The T-34 Mentor was the brainchild of Beechcraft founder Walter Beech. There was a need for a lightweight military trainer to replace WWII era primary and intermediary trainers. It was to be purchased and maintained at minimal costs yet would offer the handling of the modern fighters and incorporate many of the advanced features found in those aircraft. The T-34 was subsequently purchased by both the Air Force and the Navy.

The Museum received two T-34 aircraft (Buno 140795 and 140872) on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum for restoration. Parts from both of these aircraft are being combined to make one complete airplane, finished in Training Command yellow.