TV Guide Smithsonian Thursday

An exploration of the typically dangerous conditions at Ted Stevens International Airport in Alaska highlights the dedicated crews that keep passengers safe.

An exploration of the typically dangerous conditions at Ted Stevens International Airport in Alaska highlights the dedicated crews that keep passengers safe.

High-profile air disasters are examined through computer graphics, re-enactments, and accounts from witnesses, including their emotional aftermath.

High-profile air disasters are examined through computer graphics, re-enactments, and accounts from witnesses, including their emotional aftermath.

High-profile air disasters are examined through computer graphics, re-enactments, and accounts from witnesses, including their emotional aftermath.

High-profile air disasters are examined through computer graphics, re-enactments, and accounts from witnesses, including their emotional aftermath.

High-profile air disasters are examined through computer graphics, re-enactments, and accounts from witnesses, including their emotional aftermath.

Engineers and designers reveal the details surrounding the evolution of vessels over time and how various conflicts prompted advances to be made.

Engineers and designers reveal the details surrounding the evolution of vessels over time and how various conflicts prompted advances to be made.

Engineers and designers reveal the details surrounding the evolution of vessels over time and how various conflicts prompted advances to be made.

Engineers and designers reveal the details surrounding the evolution of vessels over time and how various conflicts prompted advances to be made.

Engineers and designers reveal the details surrounding the evolution of vessels over time and how various conflicts prompted advances to be made.

Engineers and designers reveal the details surrounding the evolution of vessels over time and how various conflicts prompted advances to be made.

Engineers and designers reveal the details surrounding the evolution of vessels over time and how various conflicts prompted advances to be made.

Engineers and designers reveal the details surrounding the evolution of vessels over time and how various conflicts prompted advances to be made.

Engineers and designers reveal the details surrounding the evolution of vessels over time and how various conflicts prompted advances to be made.

Engineers and designers reveal the details surrounding the evolution of vessels over time and how various conflicts prompted advances to be made.

Engineers and designers reveal the details surrounding the evolution of vessels over time and how various conflicts prompted advances to be made.

Engineers and designers reveal the details surrounding the evolution of vessels over time and how various conflicts prompted advances to be made.

Interviews and rarely seen combat footage tell the stories behind the aircraft the CIA, the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Air Force depend on.

Interviews and rarely seen combat footage tell the stories behind the aircraft the CIA, the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Air Force depend on.

Interviews and rarely seen combat footage tell the stories behind the aircraft the CIA, the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Air Force depend on.

Interviews and rarely seen combat footage tell the stories behind the aircraft the CIA, the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Air Force depend on.

Interviews and rarely seen combat footage tell the stories behind the aircraft the CIA, the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Air Force depend on.

Interviews and rarely seen combat footage tell the stories behind the aircraft the CIA, the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Air Force depend on.

Interviews and rarely seen combat footage tell the stories behind the aircraft the CIA, the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Air Force depend on.

Interviews and rarely seen combat footage tell the stories behind the aircraft the CIA, the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Air Force depend on.

Interviews and rarely seen combat footage tell the stories behind the aircraft the CIA, the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Air Force depend on.

Interviews and rarely seen combat footage tell the stories behind the aircraft the CIA, the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Air Force depend on.

Interviews and rarely seen combat footage tell the stories behind the aircraft the CIA, the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Air Force depend on.