This history is worth saving…and passing on.
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The men and women who built, flew, and maintained the aircraft of World War II, and the planes themselves, can never be forgotten. This is the primary mission of The Commemorative Air Force. Founded to restore historic aircraft to flying condition,. They also educate new generations of Americans, the importance of military aviation to securing our nation’s freedom.
With a fleet of over 170 airworthy planes (known as the CAF Ghost Squadron), assigned to 85 locations, they’re organized in Airbases, Wings, and Squadrons. They recreate, remind, and reinforce lessons from a defining moment in American history. And it all started with a single plane…
Lloyd Nolan and a small group ex-service pilots pooled their money together to buy a P51 Mustang in 1957. Soon, they formed a loosely defined organization to share both the joy and expense of maintaining the Mustang. Later, the group added a pair of F8F Bearcats and the mission became clear. Save an example of every plane that flew during WWII.
A few years later, the group searched in earnest for more, but it quickly became apparent that few were still in flying condition. By the end of the war, America had produced nearly 300,000 aircraft. But a few short years later, almost all the warbirds were gone. No one, not even the US Military, took on the monumental challenge of preserving the aircraft that changed the world. So, four years after inception, the CAF chartered as a nonprofit organization. By years end, the fleet had grown to nine.
Collecting aircraft for more than half a century, the CAF now ranks as one of the largest air forces in the world. Spanning every state and 28 foreign countries. Approximately 13,000 members work together to preserve more than 60 different types. Including planes from foreign services and conflicts other than WWII.
There are many different locations, but our travels took us to the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum. Started in 1977 by a small group dedicated to restoring authentic military history and to honor the heroes that protected our country. The Arizona Wing became the 10th unit in the CAF. Within a few weeks, Phoenix resident Mike Clarke donated a rare B-17G. For five years, members wandered through countless salvage yards and crash sites to restore it. Christened “Sentimental Journey”, you can book a flight in one of the actual warbirds used to secure victory generations ago.
In the first hangar, you can get up close to aircraft from at least four different conflicts covering over 100 years of mechanized flight. Next, walk across Bomber Alley to get a rare glimpse of a working maintenance hangar. Used to keep these warbirds flying, this full machine shop can shape new parts from raw materials. The best-of-the-best are keeping traditions alive and passing down knowledge to future generations. You can watch these artisans craft new parts and look into the bomb bay (or belly) of the planes.
With the “climb aboard” tour, you can get aboard and see and feel what it was like for these intrepid men and women. Additionally, the museum offers many different educational opportunities. With videos as part of some exhibits, you hear the stories in their own words. Real veterans speak of their experience in setting it all aside to take to the air and save the world for their children and grandchildren.
Located in Mesa, AZ, (outside Phoenix) the museum is a must to remember the past and price paid to ensure freedom.
2017 N. Greenfield Rd. Mesa, AZ 85215
Hours: Wednesday thru Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm