The Florida Air Museum, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today for the grand opening of a new exhibit, NOAA: Where Science Meets Service. Over 100 attendees were on hand at the museum to take part in the festivities.
About the Exhibit
Photo by R. Stiltner
The exhibit includes artifacts from the agency’s rich history and highlights the many ways in which NOAA and its employees serve the nation each and every day. Many of the NOAA employees attended the event in show of support of the special relationship they share not only with the Aerospace Center for Excellence (of which Aerospace Discovery at the Florida Air Museum is a part) but with the Lakeland Linder International Airport which is home to the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center (AOC), home to the well-known NOAA Hurricane Hunters.
Aerospace Center for Excellence and SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In President / CEO John “Lites” Leenhouts shared, “The NOAA exhibit is an example of the strong business partnerships we have forged here at the airport. The positive economic impact attributable to the social enterprise that the Aerospace Center for Excellence has created coupled with the career opportunities available for our students reinforces why we are focused on ensuring they are prepared to take on tomorrow’s aerospace challenges through our programs and scholarships.”
NOAA, State and City Officials on Hand
Leenhouts welcomed Captain Timothy Gallagher, Commanding Officer of the NOAA AOC, who reiterated NOAA’s contribution to keeping citizens informed of the changing environment around them. He encouraged everyone to visit the museum to learn how NOAA’s mission “truly reaches from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean.” Representatives from Congressman Ross’ office (Shelee Meeker), Senator Nelson’s office (Lizy Price) and Senator Rubio’s Office (Taylor Sanchez) were joined by City of Lakeland Commissioners Bill Read, Michael Dunn and Scott Franklin as well as Airport Director Gene Conrad, further demonstrating the importance of this symbolic event.
The traveling exhibit, NOAA: Where Science Meets Service, will be at the Florida Air Museum for approximately one year. Learn how you can support STEAM and aerospace education by supporting the museum.
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