New director takes over at Air Force museum

The Air Force has named Senior Executive Service member and retired Air Force Lt. Gen. John “Jack” L. Hudson as director of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, effective Dec. 16.

He will replace Senior Executive Service member and retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Charles D. Metcalf, who will retire Dec. 31, 2010.

“It is an honor to be selected as the next museum director and to have the opportunity to help move the museum forward on the foundation that General Metcalf built so well,” General Hudson said. “These are exciting times at the museum, with plans for growth of museum exhibit space, potential for enhanced educational (including STEM) programs, and the possibility of acquiring a space shuttle orbiter and associated artifacts.”

General Hudson currently serves as Deputy Director, National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. In this job, he assists in the planning, organizing and directing of the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum, portraying the heritage and traditions of the Air Force through specialized exhibits.

Prior to joining the museum, he served as Commander of the Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, before his retirement in October 2009 in the grade of lieutenant general. He also held assignments as Program Executive Officer and Program Director, Joint Strike Fighter Program, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition; and Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs.

As director, General Hudson will manage the museum’s 17-acre campus that includes more than 1 million square feet of public exhibit space, more than 500 aerospace vehicles, and 78,000 artifacts. He will also provide technical and professional guidance to the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program, which includes 12 field museums and 260 domestic and international heritage sites, accounting for nearly 43,000 items on loan. Additionally he will ensure accountability for more than 6,400 historical artifacts and aerospace vehicles on loan to 474 civilian museums, cities, municipalities and veterans’ organizations throughout the world.

A change of director ceremony is scheduled for Dec. 16. For more information: NationalMuseum.af.mil