Commemorative Air Force Capital Wing

Win a Once in a Lifetime Experience to fly in a WWII P-51 Fighter!

Here's a way to support both the First Flight Society and Air Base Georgia through a Sweepstakes donation to win a ride in P-51 "Red Nose" and funds to travel to ABG! https://www.tapkat.org/first-flight-society-inc/Q5vq09?promo=CWCAF2

Win a Once in a Lifetime Experience to fly in a WWII P-51 Fighter! This is your chance to fly in the same type of aircraft as some of our First Flight Society Honorees such as Brig. Gen. Charles Yeager, USAF, the “Red Tail” Tuskegee airmen, including Gen. Benjamin Davis, USAF (the 2022 Honoree), and Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, USAF, as well as such other famous N...

Happy 247th Birthday, U.S. Navy!

WHAT A WAY TO END THE AIR SHOW SEASON!

The Capital Wing's final event of the season was Saturday's Culpeper Air Fest. As always, our home airport's annual air show was not to be missed! We had great weather, flying, a lot of planes to look at, including our own warbirds and large crowds.

Thank you, to those that visited our aircraft, learned about history, made purchases at our PX or donations to our planes.

If you are considering joining the Capital Wing, Regional Airport is where our planes are hangered. More information on joining can be found at www.capitalwingcaf.org/become-a-member.

We are usually at the hangar every Saturday. If the door is open, feel free to come inside and visit. You can also schedule a visit by messaging or emailing us through this page.

Another fun, yet busy weekend for the Capital Wing is in the books.

Saturday the Wing attended the Leesburg Airshow. Our members were nearly overwhelmed by show attendees interested in warbirds!

The Capital Wing was also fortunate enough to be in the company of two U.S. Army Air Forces, World War II C-47 Skytrain transports. The Air North DC-3 Yukon Sourdough and Air Heritage Inc. are both organizations that share a common goal with the CAF, of honoring our veterans, sharing World War II history and inspiring youth.

Interested in becoming a Capital Wing member? Visit commemorativeairforce.org/pages/CAF%20membership

"Tower, this is Ghost Rider, requesting permission to park on the ramp."

"That’s a negative, Ghost Rider; the ramp is full!"

On Wednesday afternoon, several Capital Wing volunteers performed a “deep cleaning” operation on the hangar floor. All or most aircraft and equipment were pulled onto the ramp to thoroughly clean those “nooks and crannies.” This is one of many facets of aircraft maintenance that must be performed from time to time. Our members performed this task in preparation for several events that will be utilizing the Capital Wing hangar in the next few weeks. We can’t thank the team enough for all of their hard work!

Interested in becoming a member of our team? Join us at the Leesburg Airshow to see our aircraft and members in action and get the latest information from our recruitment team! To learn more about membership to the CAF, visit; https://commemorativeairforce.org/pages/CAF%20membership

Did you see our aircraft display, turret, and PX at the Dulles Plane Pull or catch a ride in the Stearman at the Lancaster Airport Air Show this past weekend? If not, here’s what you missed.

Your next chance to see our aircraft and amazing volunteers will be on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Leesburg Airshow!

This past Saturday's event at the 2022 Hagerstown Wings and Wheels Expo – Presented by Hagerstown Aviation Museum was fantastic!

Our planes, pilots, and volunteers came out in full force to make this a great event, and we were indeed busy all day - the Wing sold every ride offered in the Fairchild UC-61 and PT-17 Stearman!

Thank you, Hagerstown Aviation Museum and John Seburn for making us a part of this year's Wings & Wheels Expo.

The next event for the Capital Wing will be at the Dulles Plane Pull on Saturday, Sept. 17.

For more information on the Plane Pull visit: www.specialolympicsva.org/plane-pull

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SATURDAY?

Join us Saturday, along with the Hagerstown Aviation Museum where we are keeping history alive!

Volunteers from the will be attending the 2022 Hagerstown Wings and Wheels Expo! Along with them will be the Capital Wing's Fairchild 24/J2K-2, Martin gun turret and PX!

The Wing's Fairchild J2K-2 commemorates the four Fairchild J2Ks assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard in 1936.

Following the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States entered World War II. By January 1942, German U-Boats had begun an all-out assault on shipping off the east coast of the United States. This was an attempt by the Germans to keep much-needed war supplies from reaching England. The Americans called it "Torpedo Junction," the Germans, "Devil's Gorge." Historians simply call it the "Battle of the Atlantic." It was here off the east coast of the United States that the Coast Guard's J2Ks became sub-hunters!

For more information visit,
www.facebook.com/events/400529595454285

THE BT-13 ENGINE HAS ARRIVED!

The has received the freshly overhauled Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior radial engine, to be mounted on the BT-13. This is a huge step forward towards retuning the BT-13 to flight!

While this is a major milestone in the restoration of the BT-13, there are still many parts that need to be purchased to complete the restoration. An engine accessory cowl, a carburetor hot air m**f, an oil cooler, hoses, a battery, and paint for the new cowls are just a few of the items still needed to complete the .

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We are seeking donations totaling $10,000, to be matched, to cover the remaining cost of returning the BT-13 to flight. For more information on this significant aircraft and to donate, visit

www.capitalwingwarbirdrides.org/bt-13-valiant

Keeping a flying museum in flying condition is a lot of work. And we love what we do.

The Commemorative Air Force Capital Wing is a 501.3c non-profit organization. All of our members volunteer their time, talent and finances in order to keep history alive.

Currently, we are working towards restoring our BT-13 Valiant trainer back to flying condition. From September 1939 to mid-1944 a total of 11,537 Valiants were built for the US Army Air Corps and the US Navy. Of those, only about 40 Valiants are believed to still be flying today!

Members of the have thus far raised over $50,000 to have our Valiant's engine overhauled. We are looking to raise and additional $10,000 in funds which will be matched, to finish the restoration.

Here's where YOU come in.

By DONATING to the Capital Wing's BT-13 Valiant fund, you will be added to a priority list to be among the first to purchase a discount ride in the Valiant, once it has returned to the air! Better still, that donation is tax deductible!

Visit www.capitalwingwarbirdrides.org/bt-13-valiant for more information and to donate to the Capital Wing's BT-13.

We know it may be early to start thinking about Christmas, but our BT-13 Vultee Valiant made this year's Commemorative Air Force "12 Planes of Christmas!"

The fundraising campaign will officially launch on Nov. 29 () and run throughout December 2022. If you would like to give a bit early, you can by visiting this link:
https://www.capitalwingwarbirdrides.org/bt-13-valiant.

Every person who donates to the BT-13 Valiant fund will be on a 'Priority' list to be among the first to purchase a discount-priced Warbird Ride in the aircraft during our 2023 season.

This past weekend, members of the Capital Wing Maintenance Team braved the heat to keep 'em flying. The crew worked 'squawks' on the TBM Avenger and put a game plan together for the imminent return of our freshly overhauled R-985 engine for the BT-13!

Our BT-13 Vultee Valiant, painted in the color scheme used at Tuskegee Army Air Field, is our Wing's tribute to the men trained at Tuskegee, like Honorary Member Brigadier General Charles McGee and those of .

We look forward to having the BT-13 back in the air in 2023. There’s still a lot of work to be done and parts needed to continue its restoration and YOU can help us get it flying again! The Wing has already self-funded $50,000 for the engine overhaul, but we need to raise an additional $10,000. So, every person who donates to the BT-13 fund will be on a 'Priority' list to be among the first to purchase a discount-priced ride in the BT-13. www.capitalwingwarbirdrides.org/bt-13-valiant

This math adds up, Wright? Happy National Aviation Day!

Since 1939, August 19 has been celebrated as , the legacy of a presidential proclamation first made by Franklin D. Roosevelt. The day was selected because it was Orville Wright’s birthday, and the decision to revel in all things aeronautical came at an exciting time in aviation history.

This past weekend's "Bikes, Wings & Wheels" event was a huge success! Thanks to everyone that brought out a bike, car, or plane to help take part in our yearly event! We look forward to next year's being even bigger & better!

