Cold War Gallery Central Hall Completed and Delivered to the Navy
31 May 2009
Kirsten Arnold

The vision is becoming a reality with the completion of the Central Hall of the Cold War Gallery. In December 2009 the Naval Historical Foundation delivered the completed exhibits to the Navy at a ceremony attended by Senator Jim Webb and former CNO and Foundation Chairman Emeritus Admiral James L. Holloway III. Foundation Chairman Admiral Bruce DeMars and Senator Webb addressed those gathered for the event, and Foundation Executive Director Captain Todd Creekman cut the ribbon with Director of the Naval History and Heritage Command, Rear Admiral Jay DeLoach. A Trident C-4 submarine ballistic missile serves as the signature artifact with an illustrated timeline featured below highlighting important Cold War dates and events. Guests can test their knowledge of NATO and Warsaw Pact countries with an interactive touch screen exhibit featuring the flags of those nations. The Ready Room Orientation Theater will offer visitors the experience of a briefing on board an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean circa 1975. Sitting in squadron ready room chairs from the USS JOHN F KENNEDY (CV 67); guests watch footage of actual aircraft launches and recoveries, and also view a dramatic ten minute video highlighting Cold War events. The Gallery is not yet open to the public as work on the North and South Halls continues. In the meantime, the Naval Historical Foundation would be pleased to offer behind-the-scenes previews to NHF members and contributors to the project. If you would like a tour, contact Dr. Winkler at dwinkler@navyhistory.org.