Commemorative Air Force

NEVER FORGET what we are capable of doing together. On 9/11, CAF staff joined 9/11 Day, AmeriCorps, and Feeding America-affiliated food banks in Houston and Dallas.

9/11 Day has transformed September 11 into the largest day of service in America, officially recognized under federal law. More than 30 million Americans dedicated time today to helping others in need and rekindling the spirit of unity that brought Americans together in the days following the 9/11 tragedy.

Howard Hughes exceeded the 350mph mark in 1935, when he flew his Hughes H-1 Special to a world record 352.39 miles per hour... and then ran out of gas.

Hughes had just finished his seventh run of the course when his 14-cylinder Wasp engine sputtered. Climbing to 500 feet, Hughes aimed for a beet field. Despite a landing speed of 80 mph, he performed a flawless “dead stick” landing, with only minor damage to the propeller and landing gear.

What do you know about Howard Hughes?

At CAF, every aircraft in our Ghost Squadron® is a storyteller. Preserving these tales from history through flight is a dynamic mission that requires your support! Your monthly donation fuels maintenance, restoration, and educational programs.

Become a sustaining donor today and help CAF soar to new heights! Visit

Support CAF The Commemorative Air Force® (CAF) was founded to preserve history by restoring historic World War II aircraft back to flying condition and to educate new generations of Americans on the value of military aviation in assuring our nation’s freedom. These airplanes, and the men and women who built,...

Dallas is one of the world’s major aviation centers, growing from the early small airfields to the home of the world’s largest airline, the world’s biggest low-cost carrier, and the fourth busiest airport based on operations.

You’ll see plenty of aircraft take to the skies at our Aviation Discovery Fest thanks to our sponsors, The Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District! Get your tickets today at aviationdiscoveryfest.org

📸 Kevin Hong, Sector K Media

It was in 1962 that JFK made his famous speech at Rice University, committing the US to land a man on the moon by the end of the decade. At the time he made that speech, the US had a total of just over 10 hours of manned spaceflight, consisting of four launches and a total of six orbits. 😳

Do any of you remember this ambitious announcement?

Some CAF activities coming up in the next couple weeks. Tour season is starting to wind down a bit, but we still have Aviation Discovery Fest and Wings Over Houston Airshow coming up in October, so there are still things to do!

Sep 12-15 • Ride the B-17 and B-25 in Owensboro, KY
Sep 14 • Planes and Horsepower 2024 in Hebert City, UT
Sep 14 • Ride the SNJ, JRB, and B-25 in Tomball, TX
Sep 14 • Hometown Rides Day & Hangar Hang Out in Houston, TX
Sep 14 • Family Day at Airbase Arizona in Mesa, AZ
Sep 14 • Speaker Series: 303 Squadron - The Untold Story of Battle of Britain in Mesa, AZ
Sep 14 • Fall Bombers Moon Ball in S. St. Paul, MN
Sep 20-22 • Ride the B-17 and B-25 in Great Bend, KS
Sep 21 • Meet Airbase Georgia at the Senoia Car Show
Sep 21 • Hangar Hang Out in Houston, TX
Sep 21 • Ride the SNJ and JRB in Woodville, TX
Sep 21 • Keep 'Em Flying 1940s Hangar Dance
Sep 21-22 • See the Corsair at NAS Oceana
Sep 24 • Ride the B-25 in Spanish Fork, UT
Sep 24 • Ride the B-17 in Albuquerque, NM
Sep 28 • Speaker Series: Sikorsky Aircraft at War in Mesa, AZ
Oct 4-6 • Aviation Discovery Fest in Dallas, TX
Oct 4-6 • AirPower History Tour Coming to Dallas TX
Oct 4-6 • Aviation Discovery Fest: That's All Brother
Oct 4-6 • Aviation Discovery Fest: B25 Yellow Rose
Oct 4-6 • Ride the SNJ and JRB in Tyler, TX
Oct 12-13 • See TBM 309 in El Paso, TX
Oct 18-20 • AirPower History Tour Coming to Tulsa OK
Oct 26-27 • See the Airbase Georgia Corsair at the Atlanta Air Show
Oct 26-27 • Wings Over Houston Airshow in Houston, TX

"The Chambermaid," a B-24J bomber from the 38th Bomb Squadron, suffered severe damage during its 36th mission over Iwo Jima on September 11, 1944. The crew, led by Lt. Bill Core, faced intense challenges, including hydraulic failures, fighter attacks, and engine fires which began with flak damage right after "bombs away."

Despite the damage (which included hydraulic failure, the loss of the top turret, and vertical stabilizer damage caused by the disintegrating turret) and the injuries to the crew, they managed the five-hour, 700-mile return to Saipan. They executed a perilous two-wheel landing since the right main gear's mechanical crank was destroyed in the attack. Without hydraulics for brakes, the crew used their own parachutes fixed to the tail to slow the plane!