Also, thanks to our show display participants; Cruisin For Heroes, Piedmont Military Vehicle of Virginia's Garage, Hepcat Honeys, the Rotary Club of Bailey's Crossroads, VA, Freedom Museum, Fighting Colors Collection Shop, and food vendors EAA Chapter 186, TACOS VIP, Funnel Cake Cafe, LLC, and to Flying Ace Farm for brewing up the now iconic "Doris Mae IPA."

We would love to see your photos and videos of the event in the comments! Also, if you missed out on a ride in one of our warbirds, visit www.capitalwingwarbirdrides.org for our future ride stops.

Win a Once in a Lifetime Experience to fly in a WWII P-51 Fighter!

Enter for a chance to win a ride in the Airbase Georgia P-51 "Red Nose" and support the First Flight Society. Donations made by 29 Aug will receive an additional 25% entries!

Win a Once in a Lifetime Experience to fly in a WWII P-51 Fighter! This is your chance to fly in the same type of aircraft as some of our First Flight Society Honorees such as Brig. Gen. Charles Yeager, USAF, the “Red Tail” Tuskegee airmen, including Gen. Benjamin Davis, USAF (the 2022 Honoree), and Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, USAF, as well as such other famous N...

Introducing the "Doris Mae IPA"!!! Don’t miss your chance to get this Limited Edition can at our 3rd Annual “Bikes, Wings & Wheels” show!

Come see the TBM Avenger 'Doris Mae' and the nose art that inspired this unique can! There will be cars, bikes, live music, raffles, pin-up models, and vintage aircraft & vehicles on display - truly an event you don't want to pass up! Entry is FREE to the public & tickets for cars/bikes are still available at https://bit.ly/3OZR1Ms.

Will you be one of the lucky one's walking away with this UNIQUE trophy from our 3rd Annual "Bikes, Wings & Wheels" show? Here it is in mid-production by famed nose art artist Gary Velasco (www.fightingcolors.com), who will also be at the show with some other pieces of his fine artwork.

Entry is FREE to the public & pre-entry tickets for cars/bikes are still available at https://bit.ly/3OZR1Ms. The first 75 entries will receive a commemorative dash plaque for participating and multiple awards will be given in both car and bike categories.

Coming to our "Bikes, Wings & Wheels" Show on Saturday & worried about being hungry? Don't fret - the EAA Chapter 186, TACOS VIP, & Funnel Cake Cafe, LLC food trucks will be on hand to give you plenty of options from hamburgers & hot dogs to Mexican food and funnel cakes with loads of toppings!

Entry is FREE to the public & pre-entry tickets for cars/bikes are still available at https://bit.ly/3OZR1Ms. The first 75 entries will receive a commemorative dash plaque for participating and multiple awards will be given in both car and bike categories.

Want to help support military families? The Cruisin For Heroes (www.cruisinforheroes.com) is a group that provides vehicle displays to raise awareness and funding for the Fisher House Foundation & charities that support our Military and First Responders. Come check out their wide variety of classic and specialty vehicles this Saturday at our Capital Wing 3rd Annual "Bikes, Wings, & Wheels" Show! Bumble Bee will even 'bee' attending!

Entry is FREE to the public & pre-entry tickets for cars/bikes are still available at https://bit.ly/3OZR1Ms. The first 75 entries will receive a commemorative dash plaque for participating and multiple awards will be given in both car and bike categories.

Do YOU know what these WWII vehicles are named? If not, come to our 3rd Annual "Bikes, Wings & Wheels Show" on Aug. 13 and find out firsthand from the Piedmont Military Vehicle of Virginia's Garage while talking with WWII re-enactors from the Central Virginia Timeline Association. There will be several WWII vehicles present & you can even get a ride in a WWII Jeep! Entry is FREE to the public & pre-entry tickets for cars/bikes are still available at https://bit.ly/3OZR1Ms. The first 75 entries will receive a commemorative dash plaque for participating and multiple awards will be given in both car and bike categories.

in 1941 that the Grumman XTBF-1 made its first flight? After three months of testing to correct its center of gravity, an unstable yaw axis, and being overweight, in Oct. 1941, the U.S. Navy officially named it "Avenger." The first production aircraft (Bu.No. 000393) made its first flight on Dec. 14, 1941.

Who's excited to see the Hepcat Honeys at our "Bikes Wings & Wheels" Show on Aug. 13? Don't miss seeing Miss Vivian Vermillion, Lola Von Lemon, HulaBetty, Red "oh so" Velvet, and Rebel Faye as they bring some vintage styling to the show! Entry to the show is FREE to the public & tickets for car/bike entry can be pre-purchased at https://bit.ly/3OZR1Ms.

Want to WIN this '66 Ford Mustang?!? Come out to our 3rd Annual 'Bikes Wings & Wheels' show on Aug. 13 for your chance to check out the car and possibly take this beauty home!

The Rotary Club of Bailey's Crossroads, VA, will be selling raffle tickets during the show - 1st place is either the Mustang or $20,000 with two additional $500 prizes. It's $25 per ticket or 5 for $100 and the proceeds benefit charitable projects of The Rotary Club of Baileys Crossroads.

Entry to the event is FREE to the public; bike entries are available for $15 presale and $20 day of the event, and car show entries are available for $20 presale or $25 day of the event. To pre-purchase your bike/car entry, visit https://bit.ly/3OZR1Ms.

“Not a fighter:” Explaining the TBM-3E Avenger

Here's a brief overview of the Capital Wing's favorite torpedo bomber written by the Wing's own late, aviation author extraordinaire, Bob Dorr. For information on where to see and purchase rides on the Capital Wing's TBM Avenger and other Wing aircraft visit www.capitalwingwarbirdrides.org

“Not a fighter:” Explaining the TBM-3E Avenger "Not a fighter:" Explaining the TBM-3E Avenger by Robert F. Dorr

Join us next weekend at Warrenton-Fauquier Airport!!

Ever wonder what it's like to fly as a turret gunner in a TBM Avenger? I did as well, and had the opportunity on June 18 at the CAF Capital Wing Warbirds Showcase at Cumberland Regional Airport!

You can have your chance at Martinsburg, WV on Sunday, July 3, weather permitting. Make your reservation at https://www.capitalwingwarbirdrides.org/warbirdsavailable
Commemorative Air Force

Thanks, everyone who visited the Commemorative Air Force Capital Wing Warbird Showcase at Greater Cumberland Regional Airport June 18-19. In spite of the occasional gusty winds, we were able to provide Warbird Rides in our TBM Avenger, Fairchild F24R/UC-61 Forwarder, PT-17 Stearman, as well as the North American B-25 Mitchell Bomber “Panchito,” flown by our partner, the Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation.

Got the warbird bug? We’re planning to feature our Avenger and Stearman at Martinsburg, WV on Sunday, July 3 (weather permitting). Reserve your flight at https://www.capitalwingwarbirdrides.org/warbirdsavailable
Commemorative Air Force

Nothing like getting out, teaching them early, and celebrating ! Here, Col. Alex Thomas tells two young airshow attendees about our TBM Avenger "Doris Mae" at the NAS Oceana Air Show in 2019.

Flag Day, adopted by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress on June 17, 1777, stated: "Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." The U.S. Army has also celebrated its birthday since 1775! The first time the "Stars and Stripes" was first saluted by a foreign military was February 14, 1778, when the Ranger, under command by Capt. John Paul Jones arrived in a French port.

Days after , newspaper articles varied wildly about the accounts and losses for both sides. 80 years ago, The New York Times front page retold the Midway event by Cdr. Murr E. Arnold, USS Yorktown (CV 5) Air Officer. Murr would receive a Silver Star Medal for his actions at Midway as part of his 30-plus year career. More can be read about Murr at the Naval History & Heritage Command link.

https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/research-guides/modern-biographical-files-ndl/modern-bios-a/arnold-murr-e.html