In South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach, Warbird Park has a fascinating collection of fighter aircraft from the United States Air Force. This space was an important base for the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing before being deactivated in 1993 when it became city property. View military aircraft for a bit of nostalgia and pay respects to the men and women from Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area who served their country.
Among the exhibits is the A-10 Thunderbolt II, also called the Warthog because admittedly it’s not the prettiest aircraft. However, it was a strong flying machine that could withstand rounds of enemy fire and keep flying. It saw action during Operation Desert Storm and was the workhorse at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. Notice the large gun turret at the front of the aircraft for attacking armored vehicles.
A supersonic jet fighter, the F-100 Super Sabre was in service from 1954 to 1971. It saw action during the Vietnam War to help destroy enemy air defense locations. The LTV A-7 Corsair II also flew in Southeast Asia and was a common sight at Myrtle Beach AFB. Look at the nose and under the wings to realize the aircraft was capable of flying with a sizeable payload of armaments.
At the Warbird Park Wall of Service, pay your respects to servicemen, servicewomen and civilians who worked at the base. Skim the list of over 2,400 names, which covers a period from 1941 to the base closure in 1993. As the list of participants grows, a second wall is being set up for additional names.
There’s also a large memorial erected by the Military Order of Purple Heart and Friends to recognize servicemen across the country.
Warbird Park is close to the southern end of Myrtle Beach Airport. Bring a picnic lunch and watch planes landing and taking off. Stores and restaurants are also within walking distance.
Visit the park during daylight hours. It is adjacent to Myrtle Beach State Park, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) south of the center of Myrtle Beach. Warbird Park admission is free.
