FAS R9 facilitates donation of fighter jet to new museum

April 02, 2019

By Jessica Glavin, Communications Specialist

A retired fighter jet will soon find its permanent home as the centerpiece of a new museum in Las Vegas. Region 9 Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) Personal Property Management’s Utilization and Disposal Branch recently coordinated the donation of the decommissioned Air Force F-16 B Falcon fighter jet to the State of Nevada, who will be lending the aircraft to the Land, Air, and Sea Museum. The museum was originally allocated the jet at its former location in Florida, but was unable to arrange delivery of the aircraft due to hurricane damage sustained to the museum and its artifacts.

“GSA’s Utilization and Disposal program not only allows us to find a second use for aircraft that are no longer needed by federal agencies, it also allows us to demonstrate our commitment to enhancing the public's knowledge of military history and the evolution of aircraft, in particular,” said Les Yamagata, FAS R9 Deputy Regional Commissioner.

The Land, Air, and Sea Museum will complement the nearby Land, Air, and Space Museum and will feature a variety of memorabilia and military items. The donated F-16 will be showcased in the center of the museum alongside information about the history of the aircraft.

The museum plans to fully restore the demilitarized plane before it goes on display and will capture the entire restoration process in a short documentary. Once restored, the jet will be elevated at an angle for visitors to see. 

“It’s really a labor of love to be able to restore this piece of military history,” said Michael Keister, owner of the museum. “We’re really excited to have the jet at the museum for kids and adults alike to enjoy once it’s placed on display.”

FAS Region 9 is the center of expertise for GSA in aircraft sales.