JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. –
With a background as a Naval Academy history major and a 21-year career as a commissioned infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, it is no surprise that military history is ingrained in the 305th Air Mobility Wing’s current historian.
Stuart Lockhart was recently awarded the Air Force Heritage Award for the 305th AMW’s Great Moments in History exhibit that highlights vintage memorabilia and some of the unit’s most impactful moments in history.
“I really wanted to highlight touchstones about how the ‘Can Do’ Wing came about,” Lockhart said. “I especially wanted to focus on personalities like General Curtis LeMay. He was a key influencer in the early formation of this unit and I feel it is extremely important to show Airmen the heritage they belong to.”
The Air Force Heritage Award recognizes outstanding accomplishments by Air Force History and Museums personnel that foster a better understanding and appreciation of the branch, its history, heritage and achievements.
The 305th AMW’s headquarters houses a portion of the Great Moments in History exhibit. Its foyer displays The Things They Carried, an area that showcases military clothing, personal letters, and sketches that belonged to an Airman assigned the WWII 305th Bomb Group. In the hallway to the left of the foyer, 18 metal B-17 silhouettes line the wall to depict their formation during Black Thursday, the most infamous mission of the unit exactly 78 years ago.
“History has been a lifelong passion of mine,” said Lockhart. “I feel it offers so much to the military professionals and that's one of the reasons why I'm thrilled to be here to be able to use knowledge for the betterment of the Air Force.”
Despite being responsible for most of the research efforts required to create the exhibit, Lockhart appreciates the part 305th AMW Airmen have played for him to receive recognition.
“I would like to thank the unit and its leadership,” Lockhart said. “It was a team effort. If I didn't have support from the wing, none of this would have been possible. So, for that I am, I'm very grateful.”