An exhibit highlighting Felix Baumgartner’s record setting 127,852 foot stratospheric parachute jump is due to open this month at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. Starting Jan. 24, Baumgartner’s balloon capsule jump-platform and pressurized spacesuit will be part of an interactive display at the museum located at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio. “This is a great way to inspire our youth to get excited about careers in science, technology, engineering, and math and show how these fields can benefit society,” said museum director Jack Hudson. Artifacts from 1960 high-altitude jump record holder Col. Joseph Kittinger—who advised Baumgartner and coached his descent—also will be on display as part of the exhibit through March 16, according to a museum release.
Former Air Force Secretary James G. Roche Dies at 86
Aug. 21, 2026
James G. Roche, the 20th Secretary of the Air Force from 2001-2005, died Aug. 4. He was 86. As Secretary, Roche led the Air Force through the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and subsequent preparations and campaigns in Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003.