WASP Squadron

Connecticut, we're headed your way! ✈

Nella the AT-6 will be at the Connecticut Air & Space Center June 5–7 for a weekend of warbirds, aviation history, and unforgettable flight experiences.

Ready to fly? Get event details and reserve your ride at: https://www.ctairandspace.org/events/warbirdweekend

See you this weekend!

Violet Cowden was a trailblazing member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. Cowden was a member of Class 43-W-4.

Born in Missouri in 1920, she earned her private pilot's license in 1942 and joined the WASP program in 1943. As a WASP, Cowden flew a variety of aircraft in support of the war effort, performing non-combat duties that included ferrying aircraft, testing airplanes, and other stateside flying assignments that helped free male pilots for combat service overseas.

After the WASP program was disbanded in 1944, Cowden never lost her passion for aviation. She continued flying privately and was among those who helped advocate for recognition of the WASP and their contributions to the war effort. In 1977, more than three decades after the program ended, the WASP were finally granted veteran status.

Violet Cowden passed away in 2013, but her story continues to inspire future generations of women in aviation and serves as a reminder of the important role WASP played during World War II.

Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Nella the AT-6 is on the East Coast! ✈️

Experience the sights, sounds and history of this iconic WWII aircraft. Don’t miss your opportunity to:

• Get up close
• Tour the cockpit
• Talk with the crews
• Learn about the pioneering Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) that flew Nella
• Inspire the next generation
• See the planes fly
• Book a ride!

Tour dates and info here: https://www.airpowersquadron.org/tour-schedule

See you there!

📸 Pring Photography

Memorial Day is almost here. 🇺🇸 Each year, we are touched by the photos we receive from people across the country from those who take time out of their holiday weekend to honor the gravesites of Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).

There may be a WASP gravesite near you waiting to be honored. A database, including Google Maps locations, can be found here: https://www.wai-crc.com/honor-the-wasp

Thanks to Women in Aviation International and WASP Squadron member Valerie Scott for developing this program honoring WASP who have passed away.

If you’d like, share your photos with us. Send them here on Facebook, or email WASPSquadron[at]att.net

Another meaningful way to honor those who served is by learning about their lives and stories. The Air Power History Tour is in Elm City, NC through Monday — come see us: airpowersquadron.org/tour-schedule

WASP SPOTLIGHT: Virginia Dulaney Campbell, 44-W-2 ✈️

Born in Ohio in 1922, Virginia Dulaney Campbell learned to fly in a WWI Waco before joining the WASP in 1943. After graduating from Avenger Field in 1944, she was assigned to several Army airfields, where she tested recently repaired aircraft and later flew B-26s and B-17s while towing aerial gunnery targets.

Known for her sharp wit and determination, Virginia once landed after a training flight only to have a student gunner ask what the “white flag” was trailing behind her airplane. It turned out he had been shooting at her B-26 instead of the target sleeve.

After the war, Virginia continued flying and became an accomplished glider pilot in Europe, setting multiple world records in distance and altitude.

Read her full oral history transcript here: https://twudigital.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p214coll2/id/4811/rec/

Information and photos courtesy of the Texas Woman’s University WASP Official Archive.

A pair you don't see together every day. Don't miss your chance to see the iconic WASP AT-6 Texan "Nella" and B-29 Superfortress "FIFI" side by side - in person.

These beauties are on tour now. Get the details: https://www.airpowersquadron.org/tour-schedule

Commemorative Air Force B29 B24 Squadron

Wear the gear and help keep the story of the WASP alive ✈️ 🇺🇸

From ballcaps to coffee mugs, every piece honors the story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots and Nella the AT-6 Texan.

Grab yours at cafwaspsquadron.org/merchandise-2

History you can stand right next to.

Come see Nella the AT-6 up close and learn more about the Women Airforce Service Pilots.
👉 https://www.airpowersquadron.org/tour-schedule

📺 WATCH NOW: Evelyn Sharp: The (nearly!) Forgotten Heroine of 1940's Aviation

This is a must-watch video for anyone who loves aviation and the story of the WAFS / WASP. Evelyn Sharp was an accomplished aviatrix whose career was cut short by tragedy.

Freeing male pilots for combat, Evelyn flew nearly every airplane in the Army Air Forces inventory.

Watch her story at https://youtu.be/rEAs3XC7_zs