About 50 juniors and seniors from Yorktown High School, accompanied by eight staff members from Yorktown Independent School District, traveled to the National Museum of the Pacific War for an educational field trip focused on World War II history on April 23.
Upon arrival, senior students gathered at the museum’s War Zone Re-enactment Area, where they were welcomed by docent Al Spangler. He provided an in-depth discussion of the Pacific Theater during World War II, offering context and insight into the strategies, conditions, and key events that shaped the conflict. Students also explored the Carrier Aviation Exhibit, which features a fully restored TBM Avenger torpedo bomber, as well as the PT Boat Exhibit, home to the PT-309, one of the few remaining operational patrol torpedo boats that saw active service during the war.
Meanwhile, junior students toured the museum’s Bush Gallery under the guidance of docent Sam Holmes. The gallery provides an immersive and interactive exploration of the War in the Pacific, incorporating multimedia displays, historical artifacts, and educational exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages.
Among the gallery’s most notable artifacts are the HA-19, a Japanese midget submarine involved in the attack on Pearl Harbor; a hatch recovered from the USS Arizona, one of the battleships sunk during the attack; and a “Fat Man”–style atomic bomb casing, like the one used in the bombing of Nagasaki in August 1945.
After approximately one hour, the junior and senior groups exchanged tours, ensuring all students had the opportunity to experience both the outdoor exhibits and the Bush Gallery.
Faculty members reported that the trip was both educational and engaging, with students demonstrating strong interest in the historical material and artifacts presented throughout the visit.
Senior Kyle Stehling said, “I thought it was pretty interesting! We got to see the actual size of a World War II airplane, a World War II boat, a Japanese mini-sub, and the casing for an atomic bomb.”
Senior Jett Rodriguez said, “I thought it was nice and fun. The coolest thing I saw was the Japanese mini-submarine from Pearl Harbor, because it is an actual piece of history.” Senior Matthew Olguin said, “I liked the renovations that had been made to the museum. The interactive screens were a great idea and made the experience so much better. The tour guides were very good. They knew their information, and I learned so much.”
Junior foreign exchange student, Diana Mockova from Slovakia, said, “I found it to be very interesting, because in my country, the museums only talk about what happened in Europe and the Holocaust when it comes to World War II. So, I learned a lot from this trip.”
Junior Rylie Krueger said, “I really enjoyed it because I love history, and it was amazing to see it all. I especially liked seeing the atomic bomb casing!'
This is the second year Yorktown has provided students with this opportunity, and it hopes to continue to do so.
Yorktown juniors Colt Speed, Kolton Eckhardt, Kason Sullivan and Averie Vargas get a close look at the casing for the 'Fat Man' atomic bomb. Courtesy Photo
