Efforts to create a more inclusive and interactive Vietnam Experience exhibit are well underway at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. The new exhibit is on schedule to open in November. It will include replicas of a Vietnam-era U.S. Navy advanced tactical support base (Brown Water Navy) and a U.S. Marine Corps artillery firebase.
The first major change to the Vietnam Experience was the addition of a lagoon and the rare MK1 River Patrol Boat (PBR) that is now floating in it. Palm and bamboo trees and other vegetation have been added to make the exhibit even more realistic.
A refuge bunker and fire command bunker have been custom built and will be air-conditioned and house an immersive and interactive experience that will allow visitors to truly experience the sights and sounds of the time. Nearby, the observation tower has been reconstructed to allow visitors to climb the stairs and get the feel of the lookout tower with a replica .50 caliber machine gun and other hands-on experiences.
Work continues on the mess hall, hooch, com station and medical building that will all combine to give visitors a true Vietnam Experience. The exhibit will include sights and sounds throughout to truly bring the experience to life.
Other new additions to the exhibit include a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, 105 Howitzer gun and M725 ambulance. The “Seawolves” monument and UH-1M Huey will be relocated to a more visible location in honor of the “Seawolves” of HAL-3.
More renovations and additions are expected over the next month as we continue to build this compelling new exhibit to recognize and honor veterans of the Vietnam War. This new exhibit will bring history to life in new ways and also provide a place for Vietnam veterans to reflect on their own experiences while providing an understanding of the Vietnam War for all who did not serve.
Check out recent pictures of the exhibit work in progress:
