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News
I Hart Flying Foundation Launches $20,000+ National Scholarship
Pasadena, CA — April 20, 2026:
As the aviation industry faces ongoing workforce shortages and increasing demand for skilled talent, the I Hart Flying Foundation (IHFF) today announced the launch of its 2026 national scholarship cycle, delivering more than $20,000 in flight training funding, pilot equipment and industry-supported resources.
The initiative, “Access Granted: Runway to Rise,” marks the first phase of IHFF’s multi-year HART-LED: Cleared for Takeoff campaign, focused on a critical gap in aviation: ensuring aspiring pilots not only begin training, but complete it. Through...
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Air & Space Forces Association to hold Doolittle Raiders Memorial Toast
ARLINGTON, Va.(April 15, 2026)
—The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) will host the 2026 Doolittle Raiders Memorial Toast, a time-honored Air Force heritage event marking the 84th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid, the first U.S. air strike on the Japanese home islands following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The 2026 memorial toast continues a decades long tradition established by Gen. Jimmy Doolittle and the Doolittle Raiders, honoring their courage, innovation, and enduring impact on American airpower, while also highlighting the service members who continue the long range strike...
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Mile High Wing Welcomes T-28A “High Maintenance” to Its Fleet
Broomfield, CO (April 15, 2026)
- The Commemorative Air Force’s Mile High Wing has officially welcomed a new aircraft to its lineup. The North American T-28A Trojan, now known as
High Maintenance
, is proudly flying with the team.
The aircraft, registered as N92TL, arrived at the Unit in March 2026 after the CAF acquired it in late 2025. The Wing quickly began preparing it, already holding its first ground school and working toward offering ride experiences.
The CAF now operates two T-28s. The second is assigned to the High Sky Wing in Midland, Texas, which shares the story of...
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Which Bomber Did the Most Damage in World War II
During World War II, the skies were filled with the largest, heaviest, and most technologically advanced bombers the world had ever seen. Aircraft like the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, B-29 Superfortress, and Avro Lancaster didn’t just support the war effort—they helped define it.
But ask a deceptively simple question—which bomber did the most damage—and the answer quickly becomes complicated.
Because before you can answer it, you must decide what “damage” really means.
Is it the total weight of bombs dropped?
The destruction of industry?
The number of...
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Rare WWII Piper NE-1 to Cross the Channel for UK Tour
Commemorative Air Force French Wing Announces 2026 United Kingdom Tour of Historic Piper NE-1*Little Blue Cloud*
LE PLESSIS-BELLEVILLE, FRANCE (April 13, 2026)
- The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) French Wing has announced an international summer 2026 tour of its historic Piper NE-1 aircraft, “The Little Blue Cloud,” bringing a rare and deeply personal piece of World War II aviation history to audiences across the United Kingdom.
alt="Washington,...
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Five Myths About World War II Aircraft – Debunked
Most people believe these WWII aircraft myths. They’re wrong.
The Second World War saw some of the bravest aviators and most legendary aircraft of all time, but the real history is often more complex and intriguing than the tales passed down through the years. Here are five persistent myths about World War II aircraft and what actually happened.
Myth 1: The de Havilland Mosquito Was Invisible to Radar
The Mosquito, affectionately dubbed the “Wooden Wonder” due to its wooden construction, holds the enduring myth of being invisible to Axis radar. While the wood didn’t reflect radar...
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The Secret Behind Warbird Rides
Florida (March 25, 2026)
- There’s something different about seeing a World War II aircraft on the ramp… and stepping inside one.
This spring, the Commemorative Air Force’s TBM Avenger
Doris Mae
is bringing that opportunity to Florida, offering rides that turn history from something you read about into something you feel—through the vibration of the engine, the smell of oil and metal, and the view from a cockpit designed for war.
But this story isn’t just about Florida.
It’s about why these flights matter—everywhere.
More Than a Ride
Warbird rides are often...
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Lady Liberty Squadron Hosts STEM Aviation Experience for Oklahoma Aviation Academy Students
Enid, Oklahoma (March 24, 2026
) — The Lady Liberty Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) recently hosted a hands-on STEM aviation event for 26 students from the Oklahoma Aviation Academy High School in Norman, Oklahoma, providing an immersive experience designed to inspire the next generation of aviators, engineers, and aerospace professionals.
During the event, students participated in interactive learning sessions covering key aviation and STEM concepts including aviation history, aerodynamics, aircraft engines and propulsion, force and flight principles, and aircraft...
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WWII Warbird Rides at Page Field Ft Myers
Ft Myers, FL (March 24,2026)
– A WWII TBM Avenger torpedo bomber from the Capital Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) will be offering warbird rides for two days only at Page Field in Ft Myers, FL on Saturday and Sunday April 18 and 19. The airport is located at 5200 Captain Channing Page Drive in Ft Myers, less than five miles off I—78, convenient from Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, and Naples.
“We’re delighted to fly at one of the significant airports in Florida aviation history with roots going back 100 years when Page Field was on the airmail route between Tampa and Miami. The...
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When the Hangar Became a Dance Hall
Nationwide (March 10, 2026)
– During World War II, Americans gathered in unlikely places to dance. Aircraft hangars, armories, community halls, and factory floors were cleared out and transformed into dance venues for the night. Under strings of lights and the sound of swing music, thousands of young servicemen and women found a few hours of normalcy in a world at war.
These gatherings, later called hangar dances, became more than just social events. They boosted morale, fostered patriotism, and created a strong sense of community among those preparing to serve...
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Finding Healing Together: How Gold Star Parents Retreat Supports Military Families
Fort Worth, TX (March 10, 2026)
– Finding Healing Together: How Gold Star Parents Retreat Supports Military Families
For parents who have lost a son or daughter in military service, grief is a journey marked by deep isolation. It is a pain that only others who have walked the same path can truly understand.
In 2016, Beth and Terry Burgess founded...
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When the Mission Comes First: How Airshows Adapt
(March 9, 2026)
For many communities across the United States, airshows are more than just entertainment. They are opportunities for the public to meet servicemembers, see the aircraft that defend the nation, and celebrate the rich history of American airpower.
In 2026, events beyond the flightline are already shaping the early part of the airshow season.
Camarillo, CA (February 24, 2026) –
They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses - all of them trained as pilots. Because they were women, they were denied the opportunity to fly for their country when the United States entered the WWII. But Great Britain, desperately fighting for survival, would let anyone - even Americans, even women-transport warplanes.
On Saturday, February 28, the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing at Camarillo Airport will host author Becky Aikman as she follows the stories of nine of the women who...
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Where the Desert Meets Aviation History: Yuma and the Return of the Airshow
MCAS Yuma (February 9, 2026)
- With the Yuma Airshow just weeks away, anticipation is building as historic and modern aircraft prepare to return to the desert skies. This year’s event will feature the dramatic
TORA! TORA! TORA!
reenactment performance, along with several historic aircraft from the Commemorative Air Force’s Southern California Wing on static display, giving visitors a close-up look at living aviation history.
In parts of the American Southwest, aviation history is inseparable from the landscape, and nowhere is that more evident than in Yuma, Arizona. Long before...
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Texas A&M joins effort to recover historic World War II aircraft
College Station, TX (February 6, 2026)
A team from Texas A&M University is helping in an effort to recover and preserve a World War II aircraft that has been submerged in the Pacific Ocean for more than 80 years.
Texas A&M University’s
Center for Maritime Archaeology and Conservation
(CMAC) will join the
Air/Sea Heritage Foundation
, the Republic of the Marshall Islands Cultural and Historic Preservation Office, Naval History and Heritage Command, and Jaluit Atoll...
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Pioneers of Flight brings unique aircraft to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (February 5, 2026)
— A collection of early aircraft that showcase the inaugural years of powered aviation will be a special attraction at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, as the 73rd Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention comes to Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh on July 20-26.
The “Pioneers of Flight” collection features original and reproduction aircraft from the first 25 years of flight that followed the Wright brothers’ initial success at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in December 1903. The group that will be based in...
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AviationStart 2026 DreamLaunch Tour Cleared for Takeoff
Atlanta (Feb. 6, 2026)
- As the industry faces a critical workforce shortage, AviationStart Founder and FAA Ambassador Jamail Larkins is reaching middle and high school students early — supported by aviation companies and institutions investing in next-gen talent.
AviationStart
founded by pilot and FAA ambassador for aviation and space education Jamail Larkins and dedicated to expanding access to aviation and aerospace careers, today released confirmed stops for the 2026 DreamLaunch Tour. Supported by Signature Aviation, AeroShell, McFarland...
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CAF Helldiver Squadron Takes Flight
HOUSTON, TX (January 27, 2026)
— The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) proudly announces that, effective January 1, 2026, the West Texas Wing has officially become the CAF Helldiver Squadron, a name that reflects both the Squadron’s mission and the rare, historic aircraft it exists to preserve and fly
The Helldiver Squadron supports one of the world’s only airworthy Curtiss-Wright SB2C Helldivers, the U.S. Navy’s last purpose-built dive bomber and a decisive weapon in World War II. Although the aircraft has sometimes been misunderstood, history tells a far more compelling story: SB2C...
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Ground School: Where Aircrews Begin the Season
Nationwide (January 27, 2026
- When a Commemorative Air Force aircraft lifts off at an airshow or arrives over a community in a low, thunderous pass, it feels effortless. The engine sounds right. The aircraft looks steady. The crew appears calm and confident.
What most people never see is where that moment truly begins.
Before the first takeoff of the season, before the ramps fill with visitors and the calendars fill with tour stops, CAF aircrews gather in classrooms, hangars, and around quiet aircraft. This is Ground School, and it is one of the most important components of...
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Keeping Legends Alive: How Honoring Bessie Coleman Still Takes Flight
Dallas (January 27, 2026) –
Some legacies are preserved in books or museum cases. Others are carried—quite literally—by the people who refuse to let them fade.
Bessie Coleman’s legacy lives in that second category.
Born in Atlanta, Texas, Bessie Coleman grew up far from the cockpits she would one day command. When flight schools in the United States denied her admission because she was both Black and a woman, she did something extraordinary: she learned French, crossed the Atlantic, 
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Commemorative Air Force In the Community
Nationwide (January 23, 2026)
– Community engagement is one of the foundations that keep the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) flying. From volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to aviation enthusiasts who attend airshows, events, and fly in our aircraft, community involvement is essential. Across the country, each CAF Unit develops its own unique culture rooted in local support. In return, many Units find meaningful ways to give back to the communities that have continued to support them.
Airbase Georgia
Airbase Georgia is participating in Georgia’s statewide Super...
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Commemorative Air Force Partners with CORGI to Launch New Die-Cast Model Series Celebrating Historic Aircraft
Dallas, Texas (January 14, 2026)
- The Commemorative Air Force® (CAF) is proud to announce a new multi-year partnership with CORGI®, one of the world’s most respected die-cast model manufacturers, to produce a series of highly detailed scale models inspired by iconic aircraft from the CAF fleet.
The partnership comes at a landmark moment for CORGI, as 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the release of the company’s very first die-cast model. As part of the anniversary celebration, CORGI is unveiling new tooling, programming, and partnerships across its Aviation Archive and Vanguards...
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WWII Memorial in Washington closed for five months
Washington D.C. (January 12, 2026)
– The National World War II Memorial in Washington, dedicated to the 16 million members of the U.S. military, will be closed for the next five months, the National Park Service said last week.
The agency said the closure is set to address “aging infrastructure, improve reliability, and enhance the appearance of the memorial.” Construction to modernize the fountains and lighting at the site is also planned.
Dedicated on Memorial Day weekend in 2004, the memorial stands at the heart of the National Mall and draws millions of visitors...
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FAA Releases Draft Plan for Transition to Unleaded Avgas
January 12, 2026
– The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released the draft
Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline
for public comment. Pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation stakeholders are asked to review and comment on the FAA’s draft plan, which highlights many of the technical, regulatory, and logistical challenges in shifting from 100LL to unleaded fuel. (See:
The draft plan emphasizes the efforts...
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Flying Into America’s 250th: A Message for the CAF Family
Dallas TX, (January 12, 2026)
– As we begin a new year at the Commemorative Air Force, I can’t help but feel a real sense of excitement about what’s ahead.
2026 is a special year for our country. America is marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and that milestone feels especially meaningful for an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing America’s military aviation history.
If you’re reading this, you’re already part of the CAF family, and you’re in a great place to experience this historic year.
Throughout 2026, CAF aircraft and crews...
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Top Airshow Performers Commit to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (January 8, 2026)
— Some of the world’s top air show performers have made commitments to fly at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 – the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration – as part of the afternoon and night air show lineups.
Performers at the 73rd Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, scheduled for July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport, include aerobatic champions and longtime Oshkosh favorites. The event features nine air shows over seven days, including night air shows on July 22 and 25. Daily afternoon air shows are presented...
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Flying Bulls to Make Sole U.S. Appearance at AirVenture 2026
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (December 10, 2025)
— Two magnificent aircraft restorations from Austria’s The Flying Bulls collection will make their only public U.S. air show appearance in 2026 when they arrive at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh for the 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention, July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The Flying Bulls
, based in Salzburg, Austria, made the announcement on December 10 during the International Council of Air Shows convention in Las Vegas, Nevada....
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12 Planes of Christmas - Faces of Those We Honor
Dallas, Texas (December 12, 2025)
Every name has a story.
Over the years, many of you chose to give to
12 Planes of Christmas
in memory or honor of someone you love. When we read those dedications, we see so much more than a line on a donation form—we see lives lived in the air and on the ground, families who still remember, and legacies that keep inspiring new generations.
Names like Ray Kinney, Roy Christian Olson, Thomas W. Rash, Mildred “Micky” Axton, and John “Jack” Nusbaum are just a few among many. Some were wartime pilots...
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Ray Kinney, Distinguished CAF Leader and Aviator, Has Gone West
Dallas, Texas (December 3, 2025)
- The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) mourns the loss of longtime member and General Staff leader Ray Kinney, whose dedication, vision, and love of aviation shaped the organization for more than three decades.
Kinney joined the CAF in 1989 and quickly became one of its most influential advocates. A passionate supporter of World War II aviation history, he served as the lead sponsor of the P-40 Warhawk and FG-1D Corsair, personally promoting both aircraft at airshows nationwide. Through static displays and aerobatic demonstrations, he worked tirelessly...
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Military Aviation Museum Welcomes Rare WWII Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon
Virginia Beach, November 6, 2025
- The Military Aviation Museum announced the arrival of a rare World War II Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon, BuNo 37396, marking an important addition to its nationally recognized collection of historic military aircraft. The twin-engine patrol bomber, nicknamed
Island Doll
, landed at Suffolk Executive Airport after a nearly 600-mile ferry flight from Indiana, greeted by an enthusiastic group of museum volunteers who had been tracking its approach across the Midwest.
The PV-2 Harpoon played a significant yet often overlooked role in the Pacific theater during...
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Experience the Magic of Christmas Lights with CAF’s Holiday Flights 2026
(Nationwide, November 19, 2025)
- This holiday season, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) invites you to experience the festive brilliance of Christmas lights from a unique vantage point—aboard one of our historic World War II aircraft. Several CAF units are offering unforgettable night flights, combining the magic of holiday lights with the thrill of vintage aviation. These CAF Christmas Light Flights offer more than just beautiful views—they’re a journey into history aboard iconic World War II aircraft. Whether you’re flying over Texas or Arizona, you’ll create unforgettable holiday...
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WWII Veteran in new film passes at age 101
Alameda, CA (November 19, 2025)
– The USS Hornet Museum mourns the passing of Richard E. “Dick” Miralles, a distinguished World War II Navy Veteran, who passed away at age 101 on November 13, 2025 in Sacramento, California.
Miralles served as an Aviation Radioman in Air Group 11, flying from Guadalcanal as a gunner in the SBD Dauntless dive-bomber during some of the most pivotal operations in the Pacific Theater. He later continued his service aboard the escort carrier USS
Hoggatt Bay
(CVE-75). As the last surviving member of Air Group 11 from World War II, Miralles represented a...
