The Tillamook Air Museum is proud to announce we will soon be welcoming the newest addition to our ever expanding aircraft collection: a Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star! On loan from the National Museum of the United States Air Force, this two-seat jet trainer arrives as part of the Museumβs ongoing mission to grow, build, and enhance its collection for aviation enthusiasts and visitors alike.
Delivered to the United States Air Force in March 1952, the aircraft was quickly transferred to the French Air Force under the Mutual Defense Assistance Program. After completing service in France, it was returned to the USAF and processed at RAF Sculthorpe in the United Kingdom for disarmament. In 1979, the aircraft was transferred to the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, Englandβa world-class aviation museum renowned for its historic airfield and extraordinary aircraft exhibits. It was displayed in the βAmerican Air Museumβ from 1992 until 2016 and was later returned to the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
βWeβve listened to our visitors and recognize the strong interest in seeing new aircraft added to the collection,β said Christian Gurling, Curator at the Tillamook Air Museum. βThe T-33 is a refined, historically significant aircraft that represents a transformative era in aviation. Its addition supports our continued efforts to curate a dynamic and relevant experience for the public, offering something new to discover with each visit. Weβre proud to welcome it as part of our long-term vision to grow and enrich the museum.β
The Museum sincerely thanks Sarah Sessions and Mike Rowland of the National Museum of the United States Air Force for their coordination and dedication in making this loan possible.
βThis aircraft reflects exactly the kind of high-quality, story-rich addition we strive to bring to Tillamook,β said Museum Director Rita Welch. βThe T-33 tells the story of postwar innovation, Cold War alliances, and a global transition to the jet age. It also helps us honor the thousands of pilots who trained in this type of aircraft. Our mission is not just to preserve aviation history, but to make it accessible, inspiring, and memorable for every visitorβand this is another great step in doing just that.β
The airplane has just been picked up in Ohio, and we anticipate its arrival at the Museum in the coming days. When it arrives it will be painstakingly reassembled after shipment and placed on display. Stay tuned to our social media for more information on the T-33βs forthcoming arrival and display!
About the Lockheed T-33:
Developed from the P-80 Shooting Star, the T-33 served as a vital transitional trainer during the early jet age. Used by over 30 countries, its sleek lines and reliability helped usher in the modern era of military aviation.
Photo courtesy: David Whitworth