Once the plane settled on the runway, the right-wing dug in, and the aircraft broke up. All 11 crew members survived, though, and were awarded the Purple Heart.

Today we are proud to honor the memory of those affected by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, by transforming a day of sorrow into one of service and community spirit. CAF members are taking part in large-scale hunger relief projects in cities across the US today in conjunction with 9/11 Day, AmeriCorps, and Feeding America-affiliated food banks across the nation.

Join us tonight for an intimate journey into the life and legacy of the great American aviator, Chuck Yeager, through the eyes of his wife, Victoria Yeager, author of "Chuck Yeager: What a Ride."

To watch LIVE tonight at 7pm Central, register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/614613147837580384

I'll take obscure aircraft for $400, Alex...

This fighter, which made its first flight in 1956 was developed as a successor to the F-100 Super Sabre. Its highly innovative design featured an air intake positioned above the cockpit, earning it the nickname “man-eater.”

Despite its advanced capabilities, including a high service ceiling, impressive rate of climb, and Mach 2 speed achieved in later tests, it ultimately lost out to the Republic F-105 Thunderchief due to the F-105's larger payload capacity.

Remember to phrase your answer in the form of a question!

Talk about a photographer being in the right place at the right time, eh? 😍

Can you name both of these CAF airplanes?



📸 Dave Barrera

Who doesn’t like to see history come to life? At Aviation Discovery Fest, you can get your hands on history in a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else. Our friends at Moore are helping to keep the legacy of the Greatest Generation alive with events like this! Get your tickets now at aviationdiscoveryfest.org

Not only did a Japanese pilot bomb Oregon, but he eventually became an honorary citizen of the town! Have you ever heard this story before???

https://www.facebook.com/sb2chelldiver/posts/pfbid0LgzkmU6t2j6jsNeqyamvSy3hKaqSeZXeN59dtFvmEzWnDJVRaC4HcYqEXuFf3hhgl

Join us for an intimate journey into the life and legacy of one of America's greatest aviators, Chuck Yeager, through the eyes of his wife, Victoria Yeager, author of "Chuck Yeager: What a Ride."

Victoria shares personal stories, untold anecdotes, and reflections on Chuck's extraordinary career, from breaking the sound barrier to his profound influence on aviation history. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, history buff, or simply curious about the man behind the legend, this episode offers a unique perspective on what it was like to live with an American hero.

To watch LIVE on Wednesday, Sept 11 at 7pm Central, register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/614613147837580384

Just 117 days after the British Purchasing Commission had authorized the construction of the prototype, North American Aviation completed the NA-73X, the first prototype of the new Mustang Mk.I fighter for the Royal Air Force. The Allison V-12 engine had not yet arrived, so the NA-73X was photographed with dummy exhaust stacks. 😎

The legendary Mustang went on to be one of the most successful fighters of WWII, with over 14,000 built in the US. Interestingly, around 200 were built in another country... do you know by whom?

Help us preserve history at CAF, where every warbird in our Ghost Squadron® tells a unique story. Maintaining and flying over 180 vintage military aircraft is a costly mission — your monthly support can make a huge difference! Become a sustaining donor today to help CAF Educate, Inspire, and Honor.

Visit:

Support CAF The Commemorative Air Force® (CAF) was founded to preserve history by restoring historic World War II aircraft back to flying condition and to educate new generations of Americans on the value of military aviation in assuring our nation’s freedom. These airplanes, and the men and women who built,...

On September 7, 1940, the Blitz on London began with a massive German Luftwaffe attack involving 348 bombers and 617 fighters. A second wave of 247 bombers followed after dark, guided by the fires from the earlier raid. Approximately 1,000 Londoners were killed on that first night.

This marked a shift in German strategy from targeting airfields to bombing population centers. Luftwaffe commanders aimed to force the RAF into defending London, believing they could destroy it in battle. The RAF's destruction was crucial for Germany's planned invasion of England. In the end, both sides suffered similar losses, but the RAF endured, preventing the invasion and causing Germany to fail in its objective.

Last weekend at the Wings Over The Rockies-Exploration Of Flight, the C-47 "That's All, Brother!" of the Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing was snapped by Lavery Av Photog - Aviation Photography and Digital Art. There's a timeless beauty in the DC-3/C-47 design, don't you think?

CAF member Tommy Hammonds of the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing was awarded a scholarship by the Benson Airport's Experimental Aircraft Association chapter. His passion and dedication for aviation continue to grow by working with the CAF. Find out his story at https://bit.ly/3XmH3LI

In case you missed this week's Warbird Tube on the F8F Bearcat of the CAF SoCal Wing, watch the replay on demand on our YouTube Channel at

CAF Warbird Tube - F8F Bearcat We are taking a closer look at the CAF’s F8F Bearcat in this week's Warbird Tube. Members of the Southern California Wing join host Steve Buss, to discuss th...