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National Warbird Operators Conference 2026
Virginia Beach, Virginia – November 1, 2025
– The National Warbird Operators Conference (NWOC) is thrilled to announce its 2026 gathering, set to take place from February 5, 2026, to February 8, 2026, at the
Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Waterfront Suites in Virginia Beach, VA
. The annual NWOC event brings together people in the warbird community to address particular events facing warbird owners and discuss common goals related to the ever-changing economics, operations, and regulations of flying ex-military aircraft. It's an amazing opportunity to connect and network with others in...
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COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE’S GENERAL STAFF 2026 UPDATES
Dallas, TX (November 19, 2025)
– The 2025 General Membership Meeting was held on Friday, October 3 in the Fred and Barbara Clark Telling Restoration Hangar, CAF Headquarters, Dallas Executive Airport, Dallas, Texas. At the meeting, Chief of Staff Eric Zipkin shared that following the passing of a respected board member and other transitions in late September, CAF Colonels Robert Johnson and Travis Major were appointed to fill those vacancies for the remainder of 2025, and that six positions became available in this year’s election. At the meeting, Robert Johnson and Travis Major were...
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Airbase Georgia’s “Poor Little Lambs: The Baa Baa Black Sheep Story” Program Postponed
Updated: PEACHTREE CITY, GA. (Nov.11, 2025) – The previously announced presentation by aviation historian Stephen Chapis at Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia has been postponed. Originally scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, a presentation of the new Chapis book, POOR LITTLE LAMBS: The Baa Baa Black Sheep Story, will be rescheduled in 2026. Ticket purchases for the December date will be refunded.
PEACHTREE CITY, GA. (October 23, 2025) –Aviation historian Stephen Chapis will appear at Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, for a...
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Airbase Georgia Makes Major Progress on P-47 Restoration
Peachtree City, Georgia (November 4, 2025) –
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF)
Airbase Georgia
is celebrating another milestone in the ongoing restoration of its Republic P-47N Thunderbolt, one of the largest and most powerful single-engine fighters of World War II. The project continues to advance thanks to the dedication of CAF volunteers and the generosity of aviation supporters nationwide.
AC-47 Spooky Honors Vietnam Veteran at Parkway Dedication with a Flyover
Montgomery County, Texas (November 4, 2025) -
A core part of the Commemorative Air Force’s mission is to honor veterans and their service to our country. Recently, the AC-47 Spooky had the privilege of flying over a special dedication ceremony honoring fallen hero Lt. Col. Paul P. Mendes.
Mendes was honored posthumously for his lifelong contributions to both the nation and Montgomery County. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, where he served as a Green Beret. He completed three tours in Vietnam and was among the last soldiers to evacuate via helicopter after the...
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Wings Over Houston 2025 Thrills Huge Crowd
Houston (November 3, 2025) -
"This is the best day of my life!" exclaimed a little boy as he and his family made their way through the gates at Houston's Ellington Airport for CAF Wings Over Houston 2025.
The lad, who couldn't have been more than six or seven, summarized the feelings of tens of thousands of spectators as they streamed onto the ramp area. They were in for thrills galore at what has become one of the most memorable aerial demonstrations in the country.
...
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CAF Florida Wing Honors 105-Year-Old WWII Veteran
DeLand, Florida (October 10, 2025) –
Recently, the CAF Florida Wing had the privilege of flying 105-year-old World War II veteran Fred LaPonzina on a special flight in their T-34 Mentor. LaPonzina has lived an extraordinary life, and this flight was a small token of the Unit’s appreciation for a man who continues to inspire others through his remarkable service and spirit.
Florida Wing Leader CAF Col Joel Lonky piloted the flight and shared, “Today I had the honor and privilege of taking Fred LaPonzina for a flight. Fred is 105 years old and a World War II veteran with the U.S. Army...
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Something for everyone at Wings Over Camarillo
Camarillo, CA (October 23, 2025)
After missing it for several years, I was eager to attend the Wings Over Camarillo Air Show again.
