime Museum.