The first crossing of the English Channel by helicopter was made in 1945 when a captured German Focke-Achgelis Fa 223 V14 Drache was flown from Cherbourg to RAF Beaulieu. The US planned to transport captured aircraft back home by ship but had space on their vessel for only one of the helicopters. The RAF opposed destroying the other, so Luftwaffe helicopter pilot Helmut Gerstenhauer flew it across the channel.

The Fa 223 made two test flights at Beaulieu before crashing on October 3, when it dropped from about 60 feet above the ground. The crash was caused by a driveshaft failure, as a special tool needed to tighten the engine housing every 25 hours was not brought to England along with the aircraft, despite Gerstenhauer's warnings.

Although the Fa 223 is known for being the first helicopter to go into production, that production was hampered by the Allied bombing of the factory, and only 20 were ever built. Did you know the Germans had the first production helicopter?

Lt William H. Allen, pictured here with his ground crew, TSgt F.S. Westbrook, Sgt W.G. Holmes, and Cpl F.W. Bandy became an ace in one day in 1944.

Allen was flying his P-51D as part of the 343rd Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group, based at RAF Wormingford in England. After escorting a bombing mission to Stuttgart, his flight attacked an airfield north of Göppingen, Germany. There, Allen shot down five Heinkel He 111 twin-engine bombers as they took off at two-minute intervals. The flight of Mustangs shot down a total of 16 enemy aircraft.

Can you name any other ace-in-a-day pilots?

This year's 12 Planes of Christmas aircraft have been announced! Check out the list on our website at https://bit.ly/3yZpvfk

These upcoming CAF activities should keep you busy until fall!

Sep 3-8 • Ride the B-17 and B-25 in La Porte, IN
Sep 3-4 • AirPower History Tour Coming to Amarillo, TX
Sep 7-8 • See the Corsair in Lancaster, PA
Sep 7-8 • High Sky Wing AIRSHO
Sep 12-15 • Ride the B-17 and B-25 in Owensboro, KY
Sep 14 • Planes and Horsepower 2024 in Hebert City, UT
Sep 14 • Ride the SNJ, JRB, and B-25 in Tomball, TX
Sep 14 • Hometown Rides Day & Hangar Hang Out in Houston, TX
Sep 14 • Family Day at Airbase Arizona in Mesa, AZ
Sep 14 • Speaker Series: 303 Squadron - The Untold Story of Battle of Britain in Mesa, AZ
Sep 14 • Fall Bombers Moon Ball in S. St. Paul, MN

📸 Richard Jenkins

Join us in congratulating the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center (NAEC) on launching a brand-new webpage, "Plane Ole Knowledge," that promises to be a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, educators, and anyone with a passion for learning! This site features a collection of captivating articles that delve into the personal stories of individuals who played pivotal roles during World War II, many of which are drawn from the American Airpower Heritage Museum (AAHM) Oral History Collection. Find out more at https://bit.ly/4dHRbVg

Women took three of the top five places in the Bendix Trophy Race in 1936. Louise Thaden became the first woman to win the race when she and her co-pilot, Blanche Wilcox Noyes, flew a Beechcraft Staggerwing from New York to Los Angeles in 14 hours, 55 minutes, and 1 second.

Laura Ingalls, flying her Lockheed Orion 9D Special, finished in second place, arriving 45 minutes after Thaden and Noyes. William Warner finished third in a Vultee V-1A, George Pomeroy was fourth flying a Douglas DC-2, and Amelia Earhart and Helen Richey in Earhart’s Lockheed Model 10E Electra Special finished fifth.

We're sure you've heard of Earhart, but do you know Thaden and Ingalls?

Check out the CAF’s F8F Bearcat on this week's Warbird Tube as members of the Wing join host Steve Buss, to discuss the impressive history, importance, and current maintenance status of the Bearcat. To watch live at 7pm Central, register at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/228264552301116255

At the Cleveland National Air Races, James H. (“Jimmy”) Doolittle won the Thompson Trophy Race in 1932 flying the Granville Brothers Aircraft Company's Gee Bee Supersportster R-1. He also set a World Speed Record at nearly 300 miles per hour. Doolittle would go on to achieve even bigger feats as an aviator. Can you name one? 😉

Join us in congratulating Seabass and thanking him for his service!

https://www.facebook.com/CAFTampaBay/posts/pfbid028zo3zPLsfydfvajUPQERrKzpMX38GpM1jJ8HjFHtaWR5ksfxkgLrvEKZXoDAUgvRl

Some great news!

After several months of maintenance, the Commemorative Air Force Capital Wing announced that their assigned TBM Avenger, Dorris Mae, is back in flight status! Help us congratulate them in the comments.

Following successful flight tests, the Avenger is rejoining the Capital Wing's 2024 Tour at several cities in the Mid-Atlantic Coast. Find out more by visiting: https://commemorativeairforce.org/news/caf-capital-wings-tbm-avenger-is-back-on-flight-status

📸 Kevin Hong