One of my favorite West Coast air shows, 2025 marked the 44th year of this event. I had always enjoyed the friendly, local ambience of the show, with a busy flight schedule filled with local pilots.
With more than 100 aircraft to see, and over 50 taking to the air during the day, there was plenty for the 20,000 attendees to enjoy over the weekend of Aug. 16-17 at Camarillo Airport (KCMA) in California.Read more...
A Son’s Tribute: Reuniting with His Father’s WWII Bomber
Dallas, TX (October 3, 2025) –
In May 2025, James Vancura called the CAF Headquarters in Dallas with a simple opening: “I think you have my dad’s plane.” The aircraft in question was a B-24 nicknamed “Home Stretch,” with Charles J. Vancura serving as its copilot. Although the plane itself no longer exists, the panael containing its nose art and Charles’s name is on display at the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center (NAEC). James arranged to visit on September 25, 2025 — what would have been Charles’s 104th birthday.
Announcing the 2026 Commemorative Air Force Hall of Fame Inductees
Dallas, Texas — [October 3, 2025]
— The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is proud to announce the 2026 inductees into the CAF Hall of Fame. Established in 2010, the Hall of Fame honors members whose extraordinary contributions have significantly contributed to the organization's success and global reach. While the CAF has thrived for over 65 years thanks to the dedication of tens of thousands of volunteers, the Hall of Fame honors those individuals—both living and deceased—who have had an especially significant impact. Each year, up to two living and two deceased members are inducted...
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Aviation Icons Headline Star-Studded International Air & Space Hall of Fame Class of 2025
San Diego, CA - (September 25, 2025)
– The Goodyear Blimp, celebrating 100 years as an icon in the skies above countless cultural and historic events, Pete Bunce, former President & CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, “Flight of the Grumman Cats,” legendary fighter aircraft produced by Grumman, and Jack Pelton, Chairman and CEO of EAA and a leader throughout the aviation community for decades, to be honored at the annual star-studded International Air & Space Hall of Fame gala Saturday Nov. 8, the San Diego Air & Space Museum announced today.
Join the San Diego...
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Lt. Col. George Hardy Has Flown West
(National, September 26, 2025)
– It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Lt. Col. George E. Hardy, USAF (Ret.), on Thursday, September 25, 2025. A trailblazer, patriot, and gentleman, Lt. Col. Hardy leaves behind an enduring legacy of courage, humility, and service to both nation and community.
A Documented Original Tuskegee Airman (DOTA), Hardy answered his country’s call at just 17 years old in 1943, joining the U.S. Army Air Corps and completing flight training to become one of the youngest members of America’s first Black military aviators. His...
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Volunteers Rally to Bring Forgotten WWII Trainer Back to Life
Kansas City, KS (September 24, 2025)
– The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Heart of America Wing, feels that preserving history isn’t just about the aircraft — it’s about the people who devote their time, passion, and talent to “Keep ’em Flying.” That spirit was on full display this summer when a small group of volunteers embarked on a remarkable mission: to rescue a long-forgotten British de Havilland Tiger Moth from a dusty hangar in rural Arkansas and give it a second chance at life in the skies.
It all started with a simple message. In May, Hearts of America Wing’s Operations...
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Meet This Year’s Wings Over Houston Legends and Heroes Autograph Tent Honorees
Houston, TX (September 23, 2025)
— Did you know that within the grounds of Ellington Airport at the CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow, there is a place so special that the title doesn’t even do it justice? The Legends and Heroes Autograph Tent is one of the most treasured parts of the event history.
For nearly the entirety of the show’s 41-year history, our dedicated volunteers and staff have made it their mission to bring you some of the nation’s—and the world’s—most legendary aviation heroes. We are proud to host them year after year and give you, our airshow family, the chance to...
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WWII Tail Gunner’s Final Visit with 'Sentimental Journey'
WALLA WALLA, Wash. (September 22, 2025)
— The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Arizona had the rare honor of hosting a World War II veteran for what would become his final visit. SSgt. Harold Reed, a tail gunner who flew 27 combat missions in B-17 Flying Fortresses, visited the CAF’s iconic B-17
Sentimental Journey
during a tour stop at Walla Walla Regional Airport in early September.
