At Offutt Air Force Base, the story of America’s strategic defense mission unfolds in the Heritage Area supporting United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). That story — rooted in the Atomic Age, shaped by the Cold War, and evolving through modern cyber, space, and nuclear operations — recently received a comprehensive modernization led by Eastern Shawnee Professional Services (ESPS).
Awarded by the U.S. Air Force 55th Contracting Squadron under a nearly $1 million firm-fixed-price contract, the STRATCOM Museum 2.0 Static Display Modernization project was designed to enhance how USSTRATCOM’s legacy and mission are presented to visitors and personnel alike.
The effort focused on transforming the Bldg. 1000 atrium space into a more cohesive, visually engaging environment. Outdated vinyl graphics, acrylic panels, and dimensional caption lettering were carefully removed and replaced with high-quality, durable materials aligned with facility standards. Custom acrylic bases were fabricated to elevate artifact displays, including the Berlin Wall plaque, while The integration of stainless steel corner protection and upgraded exhibit captioning elevates the overall aesthetic while improving long-term performance and resilience.. The result is a refreshed, professional display that more clearly communicates USSTRATCOM’s critical role in national defense.
Located within an active military installation, the STRATCOM Heritage Area is part of a secure operational environment. Access is coordinated in accordance with installation security protocols, ensuring that the exhibit serves authorized personnel, mission partners, and official visitors while maintaining base security requirements.
Beyond the physical modernization, ESPS led the development of 25 original digital videos ranging from one to three minutes in length. These segments illustrate the evolution of strategic deterrence — from early nuclear policy and Strategic Air Command to today’s global mission sets. The ESPS team conducted extensive historical research, sourced imagery and footage from federal archives including the Library of Congress and National Archives, coordinated script development with government stakeholders, and produced final videos incorporating graphics, captions, and visual enhancements.
To streamline research while preserving historical integrity, ESPS utilized AI-assisted search and image recognition tools to identify and catalog relevant archival materials across large federal databases. This approach accelerated content development without compromising accuracy — demonstrating how emerging technologies can strengthen historical preservation and storytelling.
As with many complex renovation efforts, the project required adaptive problem-solving. A late-stage modification to specialty wood veneer column lettering revealed visible mounting holes that could not be repaired through traditional methods. ESPS presented multiple options, and in coordination with the client, subcontracted the original veneer installer to fabricate uniform cherry-wood standoffs that preserved visual symmetry throughout the exhibit. Although the change required a contract modification, the project schedule remained intact — reflecting disciplined project management and strong collaboration.
The project was led by Project Manager Megan Perez-Utter, supported by historical researchers Summer Manning and Tim Beasley. ESPS partnered with Museum Arts for exhibit fabrication and installation and Moonlight Communications, a woman-owned small business, for audiovisual integration. The STRATCOM Museum 2.0 modernization reflects ESPS’s growing capability in museum services, audiovisual production, archival research, and secure installation environments. By modernizing how history is presented, ESPS helped ensure that the legacy of strategic deterrence continues to inform and inspire future generations.
