2025 Celebrating Aviation series on Wednesday, March 19, with a special screening of the film Heroes on Deck on the large screen Air Force Museum Theatre. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the presentation will begin at 6:00. Heroes on Deck tells the story of efforts to recover World War II fighter planes from the bottom of Lake Michigan. During World War II, with enemy submarines patrolling both coasts, the U.S. Navy came up with a bold and innovative plan to use two former coal-fired side-wheel passenger steamers transformed into “flattops” to train aviators in carrier operations in the safety of Lake Michigan. More than 15,000 naval aviation cadets trained on the lake, including future President George H.W. Bush. But not every flight or practice landing ended successfully. Serious injuries and death often resulted, and more than 100 aircraft wound up on the bottom. The film highlights the ingenious training operation, and the modern-day efforts to recover the rare warbirds lost in the lake to accidents. The presentation will feature Harvey Moshman, multi-Emmy Award winning executive producer of the film, who will introduce the film and give a presentation and take questions following the showing. Moshman was also the director of recovery photography for the film and will share his unique perspective on the project. This event is being presented in combination with the special exhibits OceanXperience and Drop in the Ocean. Attendees will be able to experience both in the 4th building exhibit at no charge following the Heroes on Deck presentation.