Though Reed once dreamed of being a pilot, wartime needs placed him in the tail gunner’s seat—one of the most dangerous positions aboard a Flying Fortress. He endured bitter cold, enemy fire, and...
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CAF Airbase Georgia share update on P-47N Thunderbolt Restoration Project
Peachtree City, GA (September 18, 2025)
As summer draws to a close and we look ahead to fall, all of us at Airbase Georgia are grateful for your support in helping us bring the rare P-47N Thunderbolt back to life. Your generosity is fueling real progress on one of the most ambitious restoration projects in our history.
Tremendous Progress Since 2022
When Airbase Georgia acquired the P-47N Thunderbolt in 2022, we knew the road back to airworthiness would be long and demanding. With your support, our volunteers immediately began cataloging thousands of parts, repairing...
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CAF Pilot Achieves Milestone
(September 5, 2025
) A CAF pilot has done something that hasn’t been done for at least 65 years. CAF Col Mark Novak, a CAF member for over 30 years, has exceeded 1000 hours in the B-29.
Novak’s B-29 flying started on
FIFI
in 2012. After a year of flying as the Second in Command, he upgraded to Pilot in Command. He flew
FIFI
from 2012 to 2022 and accumulated 320 hours. He has returned to fly
FIFI
this year and flown some of the test flights and a tour stop amassing 331 hours in
FIFI
In 2016 as restoration of the second airworthy B-29 Superfortress was being completed by...
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Major Milestone Hit in B-24 "Diamond Lil" Restoration
Dallas, TX (September 5, 2025)
— The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) B-29/B-24 Squadron is celebrating a major step forward in the preservation of one of the world’s rarest warbirds.
Earlier this year, the squadron’s flagship B-29
FIFI
overcame unexpected engine challenges and triumphantly returned to the skies for tour season. Now, with
FIFI
flying again, all eyes are on her sister ship: the iconic B-24
Diamond Lil,
the only Liberator in the world flying regularly.
Grounded in April 2024 after routine inspections revealed weather damage to her control surfaces,
Diamond Lil
...
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Commemorative Air Force Unveils 2025 Lineup for "12 Planes of Christmas"Fundraising Campaign
DALLAS, TX (September 5, 2025)
— The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is thrilled to announce the return of its much-anticipated annual holiday fundraiser, the “12 Planes of Christmas.” Now celebrating its 10th year, this esteemed campaign offers aviation enthusiasts and history buffs a unique opportunity to support the restoration and preservation of the iconic World War II aircraft in the CAF’s fleet.
Over the last decade "12 Planes of Christmas" has garnered over $2.8 million in contributions, with last year's campaign raising an impressive $501,587. These funds have been...
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Remembering an American Hero: John "Lucky" Luckadoo, Flies West at 103
Dallas, TX (September 3, 2025)
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is saddened by the news that American hero and long-time friend of the CAF, John "Lucky" Luckadoo, has flown West at 103 years old. Lucky, who was the last surviving B-17 bomber pilot from the 100th Bomb Group during World War II, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2025. The CAF will continue to honor his legacy and others from the Greatest Generation as part of our mission.
Born in 1922, Luckadoo joined the U.S. Army Air Corps soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor. By 1943, he had earned his wings as a multi-engine pilot...
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COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE TO HOST AVIATION DISCOVERY FEST OCT. 3-4
Dallas, TX ( September 3, 2025)
– Since its inception in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has worked to preserve, protect and share the history of American military aviation. For the third year, the Dallas-based nonprofit will host Aviation Discovery Fest on Oct. 3-4 at Dallas Executive Airport. Additional opportunities for airplane rides will be available after the festival ends, on Sunday, Oct. 5.
This year’s theme for the festival is Victory – as in Victory in World War II, which the Allies declared 80 years ago, defeating the Axis powers in Europe in May 1945 and in Asia...
