After Heritage Halls closed in 2001, the museum's future was unclear, and the City of Owatonna believed the T-38 Talon Thunderbird jets should be moved to Owatonna Degner Regional Airport. The airport was considered the natural and appropriate location for the jets, and Buzz Kaplan had spent many hours there flying and restoring antique aircraft. Through the efforts of many contributors, the planes were relocated to the airport to serve as an Owatonna landmark greeting visitors for many years to come.