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Commemorative Air Force Joins AOPA in National Pause for General Aviation Safety
DALLAS, Texas (August 26, 2025)
Safety Pause Concludes Soon — Add Your Voice
The 2025 Safety Pause has been more than an internal initiative — it has become a community effort. Thanks to the collaboration between Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and organizations like the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the Association of Professional Warbird Operators (APWO), and others, we’ve expanded awareness of the importance of proactive safety culture throughout the entire warbird community.
The CAF has supported the initiative by...
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Inspiring the Next Generation: Aerospace Education Summer Camp
Conroe, TX (August 22, 2025)
– This summer, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Gulf Coast Wing led by Charles Scott Williams ignited imaginations and sparked lifelong passions through its Aerospace Education Summer Camp. Over the course of five action-packed days, 11 students immersed themselves in aviation history, cutting-edge aerospace technology, and hands-on experiences that few young people ever get to encounter.
The mission? To open doors to aviation’s future while preparing today’s youth with the skills, confidence, and inspiration to carry that legacy forward.
**A Week...
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Busting Myths One Monday at a Time
(August 22, 2025)
- Every Monday, the Commemorative Air Force sets the record straight with #MythbusterMonday—our series tackling some of the most persistent (and entertaining) legends from World War II. From Pearl Harbor conspiracies to jet fighters and even carrots granting superhuman night vision, we’ve had no shortage of tall tales to unravel.
But here’s the thing—while myths make for good storytelling, the truth is often just as fascinating, if not more so. By digging into records, research, and first-hand accounts, we not only get closer to the truth, but we also honor the...
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National Championship Air Races announce thrilling 2025 airshow performer lineup and military static displays
Roswell, NM (August 21, 2025)
– On the heels of an exciting competitor lineup, the National Championship Air Races (NCAR) have announced an outstanding lineup of airshow performers and military static displays, ensuring nonstop action both on the racecourse and in the air. These world-class acts provide edge-of-your-seat entertainment between race heats, featuring jaw-dropping aerobatics, roaring Warbirds and powerful military aircraft that celebrate both aviation history and modern innovation. To learn more about the National Championship Air Races or purchase tickets, visit...
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Take FLIGHT with AVi Soars into Delaware: A Free Youth Aviation & STEAM Experience
Wilmington, DE (August 19, 2025)
— In celebration of National Aviation Day, Aviation Influence (AVi) is proud to announce that Take FLIGHT with AVi Soars into Delaware, hosted and supported by
Atlantic Aviation
(venue host) and the
Delaware River and Bay Authority
, with presenting partners Black Women in Aviation and the Delaware Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. It will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Wilmington Airport (ILG). The event features record-breaking aviator Jamail Larkins and our LIMITLESS partner,
flyGATEWAY Aviation Institute
, offering a free,...
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Movies and TV Series Every Warbird Fan Should Watch
There’s something about the roar of radial engines, the gleam of polished aluminum, and the daring of pilots who defy gravity that makes aviation movies so unforgettable. Few things can match the thrill of a great aviation movie. Maybe it’s the sound of those old engines, maybe it’s the daring of the pilots, or maybe it’s just the joy of watching a classic warbird dance across the sky. Whatever it is, these films have a way of keeping us glued to our seats, grinning like kids at an airshow.
Here’s our list of Top 10 Aviation Movies & TV Series—a blend of warbird-heavy classics and aerial...
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A Homecoming 82 Years in the Making for WWII Hero Charles McCook
Georgetown, TX (August 5, 2025
) — Recently, the skies above Georgetown, Texas, reverberated with honor and remembrance as a local hero returned home. On August 2, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Highland Lakes Squadron and Devil Dog Squadron fulfilled a sacred mission: to welcome home First Lt. Charles Woodruff “Woody” McCook, an American hero lost for more than eight decades.
McCook, born and raised in Georgetown, served with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War...
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Wings Over Camarillo 44th Annual Airshow – Honoring Community Responders
Camarillo, CA – July 28, 2025
- The Wings Over Camarillo Airshow is back for its 44th annual event, set to take place on August 16-17, 2025, at Camarillo Airport. This year's theme, "Honoring Community Responders," pays tribute to the unwavering commitment by dedicated city and county employees and nonprofit volunteers who came to the aid of the local community members affected by this year’s disastrous wildfires.
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